Milan has long been a stage for fashion, culture, and design, but now, it has a new muse in the form of Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan. Nestled in the heart of the Brera district, this latest addition to Marriott International’s Luxury Collection promises a blend of Milanese tradition and avant-garde style. However, with such lofty ambitions, the question arises: Can it truly deliver the top-tier luxury and elegance it promises?
Architectural Heritage Meets Bold Design
Casa Brera is housed in a stunning historic building that dates back to the 1950s, originally designed by the celebrated architect Pietro Lingeri, a prominent figure of Italian Rationalism. The careful restoration, curated by renowned architect Patricia Urquiola, is a masterclass in juxtaposition—melding the building’s Rationalist roots with the designer’s signature contemporary flair. The hotel’s exterior retains the geometric rigor of Lingeri’s work, while Urquiola’s interiors breathe new life into the space with a colorful yet restrained palette. Marble floors, geometric patterns, and nods to Milan’s architectural heritage are abundant, but it’s the daring interplay of textures and hues that makes Casa Brera stand out in a city that thrives on innovation.
From the Living Lounge with its high leather stools and semi-circular sofas to the lobby’s glossy mirrored ceiling, Urquiola’s design feels both refined and accessible. The green marble counter at the heart of the lounge echoes the city’s commitment to craftsmanship, and the carefully curated furniture pieces—ranging from Cassina to Moroso—speak to a design-forward sensibility without losing the soul of Milanese elegance. But does all this careful design feel like the perfect homage to the city’s legacy, or is it a bit too self-aware for its own good? For a hotel that prides itself on timelessness, can it resist the pressure of becoming just another Instagram backdrop?
photo: @Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan
Epicurean Excellence: A Feast for the Senses (But Is It Over-Indulgence?)
At Casa Brera, the culinary offering is nothing short of spectacular. The hotel features four dining destinations, each overseen by Michelin-starred chefs. Chef Andrea Berton leads the charge at the Living Lounge, Scena, and Etereo, while Chef Haruo Ichikawa, the first Japanese chef to earn a Michelin star in Italy, directs the Odachi restaurant—a celebration of Japanese tradition and hospitality.
The Living Lounge offers a Milanese twist on all-day dining, with a great green marble bar that calls out for an aperitif or two. The space’s orange and dark blue tones evoke a cozy warmth, while the outdoor terrace overlooking Piazzetta Bossi provides an ideal spot to relax and people-watch—if you can tear yourself away from the pristine interiors. On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Odachi, the intimate Japanese restaurant, where a blend of walnut-paneled walls and glowing lantern-like lights sets the stage for an authentic omakase experience. But can a hotel in the heart of Milan truly deliver an authentic Japanese dining experience, or is this simply a fashion-forward fusion of two disparate culinary worlds?
For those seeking a truly luxurious dining experience, Scena offers refined Milanese cuisine that promises to elevate traditional dishes with innovative twists. Yet, while the food sounds exquisite, there is a lingering question: In a city that is constantly pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry, does Scena offer something distinct, or is it just another high-end restaurant serving what you’d expect from a Michelin-starred kitchen?
At Etereo, located on the rooftop, the experience changes from refined to outright indulgent, with an infinity pool, 360-degree views of Milan’s skyline, and a cocktail menu that draws inspiration from Milan’s art, design, and fashion scenes. Is it a perfect rooftop bar experience, or does the focus on design and spectacle overshadow the simple pleasures of a great drink? The bar’s red arabesque Orobic marble counter is as striking as the cherry-red, brown sugar, and desert-sand tones of the interior, but one might wonder—do these grand aesthetics feel a little too much, or is this exactly the kind of high-octane luxury that Milan’s elite demand?
photo: @Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan
Luxurious Yet Approachable Rooms—But How Comfortable Can Luxury Really Be?
Inside the 101 guest rooms and 15 suites, the aesthetic continues the blend of Milanese tradition and contemporary opulence. The rooms feature walnut wood, Fior di Pesco marble, and printed glass—materials that seamlessly mirror the city’s artistic character. The Deluxe and Premiere rooms, adorned with Poliform furniture and geometric wool rugs, suggest a perfect balance between high-end style and comfort. For those seeking a little more space, the Studio with Balcony offers a chic, flexible layout with a seamless flow between the sleeping area and the bathroom.
But is it truly an intimate experience, or does it risk becoming a bit too curated? With sleek furnishings and customized artworks, the rooms could feel as though they’re designed for show rather than relaxation. It begs the question: Are these spaces as comfortable as they are photogenic, or is the luxury so pristine that it feels more like an art gallery than a home away from home?
For those who desire the ultimate indulgence, the Brera Suite and Presidential Milanese Suite offer expansive layouts with breathtaking views of the city. The Presidential Suite features two connecting terraces, a private dining space, and a bathroom that might make you never want to leave. Yet, with such overwhelming opulence, does the suite feel like a luxurious escape, or does it tread into the territory of excess? After all, in a city that thrives on understated elegance, can true luxury still be measured in sheer size?
