The hype
Travelers are dazzled by the 'Great Gatsby' vibes and the incredible spa, but often find the high-tech room controls frustrating.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan
$450-800/ night
Book this if You want the most convenient luxury base in Milan with a direct line to the airport and a complimentary Maserati ride to the Duomo.
Why People Love It
- Stunning Art Deco facade meets hyper-modern Italian interiors
- Rooftop Terrazza Gallia offers some of the best aperitivo views in the city
- Directly opposite Milano Centrale station—unbeatable for train/airport connections
Quick Take: It's a glittering, polished machine of a hotel that prioritizes impressive design and transit convenience over intimate, neighborhood charm.
Reviewed by @jetsetladyz: I booked this as a quick stopover before Lake Como and was blown away. Since I have Bonvoy status, they upgraded me to this incredible suite for free using my awards. The location is unbeatable for catching trains, and the marble bathroom was a dream.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Service can be a mixed bag—ranging from 'white glove perfection' to 'surprisingly dismissive' at the front desk.
- You need to catch an early train or flight and want to do it in style
- You appreciate 'bling' luxury with black marble, gold accents, and designer furniture
- You want a massive, world-class spa facility to decompress after work
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.3
- Housekeeping: rigorous and consistent; turndown service is standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble surfaces; no reports of mold or grout issues.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some high-tech room controls can be glitchy.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count crisp white linens; plush, heavy towels.
- Odors & scents: Lobby has a signature luxury scent; rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Trams screeching on the tracks outside
- Emergency sirens from the busy piazza
Before you book
Good to know
- The complimentary Maserati shuttle to the city center runs regularly—book it with the concierge upon arrival.
- City tax is ~€10 per person/night and is charged separately at checkout.
- The entrance is grand, but the heavy security presence (due to the station location) can feel a bit intense.
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the 7th-floor indoor pool and jacuzzi
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper and end up on a lower floor
Room Genie
Best picks
- Atelier Suites for business travelers needing functional workspace
- Piazza View rooms on the 5th floor or higher for the grand station architecture without the street noise
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing the piazza (noise risk)
- Standard 'Premium' rooms if you are claustrophobic—they can feel tight with the dark color palette
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (5th+) facing the Piazza Duca d'Aosta to enjoy the station view while minimizing tram noise. Please avoid rooms near the elevator bank.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the area safe?
During the day, it's busy and fine. At night, the immediate perimeter of the station attracts vagrants and pickpockets. Stay vigilant and use taxis after dark.
Does the hotel offer an airport shuttle?
No dedicated hotel shuttle, but the Malpensa Express train is literally across the street, making it the easiest airport commute in the city.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the indoor pool is heated and open year-round, part of the massive Shiseido Spa.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly for pets of any size (often no fee, but double-check specific package rules).
Is breakfast included?
Usually not in the base rate. It's an extensive buffet but costs around €45 per person if purchased separately.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual is expected in public areas; the rooftop bar Terrazza Gallia attracts a fashionable Milanese crowd.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Virtual Golf' simulator near the spa is a hidden perk most guests miss.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast one day and hit 'Mercato Centrale' right next door for artisanal pastries and coffee at a fraction of the price.
- ✨
The library on the ground floor is a surprisingly quiet spot to take a call if the lobby is chaotic.
5 things to know before you go
💡The room doors are heavy and thick, resembling bank vaults—great for security, heavy to push.
💡The hallways can feel 'clinical' and dark due to the black marble and stark lighting.
💡You can hear the rumble of the trams even in some higher rooms if the insulation seals aren't perfect.
💡The Maserati shuttle is subject to availability and isn't a guaranteed on-demand taxi service.
💡The 'Piazza View' is stunning architecturally but means you are staring directly at a major transit hub, not a park.
Local Playbook
Map
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