Working closely alongside internationally renowned UK designer, Tara Bernerd of Tara Bernerd & Partners, to develop and operate the hotel’s restaurant, bar and lounge, the management arm of Palace Hotel Co. Ltd. has announced plans for a Q3 opening of Zentis Osaka, the first property of its new hospitality brand.
As the first Japanese-brand hotel to achieve the prestigious Forbes Five-Star rating, the operation will be head by a top-flight team of seasoned staffers from Palace Hotel Tokyo – representing one of Design Hotels’ curated selection of independent accommodations with a passion for genuine hospitality, cultural authenticity, thought-provoking design and architecture.
Spanning 16-storeys high, the property showcases a contemporary yet laid-back arrangement, utilizing a natural color palette of raw materials, including exposed brickwork and timber beams. Anchored by a stone staircase wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, in the lobby where a double-sided fireplace creates a focal point and connects an intimate lounge space with its surrounding landscaped greenery.
Taking inspiration from the modular design and intuitive functionality of bento boxes, the 212 guestrooms incorporate the same fresh palettes that are found throughout the hotel. With polished wooden floors, muted tones and splashes of mustard as well as art on the walls commissioned from a local Japanese artist, each space is characterised by its ingenious use of otherwise snug square footage.
Of its innumerable must-see facilities, the hotel’s bar and main dining area as well as airy lounge and outdoor terrace-loft, all feature 7-meter-high ceilings, whilst its indoor 24-hour gym is fully equipped with Life Fitness supplies, suitable for every level of athleticism.
Emerging as a destination not only for guests, but also discerning locals, hotel’s latest dining venue, UPSTAIRZ, will be supervised by Executive Chef Shinya Otsuchihashi, who, after having honed his culinary skills over the last two decades in both Japan and France, will oversee the eatery’s concept and menus from his base at CRAFTALE.
Drawing from Otsuchihashi’s extensive background, the UPSTAIRZ menu is expected to showcase à la carte options, plus popular Japanese and French comfort food, served with a prix-fixe presentation. Incorporating seasonal ingredients sourced at length from across Japan, the menu will feature everything from delicate Hokkaido scallops to premium Japanese beef.
Situated alongside the picturesque river of Dojimahama, and amidst the high-end business entertainment district of Kita-shinchi, Zentis Osaka is positioned ideally amongst some of the city’s premium attractions – including the Osaka Science Museum and the National Museum of Art. Noting that Osaka’s current Covid-19 status stands at 1,790 confirmed cases (out of 17,587 in Japan) with 86 deaths, the hotel will be open for booking from 15th July 2020 onwards, with rates for its entry-level ‘Studio’ category expected to begin at USD$ 170.58 (JPY 18,300).
For reservation inquiries, please contact: [email protected]