Situated in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, steps from Little Tokyo, Hotel Hana, the newest member of the Chapitre Six hospitality brand, is a gem that’s hidden in plain sight. The boutique bolthole occupies a sliver of a beautiful Haussmanian building on Rue de Septembre. It’s a discreet destination that hasn’t been ruined by social media virality. On the contrary, it’s the type of place that your clued-in local friend or a bicontinental co-worker might mention in a list of the best low-key spots in the city.
From the outside, the wooden doors and wrought-iron awning distinguish it from the rest of the facade. Once inside, the bijou beauty of Hotel Hana really comes to light. A collaboration between architect and interior designer Laura Gonzalez and Oliver Leone, the cofounder of Nodaleto, the tailored interiors fuse French sophistication and Japanese serenity harmoniously without losing the distinctive cultural reference points. The petite (read: compact but not cramped) spaces reflect deference to both East and West. Warm colors, rich textures, and a deft hand at mixing patterns create an intimate, intriguing atmosphere.
The excellent restaurant, Hanabi, explores the gastronomic love affair between France and Japan. Camembert tempura, creamy cacio e pepe udon with uni, and flank steak with sansho pepper sauce are just a few of the delectable dishes on the menu. The open kitchen is swathed in green tile that resembles bamboo. The walls in the dining room recall shoji screens. These Eastern nods mingle with French brocade, checkered chairs, and wood floors.
On the other side of the black lava reception desk, the snug bar beckons travelers with elegant environs (think: floral Jacquard silks and pink velvet banquettes), stiff drinks, and an intimate atmosphere. Not surprisingly, it’s stocked with an excellent selection of French wines and Japanese sake.
Follow the spiral staircase downstairs to the subterranean self-care sanctuary. There’s a pool that’s bookable for guests by the hour (yes, that means entirely private) and two treatment rooms for massages, kobido facial rituals, and reflexology.
Tucked neatly on the upper floors, the bedrooms—which were designed with the help of feng shui expert Hélène Weber—blend calming hues, velvet headboards, and Pierre Frey carpets with thematic details like straw-lined walls, light fixtures that pay homage to Gion’s paper lanterns, lacquered cabinets, and cherry blossom-embroidered lumbar pillows into statement-making nests of tranquility. French doors and Juliet balconies with street views read distinctly Parisian. Matcha and black sesame madeleines are the perfect East-meets-West welcome treat. Complimentary furoshiki-inspired totes make for a fashionable and functional keepsake.
The rust-and-cream checkerboard Terracotta marble tiles in the bathrooms are gorgeous and even the toilets (retro black and white) have style, as do the vanities. Deliciously fragranced Diptyque toiletries are pique French. While slatted wood ceilings in the showers evoke Japanese bathhouses. Some suites boast tubs. Because after a nightcap, it just doesn’t get better than a sudsy soak before slipping into a hotel robe.
Top Takeaways
Location: Paris, France
Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: A petite Parisian jewel with Japanese influences.
Food + Drink: The restaurant is the perfect culinary fusion of France and Japan. In the morning, the kitchen churns out made-to-order eggs, avocado toast, and Japanese breakfast. The bar pours creative cocktails, French wine, and Japanese sake.
Amenities: 1 restaurant; 1 bar; 2 treatments rooms; indoor heated pool
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The exquisite design details—from the lacquered cabinetry to the lantern-shaped light fixtures.
5 Nearby Attractions: Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Jardin du Palais Royal, Jardin des Tuileries, Louvre
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Le Bon George is the perfect Parisian bistro with a chalkboard menu, an excellent wine list, and an atmosphere you just want to bottle up. It’s worth queuing up for shareable plates such as chicken pot pie croquettes and a selection of sips at Frenchie Bar À Vin. Had your fill of French food? Grab a bowl of ramen or sushi on Rue Sainte-Anne.
Rooms: 26 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $335/night
Closest Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
