Katara opens Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan

Katara Hospitality has announced the grand opening of the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, Milan, Italy, owned and restored to its former glory by the global hotel developer, owner and operator based in Qatar.

In line with Katara Hospitality’s mission to ensure the heritage of iconic hotels around the world, the hotel recently underwent extensive renovation, adding a new wing, to restore the Milanese landmark to its original splendour.

Formerly known as “Palace Gallia”, the magnificent hotel is strongly rooted in the history of Milan while also overlooking the future of the city from its prime location in the heart of the emerging Porta Nuova district.

The grand opening took place around the annual design fair Salone de Mobile and the recent launch of Expo Milano 2015. Excelsior Hotel Gallia is the latest gem to be unveiled by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, as part of a multi-million Euro investment with its owner partners to restore Europe’s most iconic hotels under The Luxury Collection brand.

“Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a magnificent property that has undergone a meticulous renovation and strategic expansion that marries contemporary design with the hotel’s Belle Époque architectural style, ensuring that this remains as one of Milan’s historic landmarks,” said Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani, chairman, Katara Hospitality.

“This Luxury Collection hotel is one of Katara Hospitality’s flagship international investments and we are proud of what has been achieved together with our partners such as Starwood. Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a true reflection of our vision to ensure the heritage of such iconic properties continues around the world,” added Hamad Abdulla Al-Mulla, CEO and board member, Katara Hospitality.

Hoyt Harper, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, said: “This is an exciting time to unveil Excelsior Hotel Gallia as part of The Luxury Collection brand in Milan. As art, design, fashion and culture collide in this dynamic city, we are proud to have worked with local artisans and architects to reimagine this iconic hotel for today’s luxury travellers and the local community.”

Led by the award-winning Milan-based Studio Marco Piva, the extensive architecture and interior design of the project marries contemporary aesthetics with the hotel’s original Belle Epoque architectural style.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia comprises two main buildings – the fully restored historic palace and a modern new wing with a façade that resembles a delicate steel and glass curtain. The striking combination is inspired by the hotel’s luminous past and the emerging skyline of the Porta Nuova area, the up-and-coming city centre of Milan.

Following the renovation, Excelsior Hotel Gallia features 235 luxurious guest rooms fitted out by Cassina. This includes 53 suites of which the most opulent is the 1,000 sq m Katara Suite – one of the largest Presidential Suites in Italy. Situated on the seventh floor, the Katara Suite offers the epitome of luxury with two terraces, four bedrooms and a private spa.  - TradeArabia News Service