As digital nomads continue to abound and more people are embracing the joys of solo experiences, Zentis Osaka is launching a new stay package – just for one. A member of Design Hotels, the boutique-chic hotel debuted in 2020 with a design purposefully conceptualized to cater to independent travelers. ‘Ohitori Osaka by Zentis’ – with “ohitori” roughly translating as “just for one” – is an accommodation package created for those who relish in doing life solo, even if only for a weekend getaway. Tailored to enhance the solo stay experience while giving guests the freedom to explore Osaka in their own way and at their own pace, the package includes: Two nights in a choice of Studio, Corner Studio or Suite accommodations Daily breakfast at UPSTAIRZ – choice of a Japanese, American or vegan set The in-room mini-fridge pre-stocked upon arrival with five complimentary drinks, including three local Osaka beers and two juices. A cocktail at UPSTAIRZ Bar, an original drink tailored to each guest’s palate Choice of: A skincare set featuring products by Japanese brand SISI, or A fabric mist by The Flavor Design, an Osaka-based fragrance studio A souvenir Zentis Osaka eco-bag Launched in 2020 with a focus on “supporting the beauty of modern people living a hectic life in a stressful world”, Tokyo-based SISI combines natural ingredients with scientific formulas to deliver “clean beauty” products featuring eco-friendly materials and sustainable packaging. Designed to rejuvenate both mind and body, the skincare set handpicked for ohitori guests includes the brand’s best-selling “I’m Your HERO” serum-infused facial cleanser, its rejuvenating “High Jump30” vitamin C serum and its deeply hydrating “Magic Catcher” face mask. To stir the olfactory senses, Zentis Osaka has collaborated with The Flavor Design to present ohitori guests with a fabric mist of their choice upon check-in. Two of the three fragrances guests can choose from – dubbed “Linger” and “Day Off” – were formulated exclusively for the hotel while the third, “Breakers”, is popular among Flavor Design insiders. With an emphasis on, “the free expression of ideas and calm sensibilities to allow for uncommon creativity”, The Flavor Design pairs perfectly with the Zentis brand’s desire to present travelers with “encounters of a new kind…where inspiring experiences reveal a new perspective”. In addition to the package inclusions, solo travelers can delight in an artful afternoon tea at UPSTAIRZ Lounge while at the Michelin-recommended UPSTAIRZ Restaurant, sunset cues a transition from casual lunch fare to an upscale dinner experience featuring seasonal ingredients and an innovative take on French cuisine, with dishes bursting with the richness of umami. “Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal destination for independent travelers,” said General Manager Kiyotaka Saito. “Solo travel and experiences from dining out to enjoying cocktails, or going to karaoke or the movies alone have been on the rise in Japan. People used to shy away from doing activities on their own, but now it’s considered bold and liberating – so much so that we’ve been seeing a cultural shift towards the embrace of ‘ohitori-sama’ (‘party of one’). As a lifestyle hotel with an intimate feel and plenty of cozy spaces, Zentis Osaka is perfectly poised to cater to ohitori travelers who not only want to explore, but also unwind, exhale and refresh.” Situated where the riverside area of Dojimahama and the upscale entertainment district of Kita-shinchi meet, Zentis Osaka presents an urban oasis within walking distance to transport hubs and also the burgeoning Nishi-Umeda district, home to a vast array of new shopping and dining destinations. Nakanoshima, an islet that’s home to many of the city’s cultural attractions – including the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, the Osaka Science Museum and the National Museum of Art – is a mere ten-minute stroll away. The main floor of the hotel features a chic Guest Lounge with a communal work table, ideal for digital nomads, as well as spaces in which to work and relax that overlook a verdant garden space. Another standout feature is Room 001, which was conceived as a place where guests could get ready before heading out to explore the city. The multi-purpose space is outfitted with a self-service laundry area to one side while comfy seating and a self-serve Nespresso bar sits opposite. There’s also a shoe-shine corner where guests can have their footwear buffed by an expert from The Shoeshine Guild, and a ‘fragrance bar’ featuring scents handpicked by a fragrance advisor each season. Off-site, guests can soak in Osaka – once known as the ‘city of canals’ – with activities such as a river cruise aboard a lovingly restored wooden boat. With a maximum of ten passengers on each journey, the scenic cruise presents guests with the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers while soaking in the city from a unique vantage point. The Zentis team will also be at the ready to offer guests recommendations of what to see and do while in the city, including suggested walking routes for solo wandering. One of the recommended stops within easy walking distance from the hotel is a classic, Osaka-style café dating back to 1947 and oozing with retro-chic charm. With the aroma of house-roasted coffee wafting through the air and its cutlet sandwiches a perennial favorite, the cabaret-esque space transports patrons back to Japan’s burgeoning Shōwa era. The ‘Ohitori Osaka by Zentis’ stay package will be available to book starting 18 November, for stays from 3 January 2026 onwards (subject to availability). Rates start at JPY 58,000 (based on single occupancy), excluding taxes and service charge. For more information, please visit: www.zentishotels.com

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Zentis Osaka, the city’s only Design Hotels member property, is launching a new ‘Stay & Savor’ package that combines afternoon tea with a two-night stay and daily breakfast. Since opening in 2020, the hotel has been lauded for its sophisticated style and stellar dining at UPSTAIRZ Lounge, Bar & Restaurant. Making Michelin Guide’s inaugural list of ‘Selected Restaurants’, UPSTAIRZ’s most novel offerings is its ever-changing afternoon tea service. The set’s tiered presentation is a homage to the hotel’s central staircase, which leads guests from the lobby to UPSTAIRZ. Carved out of blue limestone, the asymmetric staircase is one of the design elements dreamed up by Tara Bernerd & Partners, the firm behind the hotel’s interior. Designed to showcase the best of each season, the latest afternoon tea presentation (available through 30 November) is all about premium grapes – weaving in the rich, refreshing tastes of the Shine Muscat, Nagano Purple and Queen Rouge varietals that are coveted each year as summer transitions to autumn and Japan’s grapes reach their peak ripeness. In addition to serving up three varietals, sweets presentations include a grape & perilla verrine, a Shine Muscat tart and macaron, a fragrant olive & vanilla mousse, and a mont blanc with a hint of cassis liqueur. To balance and complement, savory selections include a fig caprese salad with prosciutto, braised Flemish pork & chestnut crêpe, and a beef bresaola & beetroot tart. To pair, guests can opt for free-flow tea – with selections such as pink rose, bergamot peach or UPSTAIRZ’s special blend – or a glass of champagne (at additional charge). Though the menu changes with each season, the setting in which the artful afternoon tea is served remains unchanged – airy UPSTAIRZ Lounge, with its lofty ceiling, abundance of natural light and a shaded outdoor terrace framed by greenery. Also included in the stay package is breakfast at UPSTAIRZ Restaurant, the hotel’s main dining area. Featuring an open kitchen, the cozy dining room serves up three styles of breakfast for guests to choose from, including American and vegan. The signature offering is the chef’s original presentation of a daily assortment of seven, tasting-size Japanese dishes (in addition to soup and Japanese omelet). Accommodations range from Studios – popular with solo travelers – to more spacious Corner Studios with deep-soaking tubs, a favorite of couples, and suites with separate living areas. The minimalist Japanese aesthetic of each guestroom extends to functionality, with the overall design taking inspiration from the modularity of bento boxes. Designed to foster work and play, the hotel’s Guest Lounge invites conversation and productivity. A communal table, cut from a cypress tree, holds pride of place for those intent on getting down to business while recessed banquettes present cozy spaces in which to unwind. Just beyond is the hotel’s garden area with terrace seating – with floor-to-ceiling windows and a see-through fireplace seamlessly connecting the two spaces. Rates for Zentis Osaka’s ‘Stay & Savor’ package start at JPY 56,500 for Studio accommodations (based on single occupancy), inclusive of taxes and service charge.* *Maximum occupancy varies by accommodation type *Booking requests must be made at least three days in advance *Afternoon tea service is limited to the 3:00 pm seating for the day of arrival or the following day. Advance reservations required. Desired date to be advised at time of booking request. For more information, or to book a stay, please visit: www.zentishotels.com

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Paris-based Japanese artist itu’, who has garnered international recognition for his eccentric style, has brought his vision to Zentis Osaka with a captivating installation that has the design-forward hotel featuring works specially created by the artist for this pop-up not only throughout its public spaces, but also as part of a bold transformation of one of its Corner Studios. Dubbing it ‘crossover’, itu’ took inspiration for the exhibition from his own experiences at the upscale, lifestyle hotel. “Zentis is a place where diverse people gather – regardless of nationality, generation or culture – and where each person’s values ​​transcend borders and naturally intermingle,” observed the artist. “Similarly, with this installation, I’m endeavoring to eliminate the boundary between art and people by blurring the lines between the traditional perception of art – which is merely for viewing and appreciating from a distance – and everyday items,” said itu’. “While the work being viewed and the viewer are separate entities, naturally, the relationship between them changes depending on how they interact and the factors surrounding an interaction.” Embodying that ‘crossover’ sentiment, itu’s creations for Zentis Osaka’s debut ‘Art-in-Residence’ program not only encompass over a dozen canvases on display throughout the hotel, but his free-spirited artistry has also been applied to non-traditional mediums such as glassware as well as the furnishings, curtains, bedding and other everyday items found in the singular Corner Studio room that’s been temporarily re-imagined into ‘itu’s Art Studio’. Those who book a stay in ‘itu’s Art Studio’ will not only have the opportunity to enjoy the immersive art experience throughout the hotel and in their one-of-a-kind accommodation, but will also be able to take their in-room slippers – specially painted by the artist, with no two pairs alike – home as keepsakes. In the public spaces, the boundaries between art and the hotel are stretched further with two staff sporting custom-painted uniforms by itu’, including stylish footwear – echoing the artistic sneakers and array of impressive collaborations that first drew attention to him. At UPSTAIRZ Bar, award-winning head bartender Norihiko Furuse has concocted an original cocktail that’s as layered in flavors and aromas as itu’s distinctive style. The vodka-based drink opens with a subtle scent of cedar and notes of sweet white peach before an earthy aroma of sandalwood rounds out the sophisticated cocktail experience. Born in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, itu’ taught himself to paint and, in 2014, opened his own atelier in the Marais district of Paris – his playful style and vivid palette unbound by conventional canvases from the start. Over the past decade, he’s held shows in France and Singapore, hosted pop-up exhibitions, produced murals and collaborated with well-known brands. “Since we first arrived on Osaka’s hotel scene four years ago, we set out to be a cultural hub for art, music and craftsmanship,” explained Kiyotaka Saito, Zentis Osaka’s new general manager. “Through collaborations with artists like itu’ and other cultural pursuits – such as our ‘Salon de Zentis’ series, which is a collaboration with acclaimed music producer Naoki Tachikawa celebrating legendary musicians – we’re offering our guests new encounters that, hopefully, broaden their ideas and experiences of Japan.” Appointed general manager ahead of the property’s fourth anniversary, Saito brings a breadth of experience, including nearly three decades with Palace Hotel Group – the company behind the Zentis brand – spent working across various hotel departments. The early part of his career included a year spent in London immersed in the inner workings of world-renowned properties such as The Savoy, Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley as part of Palace Hotel Group’s cross-training program. New to Osaka, the Tokyoite looks forward to getting acquainted with his new home city as it prepares to welcome travelers from all over the world for Expo 2025. ‘Zentis Art-in-Residence: itu’s Crossover’ is on now through September 30, 2024. Bookable through October 31, 2024 (subject to availability), a stay in ‘itu’s Art Studio’ starts from JPY45,000 per night, inclusive of taxes and service charge. For more information, or to book a stay, please visit: www.zentishotels.com

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As Zentis Osaka marks its third anniversary next month, the Tara Bernerd-designed property is taking its first bold steps onto the international stage. After making its debut during pandemic lockdowns in 2020, and following Japan’s lifting of all travel restrictions last month, Palace Hotel Co., Ltd.’s first lifestyle hotel is forging ahead into the post-pandemic world with a new general manager at the helm, a new stay package and a host of cultural activities that have been cultivated since opening. The hotel’s new ‘Zentis Welcome’ package was designed for independent travelers seeking convenience and flexibility during their stay. Package elements include: Two nights of accommodation Choice of early check-in (from 10:00 am onwards) or late check-out (until 6:00 pm) Daily breakfast at UPSTAIRZ Lounge, Bar, Restaurant JPY 5,000 F&B credit for use at UPSTAIRZ (during stay) A complimentary welcome beverage from the Guest Lounge’s self-service selection, including local craft beers and ginger ale made with locally sourced mineral water. The package will be available to book beginning July 1 for stays from July 15 onwards, with rates starting at JPY 64,400 based on single occupancy, inclusive of taxes and service charge. “We believe we have a unique story to tell when it comes to our design, our connection to the local art scene and also in how we’re raising the bar when it comes to what it means to be a select-service property,” said Mikio Akiyama, the new general manager of Zentis Osaka. Akiyama brings with him a wealth of experience working for global hotel chains as well as, most recently, in senior roles at Palace Hotel Tokyo. The interior design of the 16-story, contemporary build was fashioned by Bernerd and her team at Tara Bernerd & Partners, the group behind the design of a number of trendy, upscale hotels such as SIXTY SoHo New York, Thompson Chicago and The Hari in London and Hong Kong. The overall vibe shimmers out of Osaka’s urban landscape and industrial heritage, with exposed brick and wooden beams throughout the public spaces. The Osaka hotel is the first property in what’s shaping up to be a distinctive, upscale lifestyle hotel brand. The interiors of the 212 guestrooms and suites adhere to a more Japanese style, with a crisp, natural color palette and clever utilization of space that’s visually akin to a bento box, with their modular design. Palace Hotel Co., Ltd.’s penchant for green spaces and natural light, even in the heart of a bustling metropolis, is evident. Native foliage encircles the building whose lofty spaces and outdoor terraces do much to marry the inside with the outside. Zentis Osaka has also re-invented the self-service laundry facility into a stylish hangout spot that encourages guests to do more than just refresh their wardrobes. Room 001, as it’s known, was designed as a space that guests could visit as they prepare for their day or evening out – whether in town for business or leisure. There’s a ‘fragrance bar’ at which to enjoy a spritz from an array of perfumes and colognes handpicked each season by a fragrance advisor, a shoe-shining corner where Mr. Ooka, a master polisher, uses Jack Daniels to achieve an unparalleled glow (advance bookings required), and seating on which to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Nespresso coffee. Downstairs, the lobby-level Guest Lounge that’s outfitted with a stylish communal table, cozy sofas and tables, chic banquettes and a double-sided fireplace also offers spaces at which to rest or work – both indoors and outdoors. The property’s all-day dining venue, UPSTAIRZ, features a restaurant with open kitchen, a lofty lounge for light bites and Instagram-worthy afternoon tea, an outdoor terrace dressed in verdant greens, and a hip bar with sophisticated tinctures brewing behind the counter for use in original cocktails. In line with Zentis’ concept of offering ‘Encounters of a New Kind’, UPSTAIRZ Lounge is also the backdrop for some of the hotel’s cultural pursuits. These include its ‘Salon de Zentis’ series in collaboration with acclaimed music producer Naoki Tachikawa, where legendary musicians are celebrated on the anniversary of their passing with a special course menu followed by an engaging talk against the soundtrack of their greatest hits. Jim Morrison and Brian Jones are on deck for July, followed by Miles Davis in September. The hotel has also launched the ‘Zentis Craftsmanship’ series, working with local artisans so guests can enjoy hands-on experiences. The first of these events featured Tokyo-based coffee roaster and artisan Wani Nakagawa, who spoke about how to truly capture the coffee experience during his workshop on how to hand-roast and hand-drip coffee from fresh beans. More recently, the series featured Osaka-based artist Takehito Kobayashi, who introduced guests to the Japanese art of kintsugi – the restoration of damaged objects by beautifying imperfections with ‘golden mending’. With art and design at the core of the brand, Zentis Osaka has also established partnerships with art museums, including one in conjunction with a pop-up Banksy exhibition, and another with the Nakanoshima Museum of Art to spotlight its Modigliani exhibition. The hotel is located within walking distance to Nakanoshima, an islet that’s become the city’s de facto art hub. Several popular destinations are situated on its three-kilometer-long stretch, including Tadao Ando’s Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest, which opened the same month as Zentis Osaka. “While our hotel is an ideal hub for exploring neighboring cities such as Kyoto, Nara and Kobe, Osaka is an increasingly sought-after destination in its own right,” remarked Akiyama. “Being chosen as the host city for the World Expo in 2025 is one example of how Osaka’s gaining recognition on the global stage. And with our local insights, unique offerings, great location and flexible stay packages, we hope to play a meaningful part in our guests’ memorable experiences of Japan.” For more information, or to book the ‘Zentis Welcome’ package, please visit: www.zentishotels.com/en/osaka/

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Tokyo, Japan – Spirited, confident and cheeky – Marriott International today announced the openings of two fresh new additions to its playful Moxy Hotels brand: Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho and Moxy Osaka Honmachi. True to its name, the Moxy brand is designed for a new generation of socially extroverted, curious and energetic global “Fun Hunters”. Owned by Tokyo-based Pacifica Capital K.K., the 205-room Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho features the brand’s industrial-chic DNA with stylish exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors and fun collaborative spaces. The hotel is located in the urban Kinshicho district, close to some of the city’s coolest tourist attractions such as the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Dome and the historic Asakusa Sensoji Temple, so exploring the city is easy. Kinshicho station is only a five-minute walk away, making access a breeze from Narita and Haneda international airports. “Today’s consumer is less desirous of a cookie cutter experience and in fact wants to discover something new, take in the city, the food, the local scene, whether he/she is there for a day or a week,” says Hisashi Oinuma, Captain, Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho. In Osaka, Moxy Osaka Honmachi is owned by EGW Asset Management Inc., and is located just steps away from Honmachi Station, one of Osaka‘s main train stations. This 155-room Moxy is the perfect playground for modern urban explorers in Osaka. The hotel is located within easy distance of Osaka Castle, the food and nightlife of the Shinsaibashi quarter and the amazing shopping of Namba district. “Moxy is specifically designed for this new generation of travelers – we call them Fun Hunters – who are looking for a hotel environment that allows them to have an experience on their terms,” says Shigeki Nakagawa, Captain, Moxy Osaka Honmachi. “They want a hotel that is wired to their specific needs, a place to stay that is affordable, fun, and awesome”. Moxy is a fun, vibrant and stylish hotel designed to give guests everything they want and nothing they don’t, at an affordable price. No boring front desks here: guests can access their bedrooms via keyless entry with the Marriott Mobile App or check in with a crew member at the bar, where they will be greeted with a complimentary ‘Got Moxy’ cocktail upon arrival. Say hello to fellow travellers in Moxy’s living rooms designed as highly-social communal areas, complete with foosball tables and board games. The Moxy Digital Guestbook is the source for everything that’s going on, who’s around in town, as well as a social media wall for guests to post their own #AttheMoxy Instas. At the Moxy, lifts double as selfie-friendly photo booths with locally inspired props for inspiration. Moxy’s NOW + WOW communal spaces will come alive with thoughtfully crafted happenings designed by the hotels’ crew to cater to travelers and locals who like to hang-out with their friends and meet new ones, without having to empty their pockets. At Moxy Osaka Honmachi and Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho, these events will take the form of jam sessions, tarot card readings, classic film screenings, beer pong competitions, scavenger hunts, trivia nights, high-intensity workouts and more. Bedrooms are minimalist yet multifunctional, with folding workspace desks and chairs, flat screen TVs, USB ports, motion sensor lighting, walk-in rain showers and furiously fast and free WiFi. The hotels’ 24/7 self-service grab-and-go concept, called Moxy Pickups, has cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt and noodles at breakfast, and soups, wraps and salads for lunch and dinner. Fresh coffee is available in the lobby, along with soft drinks, bottled juices, sodas, wine and beer. The bar serves up Moxy’s signature cocktails and naans with savoury or sweet fillings: bacon, teriyaki chicken, pepperoni and jack, eggplant, cream cheese, nutella, strawberries and marshmallows. And, in Moxy hotels in Asia, guests can ‘pimp their noodles’ with a selection of instant noodles and condiment stations to customise their own flavours. “We threw out the rule book for conventional hotel models to create Moxy’s Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho and Moxy Osaka Honmachi,” says Mike Fulkerson, vice president, Brand & Marketing, Marriott International. “These two new brand additions will continue to show the world what “moxie” really means and encourage our guests to play on.” To learn more about Moxy Hotels, please visit www.MoxyHotels.com.

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