Luxury Hideaway

When you think of Milan, Italy's fashion capital, what comes to mind? Milan Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II! As iconic as Paris's Eiffel Tower, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with its central octagonal dome, sweeping arcades, and vaulted glass and cast-iron roof, has long been know as Milan's "living room." on my 2nd visit to Milan, I chose to spend two nights there to experience the authentic Milanese spirit.

An irreplaceable location in the very heart of Milan

 The Galleria Vik Milano's location is absolutely perfect! Nestled in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you can easily stroll downstairs in the morning to capture the breathtaking views, avoiding the horrific crowds (lol). Stepping out of the hotel, you're instantly in touch with Milan's landmarks and wonders. Every day, you can say hello to the Gothic Duomo, and stroll to Palazzo Marino and La Scala. The Galleria is home to many world-renowned fashion brands, so you can drop off your shopping haul right back at the hotel without worrying about anyone watching. Living right in the heart of Milan feels like you're right at your feet-it's truly amazing! The Galleria Vik Milano is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Alliance and is also recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Bringing the soul of Milan into the hotel

For Norwegian-American husband-and-wife hoteliers Alex and Carrie Vik, Galleria VIK Milano is a work of art. They have fully embodied Italian culture and creativity, transforming the hotel into more than just a hotel; it's also a dazzling modern art gallery. The lobby, dominated by Rodin's "The Thinker," features a bold, vibrant mural, inviting you to take the elevator up to the second-floor reception.

As I stepped out of the elevator, I was immediately transformed into a stylish, light and elegant design. The carefully selected artworks echoed the space. Walking along the interior of the arcade, I came to the small gallery space office. Curiosity led me to continue forward. One by one, the collection unfolded before my eyes. It was so wonderful. As an art graduate, I couldn't help but be surprised and ecstatic about the rich art collection of Galleria VIK Milano. Alex and Carrie Vik collaborated closely with local artists, and nearly all of the furniture and artwork is sourced from Italy. True to the dual meaning of the word "Galleria"-both a cultural destination and an exhibition space-the Vik's let their unique aesthetic speak for itself.

Each room is a unique work of art

 The most fascinating thing about Galleria VIK Milano's 84 rooms is that each one is completely different' Another hallmark of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is its diverse interior spaces-each room has a unique layout. Alex and Carrie Vik commissioned Italian, Uruguayan, and international artists, from Giuseppe Gonella and Pino Pinelli to Felipe Cardena and Shinya Sakurai, to create site-specific art installations for each room. Opening the door, you might be greeted by a surprising display of surrealist and abstract art.

We booked the Grand Gallery Room. By opening the heavy wooden and glass windows, we could overlook the beauty of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (and of course the endless stream of pilgrims) at any time.

 The first thing that caught my eye upon entering was the walls! They're finished with Veneziano plastering, a luxurious Italian design technique, which creates a wondrous play of texture and color. With its brick-red color scheme, parquet floors, wooden wardrobes, armchairs, walk-in closets, spacious marble bathrooms, and 24-hour room service-Galleria VIK Milano truly feels like a warm home in the heart of Milan.

Enjoy a stylish breakfast in Milan at 11 Pellico Otto

Pellico Otto is not only a dining venue, but also an extension of the design concept of Galleria Vik Milano Hotel - a cross-border dialogue between catering, aesthetics, art and architecture.

The restaurant's interior design combines white Venetian plaster walls with multi-colored marble tables, paired with curated art presentation and an irreplaceable view of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, creating an elegant and modern experience. After a two-night stay, breakfast becomes something to look forward to. Avoid peak dining times and enjoy a breathtaking view-a nutritious and delicious breakfast while admiring the quiet, yet less bustling, promenade. Enjoy a freshly baked croissant, fresh fruit, handmade jam, and delicate pastry bread, paired with a rich espresso (a must!), and experience a "Milanese-style slow life." I give Galleria Vik Milano a 90 for my experience, whether it's the location, the professionalism of the service, the comfort of the room, the overall hotel design, the food and beverage, or Alex and Carrie Vik's business philosophy: "We want Galleria VIK Milano, with its bars, restaurants, and co-working spaces, to be a place where Milanese and visitors can live, relax, meet, work, dine, drink, dance, and enjoy life together - a place that many travelers can call home in Milan." Spending two days at Galleria Vik Milano, I deeply felt the spirit of Milan and the Milanese approach to life: elegant, calm, and with a touch of understated luxury.