We talked about it with General Manager Gianrico Esposito.
A few steps from the Central Station, where the beating heart of Milan welcomes travelers from all over the world, stands an icon of Italian hospitality and style: the Excelsior Hotel Gallia. It is led by Gianrico Esposito, General Manager with a profound vision of the role that a large hotel can and must play in telling the story of a city. In this interview he tells us how the Gallia embodies the authentic spirit of Milan, between style, hospitality and taste, and the choice to offer customers the exclusive tours of Milano Fashion Tour, to experience the city through fashion.
The Excelsior Hotel Gallia is an icon of Milanese hospitality. How do its history and architecture tell the soul of Milan?
“I am very pleased to be able to tell you a little about the Excelsior Hotel Gallia. The hotel was founded in 1932, so it is one of the most historic hotels in the city. It was born in conjunction with the transfer of the Central Station from what at the time was Piazza Fiume (today Piazza della Repubblica) to Piazza Duca d’Aosta. The style of the building communicates and dialogues with that of the station: an Art Deco architectural imprint that is still very recognizable today. Over the years, until at least the 90s and 2000s, when other major brands and luxury hotels also began to appear, the Gallia was, along with a few others, a point of reference for high-level hospitality in Milan. Even today it is an undisputed symbol of Milanese elegance.”
Milan is synonymous with excellence even at the table. Can you tell us about the (all-Milanese) choice to offer artisanal panettone every day of the year?
“We wanted to break the traditional association between panettone and Christmas, proposing this typical Milanese dessert as a daily experience. The Excelsior Gallia, part of the Marriott International group with the brand The Luxury Collection, celebrates the authentic identity of the city. As part of the Epicurean Moment program, which enhances the gastronomic experience, every afternoon one of our pastry chefs offers guests a taste of artisanal panettone. A simple gesture, but one that brings with it a taste of Milan every day of the year, making the experience unique.”
How does the “Milanese” style of the Hotel Gallia translate into service and hospitality?
“The Excelsior Hotel Gallia immediately conveys a strong sense of Milaneseness, thanks to its stage presence and the renovation that, ten years ago, emphasized local excellence in design and furnishings. The interiors reflect the aesthetics and elegance of Milan, while the background music of the lobby, selected from Italian songs, helps to reinforce the cultural identity. The uniforms are reminiscent of Milanese fashion, and our team of destination-savvy concierges guide guests to both iconic destinations and hidden gems of the city. An authentic experience of Milan.”
What prompted you to choose Milano Fashion Tour as a partner to offer your guests an immersive experience in Milanese fashion?
“I met Milano Fashion Tour at an event and was immediately impressed by their ability to personalize each experience. This approach perfectly reflects the expectations of today’s international travelers. Milan, the capital of design and fashion, deserves a tailor-made experience, which goes beyond the simple personal shopper. Experiential tourism, in my opinion, is the future of luxury. Today travelers are looking to really experience the destination, and thanks to Milano Fashion Tour we can respond to this need.”
In a city in constant evolution like Milan, how do you remain a point of reference without losing your identity?
“The key is to always remain consistent with the destination, without ever stopping innovating. Today, the clientele is mainly international and increasingly demanding. People are no longer just looking for luxury accommodation, but want to experience Milan at 360 degrees. And in recent years we have witnessed an important change: Milan has gone from being an almost exclusively business city to a full-fledged tourist destination, with a complete cultural, artistic and lifestyle proposal.”
In Milan, between history and vision The Excelsior Hotel Gallia represents a point of reference for Milanese hospitality, combining tradition and innovation. We thank Gianrico Esposito for sharing his vision and telling us about the collaboration with Milano Fashion Tour, which offers exclusive tours to immerse yourself in Milanese fashion. In an evolving city, the Gallia remains true to its identity, offering unique and sophisticated experiences.
