A Stay at Casa Brera: The Chic Destination Favored by Fashion Enthusiasts in Milan

      Monica Mendal is an editor in residence at Who What Wear, a former fashion editor, a travel writer, and the author of So There's This Place…—a Substack newsletter where she provides curated guides, insider tips, and unique destinations. In every city I frequently visit, I have a preferred hotel that always feels like home. In Milan, that hotel is Casa Brera. Located in the heart of Milan's historic district, Casa Brera infuses a sophisticated, modern vibe into one of the city's most artistic neighborhoods, which happens to be one of my favorites. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel seamlessly combines warm Italian modernism with understated references to Brera's creative legacy. Imagine rich textures, sculptural lighting, and a color scheme inspired by the earthy tones of Lombardy. The rooftop boasts expansive views of the Duomo and a vibrant social atmosphere, while the dining areas below are polished yet laid-back, serving as a fashionable base that embodies Milan's effortless blend of culture, design, and cosmopolitan life. The best aspect is that the hotel places you right in the midst of the action, with all the sights of Milan just a short walk away.

      **The Design Details**

      (Image credit: Monica Mendal)Design enthusiasts will admire how the hotel's interiors thoughtfully incorporate the building's history. Originally designed in the 1950s by architect Pietro Lingeri, a significant figure in Italian rationalism, the geometric style of the structure subtly reappears throughout the property, from patterned floors and ceilings to marble details that reflect the building's exterior. Inside, Urquiola softens those architectural lines with layered textures, vibrant color highlights, and carefully selected furnishings, creating interiors that feel distinctly Milanese. Art plays a quiet yet significant role in defining the hotel's character, with contemporary pieces displayed in public areas. One of the standout works is a photograph by renowned fashion photographer Tim Walker, featured in the Living Lounge, which reinforces the hotel's connection to Milan's creative community. The lobby and Living Lounge are among the hotel’s most visually captivating spaces, featuring checkerboard patterns on the floors and ceilings that mirrors the building's rationalist geometry. Expansive semicircular sofas, dark blue and soft green lounge chairs, and a striking green marble counter create an ambiance that feels like both a living room and a design showcase. Many furnishings were designed by Urquiola for brands like Cassina, Andreu World, and Moroso.

      **Eat and Sip**

      (Image credit: Monica Mendal)The dining scene at Casa Brera authentically reflects Milan's style: chic, social, and perfect for both lingering and dining. Instead of featuring a single restaurant, the hotel offers a progression of spaces that easily transition from morning coffee to late-night cocktails. The hotel's culinary program is led by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton, who curates the menus across various venues, each with its unique vibe. The Living Lounge serves as the hotel’s social hub, providing all-day dining and a classic Milanese aperitivo experience. Guests can enjoy a drink inside or venture to the leafy terrace overlooking Piazzetta Bossi, where the pace slows and the atmosphere becomes characteristically Milanese. Nearby, Odachi offers a quieter, more intimate dining experience. Directed by renowned chef Haruo Ichikawa, the first Japanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Italy, this restaurant specializes in refined Japanese cuisine served in a cozy space lined with Canaletto walnut. (Insider tip: If you seek a more immersive experience, inquire about the omakase offering, available by reservation.) The hotel's signature Italian restaurant, Scena, takes a classic approach, highlighting Milanese and Italian cuisine with subtle modern influences under executive chef Francesco Bonato. The dining room resembles an art gallery, accentuated by artistic mirrors by Giovanni Botticelli and Paola Paronetto, alongside a sculptural piece by Hans Schüle. Above, Etereo Skybar & Restaurant crowns the rooftop. Positioned on the eighth floor, it presents breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. The menu emphasizes elegant Italian seafood, and the cocktails—often dramatically finished at the table—draw inspiration from Milan's realms of fashion, art, and design.

      **Rooms and Suites**

      (Image credit: Monica Mendal)Casa Brera features 101 spacious and contemporary guest rooms and 15 suites, all crafted to embody Milan's craftsmanship and design ethos. Rooms are furnished with Poliform furniture alongside materials like walnut wood, fior di pesco marble, backlit brass, and printed glass—subtle touches that reflect the colors and textures of the city. The two largest suites are particularly noteworthy. The Brera Suite exudes Milanese sophistication with a generous bedroom, separate lounge, and large terrace overlooking the vibrant streets of Brera. A striking blue sofa in the lounge frames the terrace view through floor-to-ceiling glass doors. The presidential Milanese Suite boasts an expansive living and dining area with designer D