Excelsior Hotel Gallia — Milan, Italy

One of the world’s largest hospitality companies with over 1,162 properties to its name, Starwood Hotels and Resorts has never been short of statement accommodation. The Excelsior Hotel Gallia, the latest property to grace it’s Luxury Collection series, takes residence in Milan’s former Palace Gallia- a historic hotel designed by architects Giuseppe Laveni and Aldo Avati in 1927. Today, the grand Belle Epoque building has been re-imagined by local studio Marco Piva, to include a sleek new glass extension that hints at the hotel’s contemporary aesthetic inside. Here, public spaces have been kitted out by furniture brand B&B Italia, who used materials such as aluminium, glass and marble to tie in with the Art Deco-inspired theme, while guest rooms are outfitted with custom-made pieces from Poltrona Frau to Cassina. Lighting also takes centre stage with specially commissioned installations including a 30-metre high Murano glass chandelier by lighting company, De Majo. Coming soon is a two-storey spa (set to be the largest in the city) and a rooftop bar and restaurant, where guests can sip on cocktails while watching the action outside the iconic Milano Centrale railway station, next door.