Casa Brera: Milan's Newest Luxury Gem

Italian Opulence at Casa Brera

The Luxury Collection has announced that Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Milan, has joined the Luxury Collection brand following its recent autumn opening.

Casa Brera is located in Piazzetta Bossi, just moments from Teatro alla Scala and the Brera neighbourhood. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel highlights a restoration of the historic Rationalist building, which was initially intended by Pietro Lingeri. It effortlessly combines Milan's heritage with a 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.”

A Celebration of Rationalist Heritage and Design

Patricia Urquiola's hotel skillfully combines its design with the principles of Rationalist architecture. The timeless charm of the interiors creates a strong connection with the Milanese style, resulting in a fluid transition between the hotel's interior and exterior spaces.

Patricia Urquiola honours the existing architecture by enhancing its outer structure while ensuring that the interior design aligns with the coherence and rhythm of the façade's vertical lines.

The building was initially designed in the 1950s by the Italian architect Pietro Lingeri, a key figure in Italian Rationalism. Its heritage is celebrated through geometric graphics on the walls, a floor featuring actual marble carpets, and the ceiling, which shapes the interiors. The Rationalist influence is also apparent in the chosen finishes and materials, which favour Italian marble, primarily granite, which reflects the building’s façade and is a consistent design theme.

The project features multiple artworks that present an innovative perspective, emphasizing a distinctly Milanese viewpoint. A remarkable piece by Tim Walker, an internationally celebrated fashion photographer, occupies a central spot in the Living Lounge. It represents Milan’s celebrated prowess in design, fashion, art, architecture, and beyond.

The lobby and living lounge’s floors and ceilings echo the geometries and checker patterns of the façade. Featuring a mirrored ceiling, semicircular sofas, leather stools at the green marble counter, plus dark blue and light green lounge chairs, these areas foster a reflective ambience. Each furniture piece is thoughtfully chosen, showcasing sleek designs. Most of the furnishings are designed by Patricia Urquiola for brands such as Cassina, Andreu World, and Moroso.

An Epicurean Exploration

The culinary direction is guided by the acclaimed Michelin-starred Italian Chef Andrea Berton, who curates Living Lounge, Scena restaurant, and Etereo Skybar restaurant offerings. Celebrated chef Haruo Ichikawa, the first Japanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Italy, oversees the Japanese cuisine of Odachi restaurant.

The hotel's Living Lounge, characterized by a blend of orange and dark blue, offers an all-day dining experience. At the heart of the lounge is a rectangular bar counter made of green marble, honouring the architect Piero Portaluppi. This is an ideal spot to order a Milanese aperitif, which can be enjoyed in the inviting indoor space or on the terrace, which offers views of the Piazzetta Bossi.

Opposite the Living Lounge is the Japanese restaurant Odachi, which offers a distinctive dining experience that embodies Japanese tradition. The atmosphere features floors and walls made from Canaletto walnuts. A mirrored ceiling reflects the beauty of Japanese lacquer, with custom lamps hanging down that evoke traditional Japanese lanterns, casting an orange glow. Additionally, Odachi offers an omakase experience that is available by reservation only.

At the hotel's heart 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 floors of the hotel, the Etereo Skybar and restaurant are tinged with cherry red, brown sugar, and desert sand colours and offer a splendid perspective of the city's rooftops. With a magnificent 360-degree view over Milan 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. The terrace seamlessly connects with the inside bar counter, made of red arabesque Orobic marble, serving as the central meeting point on the rooftop. The design ensures a fluid transition between the interior and exterior, creating a coherent journey that starts at the entrance and follows through to the rooftop. Open daily from 5 pm to 1 am, the bar offers a gastronomic experience fearing a delectable selection of Italian seafood specialties. The drinks menu is inspired by Milan's art, design, and fashion, offering signature cocktails that are finished at the table with unique creations.

Stay In Style: Guest Rooms and Suites

The hotel boasts 101 guest rooms and 15 suites, each embodying the essence of Milanese art, culture, and design. The choice of materials, including walnut wood, Fior di Pesco marble, backlit brass, and printed glass, showcases Milan’s colours and character. Deluxe and Premiere rooms feature Poliform furniture, seating areas, and artwork, facilitating a seamless transition between the bedroom and the bathroom. For those desiring indoor and outdoor spaces, the Studio with Balcony provides the option of connecting rooms. The striking Italian design is enhanced by unique details such as green ceramic mushroom lamps, geometric wool rugs, Poliform seating, and terracotta vases. Each Junior Suite with a balcony or terrace includes a modular corner sofa and a mirrored drink bar.

A masterpiece of Milanese style, the Brera Suite is the ideal option for those seeking the advantages of a high-end decor apartment. The indoor space features a bedroom that leads into a separate lounge opening onto a 121 sqm furnished terrace with a view of Brera's streets. A semi-circular blue sofa in the lounge is strategically positioned to offer a view of the large terrace accessible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

The Presidential Milanese Suite features a living room with a dining area that includes Dudet armchairs, designed by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina. This suite blends indoor and outdoor spaces, accentuated by two connecting terraces accessed through large glass doors. Guests can enjoy a lounge area and a dining table that accommodates up to 10 people, all surrounded by greenery and views of Milanese rooftops. The en-suite bathroom offers a walk-in shower, an egg bathtub, and a double vanity area.

“Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan is an exciting addition to 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.”