Rating
"Old World Elegance" We have just come back from a short week end at this famous hotel in Milan. The hotel was under refurbishment and a part of the exteriors was coverd by works. On the other hand, the part of the exterior already restored was really beautiful. Once inside the hotel, we had the feeling of a beautiful but a bit decadent place. The check in was fast but unpersonal and unfriendly. (Staff over 50). The corridors, the lobby, the shopping gallery were really first class even if a bit dated. The room was very classic and comfortable but somewhere needed a refreshment. In any case, it was an example of an ancient and prestigious style of hotellerie which is disappearing: very good size, aristocratic furnishings, a little balcony and a big marble bathroom with hand made coloured glasses window. Very good feeling! Breakfast was the nicest touch of our stay, with an excellent choice: traditional things but also 4 kinds of fresh cakes, a lot of home made pastries and the possibility of making as many fresh orange juices as you like! Staff was young, friendly and professional. At check out, there was a little problem: we booked through a Starwood Best Rate Guaranteed policy but there was no room charge on our bill. The receptionist (again over 50 and unfriendly) could not find the rate and, after 20', simply asked us how much we had to pay for the room and posted manually the room night on the bill. A bit strange! In any case we had an exceptional rate (138 Euros B&B) and at this price we could not ask for more. Overall an excellent value and a good experience. Perhaps not as glamorous as the central Four Seasons or Bulgari but, at 1/6 of their rates, it worked!!!

Rating
"Loved the Le Meridien Excelsior Hotel Gallia" Stayed at this hotel for four nights. We had one room in the old section and one in the newer section. One had windows that opened to the outside and the other had two small balconies which our smoker loved. Each room was magnificient it its own way. Both were maintained well, had great amenities, huge mirrored closets and comfortable mattresses. The marble bath room in the older room was amazingly beautiful. Staff couldn't have been more accomodating, friendly or efficient. We followed restaurant recommendations of the concierge and were never dissappointed. I tend to be a hotel snob as I used to work for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and remain in the business. This hotel did not disappoint in anyway. It was clean, comfortable, quiet and excellently located.

Rating
"Fantastic" Our stay was for 2 nights only, wish we could have stayed longer. The hotel was very elegant and the rooms a good size and the staff very friendly and proper The buffet breakfast was very well displayed and tasty Apart from the slight noise from the underground trains ( suggest room on higher floor) this hotel made our stay worth while

Rating
"The Hotel Gallia Is MY CHOICE in Milan" After booking the hotel based on a friend’s recommendation, I was skeptical, actually concerned after reading the reviews. I can honestly say, I think the reviews may have stayed at a different hotel. My wife and I stayed in Milan over the Thanksgiving (US) Holiday for three nights. To begin I did send a fax to the hotel advising we would be arriving at 10:00AM and if an early check-in would be available. The reply was “if space is available”, I find this standard as I travel for business. After surviving the morning traffic from Malpensa to Milan Central Station (there is an excellent bus for 5 Euros which drops you at the Central Station), the hotel was on the opposite side of the station. Our first impression from the exterior was mixed. A beautiful building with the middle covered in construction scaffolding. Lobby: We approached the building and the bellhops greeted us with a “good morning”. The lobby was most impressive and the staff attentive. Check-in and concierge were opposite each other. When we checked in the front-desk advised a room was available and we were upgraded to a deluxe room. We made our way to the elevator to the 4th floor. We proceeded down the south-wing, which seems to have been recently renovated. The Hallways offered a beautiful art-deco design with wood doors, stainless steel numbers and electronic keys. Room: We walked into our room and were quite impressed. We entered the entry foyer, a marble entry with built-in halogen lights in the ceiling. Directly in front was the bathroom. In one word, impressive! Double marble sink, make-up table, 6 foot long and deep oval bathtub, a separate shower stall encased in marble and sand-blasted glass. The toilet and bidet were in a separate closed area. The whole bathroom was surrounded by marble and mirror and offered excellent lighting. The towel bars were HEATED! Lighting mixed from mood to utilitarian. The bedroom was impressive too. The bed was a king bed, firm but comfortable with many pillows. The closets were built-into the wall including a mini-bar. The closets were lit when opened. There was also a desk, chair, club chair, footrest, valet, night tables and other furnishings yet the room was still big. There was a 25” television on a pedestal w/ remote. The windows were covered with a modern stained glass design. When opened, the view was marginal, looking out into the rear with a view of the rear of expensive apartments. While not an impressive view, you do not go to Milan for the beauty of its buildings. The room has central air, thus we did not open the windows much. The room was classical 1930's design with tall ceilings (a fresco above the bed), great lighting and most inviting after a full day or work and touring. There was turndown service and the cleaning staff was always present. Public Areas: The public areas of the hotel were quite impressive. The lobby as mentioned is quite nice. The on-site restaurant seems to be the place to have a “power-lunch” in Milan society. The art-deco bar is quite beautiful and inviting. Location: The hotel is across from the Central Rail Station. For some, this may be an issue. I personally did not find the station or the plaza area an issue. I used the plaza area quite often as I used the subway system (Duomo is 3 stops) quite often. The train station itself is quite impressive architecturally. Within the station you can change money, buy magazines, small grocery items and so forth. Central Milan is about a 20 minute walk. If you do not want to walk, the subway takes about 5 minutes. Also, within one block of the hotel is the street trams and bus system. Thus for transportation, the location is excellent. In addition, all the major rental car companies are within 2-3 blocks. The surrounding neighborhoods felt safe as we walked to many different areas. About 10 minutes SW of the hotel is a major shopping street for locals with prices more reasonable than the old city. Overall, I was impressed. Milan is not the typical destination for tourists. While the shopping is excellent (and expensive), the streetscape does not offer the charm of Florence or Paris not the modernity of New York or Hong Kong. Milan is an industrial city in Northern Italy. However, if your travels take you to Milan I would suggest the hotel without any hesitation. When I travel back to Milan, I know I will be staying there again.

Rating
"Loved the Le Meridien Excelsior Hotel Gallia" Stayed at this hotel for four nights. We had one room in the old section and one in the newer section. One had windows that opened to the outside and the other had two small balconies which our smoker loved. Each room was magnificient it its own way. Both were maintained well, had great amenities, huge mirrored closets and comfortable mattresses. The marble bath room in the older room was amazingly beautiful. Staff couldn't have been more accomodating, friendly or efficient. We followed restaurant recommendations of the concierge and were never dissappointed. I tend to be a hotel snob as I used to work for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and remain in the business. This hotel did not disappoint in anyway. It was clean, comfortable, quiet and excellently located.

Rating
"Fantastic" Our stay was for 2 nights only, wish we could have stayed longer. The hotel was very elegant and the rooms a good size and the staff very friendly and proper The buffet breakfast was very well displayed and tasty Apart from the slight noise from the underground trains ( suggest room on higher floor) this hotel made our stay worth while

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