Cultural Convergence – Hotel Hana

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

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