Inside a Stay at Casa Brera, the Trendy Destination Favored by Fashion Enthusiasts in Milan

      Monica Mendal serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear, having previously worked as a fashion editor and travel writer. She is also the author of So There's This Place…—a Substack newsletter in which she shares curated guides, insider insights, and lesser-known travel destinations. In every city I frequently visit, I have a preferred hotel that always feels like home. In Milan, my choice is Casa Brera. Located in the historic center of Milan, Casa Brera brings a sophisticated and modern vibe to one of the city's most artistic neighborhoods, which I particularly love. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel artfully combines warm Italian modernism with discreet references to Brera's cultural heritage. Imagine rich textures, sculptural lighting, and a color palette reflective of Lombardy’s earthy hues. The rooftop provides stunning views of the Duomo and a vibrant social scene, while the dining areas below exude a polished yet casual atmosphere, making it an elegant base that encapsulates Milan's effortless blend of culture, design, and cosmopolitan life. The highlight is the hotel's central location, placing all the must-see attractions in Milan just a short stroll away.

      Design Aspects

      (Image credit: Monica Mendal)Those who appreciate design will notice how carefully the hotel's interiors reflect the building's history. Originally designed in the 1950s by architect Pietro Lingeri, a prominent figure in Italian rationalism, the structure's geometric design elements can be seen throughout the hotel in subtle ways, such as patterned floors, ceilings, and marble details that echo the building's exterior. Inside, Urquiola softens those architectural lines with layered textures, vibrant color accents, and thoughtfully selected furnishings, resulting in spaces that feel distinctly Milanese.

      Art plays a quiet yet significant role in the hotel's character, showcased through contemporary pieces placed in public areas. A particularly notable work is a photograph by renowned fashion photographer Tim Walker displayed in the Living Lounge, strengthening the hotel's connection to Milan's creative atmosphere. The lobby and Living Lounge are among the hotel's most visually captivating areas, featuring checkerboard patterns on the floors and ceilings that resonate with the rationalist geometry of the building. Generously proportioned semicircular sofas, dark-blue and soft-green lounge seating, and a striking green marble counter create an ambiance that feels both homely and like a design showcase. Many of the furnishings were designed by Urquiola herself for brands such as Cassina, Andreu World, and Moroso.

      Dining and Drinking

      (Image credit: Monica Mendal)The culinary scene at Casa Brera embodies the spirit of Milan: stylish, social, and conducive to lingering over meals. Rather than focusing on a single restaurant, the hotel features a series of spaces that naturally transition from morning coffee to late-night cocktails. The hotel’s culinary program is managed by Michelin-starred chef Andrea Berton, who oversees the menus across several venues, each boasting its own unique atmosphere.

      The Living Lounge functions as the hotel's social hub, catering to all-day dining and offering a classic Milanese aperitivo experience. Guests can relax with a drink indoors or step out to the lush terrace overlooking Piazzetta Bossi, where the ambiance slows down, creating a quintessentially Milanese vibe. In contrast, Odachi offers a more intimate dining experience. Helmed by acclaimed chef Haruo Ichikawa, the first Japanese chef to receive a Michelin star in Italy, this restaurant specializes in refined Japanese cuisine served in a warmly decorated space featuring Canaletto walnut. (Insider tip: For a more immersive experience, inquire about the omakase option, available by reservation.) The hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, Scena, adopts a classic approach, highlighting Milanese and Italian dishes with subtle contemporary updates under executive chef Francesco Bonato. The dining area feels almost like a gallery, framed by artistic mirrors by Giovanni Botticelli and Paola Paronetto, alongside a sculptural piece by Hans Schüle.

      On the rooftop, Etereo Skybar & Restaurant commands attention. Situated on the eighth floor, it offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city. The menu focuses on elegant Italian seafood, and the cocktails—often theatrically presented tableside—draw inspiration from Milan's realms of fashion, art, and design.

      Accommodations

      (Image credit: Monica Mendal)Casa Brera offers 101 spacious and modern guest rooms along with 15 suites, all crafted to reflect Milan's appreciation for craftsmanship and design. The rooms feature Poliform furniture combined with materials such as walnut wood, fior di pesco marble, backlit brass, and printed glass—delicate details that echo the colors and textures of the city.

      The two largest suites are particularly noteworthy. The Brera Suite embodies Milanese elegance with a generously sized bedroom, a separate lounge, and a large terrace overlooking the vibrant streets of Brera. A bold blue sofa in the lounge frames views of the terrace through floor-to-ceiling glass