Close

Cultural Convergence – Hotel Hana

Hotel Hana blends the elegance of Belle Époque with the simplicity of Japanese minimalism in the heart of Paris

Drawing inspiration from the avant-garde spirit of the 1920s – which attracted the Japanese diaspora to this vibrant neighbourhood called ‘Little Tokyo’, nestled between the iconic Opéra Garnier and Place de la Bourse – Hotel Hana, conceptualised by Nicolas Saltiel serves as an oasis of tranquillity and design sophistication amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, Japanese aesthetics harmoniously intertwine with Parisian design sensibilities, resulting in a captivating interplay of traditions, where every detail, gesture and object tells a story.

Laura Gonzalez, the visionary architect and interior designer, collaborated with Olivier Leone, a renowned artistic director in the fashion world, on his inaugural hotel venture. This creative partnership has given rise to an exciting dialogue of design where east meets west across time. Gonzalez masterfully orchestrates a dialogue between the opulence of Belle Époque design and the refined simplicity of Japanese minimalism. Eschewing her signature eclectic style, she opts for a more neutral palette and handcrafted aesthetic, playing on the contrast between romanticism and sobriety. Custom-designed furniture punctuates the space, set against a backdrop of soft tones and materials reminiscent of Art Nouveau.

 

Artisanal craftsmanship is evident throughout Hotel Hana, with contributions from skilled craftspeople like Sonja de Monchy, Les Ateliers Roma and Signature Murale, who elevate the design with their unique artistic expressions. Each space is thoughtfully curated, from the restaurant counter adorned with intricate details to the textured paintings surrounding the pool area. Hana’s 26 rooms, including a luxurious suite, offer guests a serene retreat from the urban chaos and feature interiors imbued with a Feng Shui aura crafted by expert Hélène Weber. The design pays homage both to Japanese and Belle Époque influences, showcasing iroko wood, straw coverings and bicolored marble in the bathrooms. The carpets, designed by Marguerite Lemaire, and original designs by Laura Gonzalez, reproduced by Pierre Frey, add the finishing touches to the meticulously curated spaces. The result is a harmonious ensemble that invites guests to escape and dream, enveloped in a cocoon of design excellence where the taste for beautiful things reigns supreme, and attention to detail is paramount. Hana offers an authentic yet contemporary experience, striking a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, inviting guests to surrender to the allure of timeless design.

Photography by Robin Le Febvre and Stephan Julliard

Read more articles like this here.

The Latest
identity Design Awards 2025 jury

Meet the judges for the identity Design Awards 2025

Five prominent designers have been selected to judge this year's milestone 11th annual identity Design Awards

Here are 14 Emirati women we admire in the design and creative industry

In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, we celebrate the visionary Emirati women in the industry that are pushing boundaries

Casa Cazaux

A Spanish Revival Reimagined in the Hollywood Hills

Casa Cazaux designed by Jordana Maisie Design Studio was inspired by Slim Aarons photography of post WWII Italian high society and Mediterranean-inspired coastal architecture

Kaskade by Karim Rashid for TREDEX Sara Group

TREDEX x Karim Rashid Introduce KASKADE

A Collection Where Flow Meets Form

identity Design Awards 2025 categories

identity Design Awards 2025 – The Categories

Here's a breakdown of the 21 categories we have for this year's identity Design Awards.

Vedra | Palm Jumeirah villa

Owning the Development Process

How Vedra, a Boutique Project Development Consultancy is Redefining Development in the UAE

Dual Key – A Game-Changing Concept for Owner/ Investors

Here's how you can become a landlord and live in your property at the same time.

Penthouse in Dubai Marina by Lulie Fisher Design Studio

A Penthouse Reimagined

Lulie Fisher Design Studio Completes a Penthouse in the Intercontinental Dubai Marina

KIRA entrance

The Design behind Kira at the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab

Designed by acclaimed studio Verhaal, KIRA is inspired by the Lunaria plant.

Design Take: Fairmont Tazi Palace

OBMI and Katara Hospitality breathe new life into a 1920s royal residence, balancing heritage and modern luxury on the eucalyptus-clad slopes of Tangiers, Morocco.

Kiyoshi Dubai

Step inside Kiyoshi Dubai

Japanese craft meets contemporary design at Kiyoshi designed by Mahsa Gholizadeh

AlUla Design Residency

The AlUla Artist Residency Programme Returns for its Second Edition

The Design Residency programme 2025 also coincides with the Year of Handicrafts as designated by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture.