Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan is strategically located in the heart of Milan, nestled in the charming pedestrian Piazzetta Bossi, a few steps away from Teatro alla Scala and the lively Brera neighbourhood. Designed by internationally renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, the hotel is the result of a careful restoration of the historic Rationalists building by architect Pietro Lingeri, harmoniously blending Milanese heritage and cosmopolitan flair.
“The debut of Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, marks a pivotal milestone in our continued expansion in Europe,” said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “Milan, with its rich cultural heritage and unparalleled influence on fashion and design, is the perfect destination to further elevate The Luxury Collection’s portfolio. This spectacular property, blending timeless Milanese elegance with contemporary luxury, provides an ideal setting for global explorers to experience the city’s charm and artistic spirit in true style.”
The hotel perfectly combines its distinctive colourful and sophisticated design with the rigour of Rationalist architecture. The timeless elegance of the interior design creates a strong link with the ‘Milanese’ style, establishing a seamless connection between the interior and exterior of the hotel. Patricia Urquiola beautifully pays homage to the existing architecture, enhancing its external structure while ensuring the interior design follows the coherence and rhythm of the vertical lines of the façade.
Originally designed in the 1950s by the esteemed Italian architect Pietro Lingeri, a leading figure of Italian Rationalism, the building’s heritage is celebrated through its geometric graphics present on the walls, floors – true marble carpets – and ceiling, that outline the interiors. The Rationalist inspiration is further reflected in the choice of finishings and stones, with a preference for Italian marbles, especially granite, which echoes the building’s facade and represents a recurring design motif.
The project is complemented by several artworks with a fresh and contemporary vision, among which is a mesmerizing artwork by Tim Walker, which takes centre stage in the Living Lounge, representing Milan’s world-renowned expertise in design, fashion, art, architecture, and fashion.
The lobby and Living lounge floor and ceiling represent a further reference to Rationalist geometries and checkerboards of the façade, creating a warm yet glossy atmosphere thanks to its shiny mirror ceiling, large semicircular embracing sofas, high leather stools at the great green marble counter, and dark blue and light green armchairs in the lounge. All furniture pieces have been harmonically chosen with rigorous and contemporary lines, most of them designed by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina, Andreu World and Moroso.
The culinary direction is guided by the acclaimed Michelin-starred Italian Chef Andrea Berton, who curates the offerings for Living Lounge, Scena restaurant and Etereo Skybar restaurant, while celebrated Chef Haruo Ichikawa, the first Japanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Italy, oversees the Japanese cuisine of Odachi restaurant.
Orange and dark blue dominate the scene in the hotel’s Living lounge, offering an all-day dining experience. The great, marble green rectangular bar counter – a tribute to the renowned architect Piero Portaluppi – is the centre masterpiece of the lounge and serves as the perfect place to order an authentic Milanese aperitif to enjoy either indoors or outdoors on the lush terrace with views overlooking the charming Piazzetta Bossi.
On the opposite side of the Living Lounge, lies the intimate Japanese restaurant Odachi, offering a unique dining experience that evokes the warmth and elegance of Japanese tradition. The restaurant is designed with a cosy atmosphere, with floors and walls crafted from rich Canaletto walnut. The mirrored, glossy ceiling reflects the ancient art of Japanese lacquering, from which custom-made lamps hang, reminiscent of enchanting Japanese lanterns with their warm, orange-hued glow. Odachi also offers an exclusive omakase experience, by reservation only.
At the heart of the hotel lies Scena, a fine-dining Italian restaurant focused on authentic and innovative Italian and Milanese cuisine. Here, Executive Chef Francesco Bonato offers timeless dishes paired with a selection of wines that range from great Maisons to refined and niche labels. Offering an elegant and serene setting, the restaurant is adorned with a sophisticated palette of Van Dyke brown, Persian orange, bone white, and black, surrounded by the artistic mirrors by Giovanni Botticelli and Paola Paronetto and a wall sculpture by Hans Schule.
On the eighth and top floor of the hotel, the Etereo Skybar and restaurant is tinged with cherry red, brown sugar, and desert sand colours and offers a splendid perspective of the city’s rooftops. With a magnificent 360-degree view over Milan – spanning from the Duomo to the Galleria, and from the Castle to Porta Nuova – it also features a spectacular rooftop outdoor pool and terrace area with sunbeds, sofas, and umbrellas. Open daily from 5 pm to 1 am, the bar offers a gastronomic experience fearing a delectable selection of Italian seafood specialities. The drinks menu is inspired by the art, design, and fashion of Milan, offering signature cocktails that are finished at the table with unique creations.
“Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan is an exciting addition to the brand’s portfolio, further enhancing our presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic and stylish cities,” says Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Milan is a city renowned for its rich history, fashion, and design, and Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan reflects the city’s unique spirit and sophisticated style. We look forward to welcoming global explorers to this exceptional property.”
The hotel’s 101 elegantly designed guest rooms and 15 suites reflect the spirit of Milanese art, culture, and design, seamlessly combining timeless elegance with contemporary touches. The selected materials, such as walnut wood, Fior di Pesco marble, backlit brass and printed glass reflect Milan in its colours and character. The Deluxe and Premiere rooms feature modular Poliform furniture, cosy seating, and custom artwork. For those seeking both an indoor and outdoor layout, the Studio with Balcony offers stylish accommodation, with the option for interconnecting rooms. Furnished with a balcony or terrace, each Junior Suite includes a modular corner sofa and mirror-topped drink bar, providing prime time for leisure.
A masterpiece in Milanese style, the Brera Suite is the ideal option for those seeking the advantages of a high-end decor apartment. The indoor space includes a large bedroom leading into a separate lounge, that opens onto a spacious 121 sqm furnished terrace, with a stunning view over Brera’s narrow and bustling streets. A semi-circular vibrant blue sofa in the lounge is strategically placed to offer a perfect view of the large terrace, which is accessible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
The Presidential Milanese Suite offers an expansive living room complete with a dining area with enveloping Dudet armchairs designed by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina. The Milanese suite embraces fluidity between the interior and the exterior, with two spectacular connecting terraces accessible through wide glass doors offering both an expansive yet cosy lounge area and a dining table for up to 10 people, surrounded by rich green with spectacular views over Milanese rooftops.
