Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, a 73-room boutique hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley, has completed its multimillion-dollar renovation with the debut of its new Nobu restaurant and garden. Combining modern Japanese-inspired design with simple sophistication, the garden represents a refined extension to the restaurant and event venue in downtown Palo Alto.
“The completion of the new restaurant and garden is a momentous occasion for the property and further diversifies the experiences guests of the hotel and the local community can expect to receive,” said General Manager/Area Director Janelle Eng. “Whether dining with friends or family, celebrating a milestone, or gathering in the space for a corporate event, we’re thrilled to provide a peaceful respite unlike any other venue across Silicon Valley.”
In collaboration with award-winning, Los Angeles-based Montalba Architects, renowned designer, Shigeru Namba, spearheaded the concept whose every detail was intentional: large and specially-selected boulders from Japan were individually and sculpturally positioned to enhance the spatial qualities of the garden, while native, drought-tolerant ground cover with Japanese-inspired specimen plantings accent the garden. Complete with natural stone at the facade and soothing water, guests will be welcomed to the garden through the hotel’s lobby, inviting them to take pause among the flora before settling into an outdoor table positioned to enjoy views across the garden throughout their dining experience. A decorative bronze gate will allow public viewing from the streetside.
“We looked at how to sequence both the intimacy integral to the luxury guest experience and the unique urban geography of the site to create a natural flow through the building,” said David Montalba, founding principal, Montalba Architects. “Overall, the design was driven by ideas of composition and warmth of materiality—thinking about how we consider air, water, light, nourishment, comfort and tranquility of mind when seeking a retreat in an urban setting.”
Designated for private events and overflow of the main restaurant, the interior dining space is enclosed by a full-room skylight to allow for an abundance of natural light, in addition to large bifold glass doors to draw the outdoors in during warmer months. The garden can host up to 54 guests between the enclosed dining room with seating for 30 guests, and banquette seating for 24 guests with a retractable awning for sun shading.
Playing upon the seasons, the planting of the garden is intended to change throughout the year with each of the featured plants and florals designed to celebrate their proper blooming.
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto’s minimalist aesthetic features works of art dating back to the Meji era and subtly integrated technology to allow for high touchpoint amenities that transcend the traditions and boundaries of hospitality. Thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and convenience within an urban retreat setting, the Ryokan experience features personalized service, teak tubs and walk-in showers for a Japanese onsen ritual in suites, custom-made linen yukata bathrobes, Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, Italian bed linens by Anichini and preferred seating in Nobu restaurant.
