Time Out Says:
The Gallia somehow manages to combine Old-World glamour with a contemporary aesthetic that is both awe-inspiring and inviting. Having reopened after a painstaking renovation in 2015, the landmark property now also has a whole new wing, with a total of 182 rooms and suites. Expect to get the 5-star treatment here. Staff are friendly and efficient, unflappable even when faced with the most demanding guests, and always at the ready with solutions or helpful recommendations. The rooms aim to celebrate Italian craftsmanship with a nod to Milan’s prowess in fashion and design in the form of handcrafted pieces by local ateliers. Many rooms overlook Milan’s grand train station, which combines architectural elements including Art Deco and Fascist and monumental styles. The impressive 1,000-square-metre Katara Suite on the 7th floor is one of the largest in Italy. It includes 24-hour butler service, a private meeting room, two terraces, a private spa with a jacuzzi, and four bedrooms including a Princess Suite.
Breakfast is a lavish affair that includes a multi-room buffet, with gourmet delights from Italy and beyond, including an abundant selection of fresh breads and homemade goodies from the property’s pastry chefs. There is also an a-la-carte menu with a wide array of dishes to choose from.
There’s a fine-dining restaurant on the ground floor and a rooftop bar and restaurant that is a must-visit during Milan’s famous aperitif time for signature cocktails accompanied by gourmet nibbles.
Neighbourhood
Nearby
1. Monumental Cemetery: While it may seem morbid to spend time at a cemetery,
Milan’s Monumental Cemetery is like an open-air museum with a stunning array of
grandiose tombs and monuments in a variety of artistic and architectural styles.
2. Berberè: Milan has upped its pizza game in recent years, and the nearby outpost
of one of Italy’s most famous names in pizza (Berberè) serves up a delicious
selection of artisanal pizzas and beers.
3. Ta Hua: As Italy’s most international city, the food scene here also includes much
more than local specialties like risotto and polenta. The Milanese go crazy for Asian
fusion, and Ta Hua has been a long-time favourite for its dim sum and refined Hong
Kong specialties (with an Italian twist).
Time Out tip
Explore the nearby Isola neighbourhood (meaning “island” – a reference to how the
area was once set apart from the centre by railroad tracks) with its trendy boutiques,
cafes, and shops. Head to Capra e Cavoli in Via Pastrengo for a light snack or full
meal, to enjoy vegetarian, vegan, or pescatarian dishes based on seasonal
ingredients, in a homey, welcoming space.