Nobu Palo Alto, a 73-key hotel in California’s Silicon Valley, has received a multi-million dollar renovation.

Led by Montalba Architects and Shawmut Design and Construction, the refurbishment draws inspiration from its sister property, Nobu Ryokan Malibu, and includes a new facade, lobby, dining spaces, Ryokan-inspired guestrooms and suites, and meeting spaces on the upper floors overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Ryokan accommodations include five suites designed in soothing tones and natural materials such as white oak panelling, teak accents and crema marfil marble stone, which create a peaceful Japanese-Californian aesthetic. The rooms also feature bespoke furnishings like handcrafted Japanese bedside lantern, while subtly integrated technology includes butler service control keypads, Alexa devices and Toto‘s Neorest washlets.

On the eighth floor, three meeting spaces bathed in warm wood panelling are equipped with sideboards, conference tables and 90” TVs, while floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors provide access to large teak-decked landscaped patios with comfortable furnishings and integrated heaters. Secured elevator key access, 24-hour butler service, priority seating in the restaurant and executive turn-down service are feature amenities to the hotel’s new Ryokan experience, though these have been slightly altered due to the current travel climate.

“The curation of the Ryokan levels’ design, along with the craftsmanship, really speak to the type of distinctive hospitality experience that awaits guests of the floors,” says David Montalba, founder of Montalba Architects on the firm’s approach to the transformation. “We wanted to craft a luxurious experience through the use of materials – like the warmth of the wood, natural textures and crispness of the detailing – which reinforce the concept of such a unique, tranquil retreat-like stay within downtown Palo Alto.”

Additional elements include two private meeting rooms on the second level with an adjacent terrace, together with expanded outdoor dining at Nobu Restaurant and the debut of a brand-new sushi bar, lobby bar and 24-hour in-room dining menu. Elsewhere, a fitness studio is equipped with Peloton bikes and the brand’s Cycle Nobu Style package, bringing guests a taste of the elite cycling community and the area’s diverse landscape.

The property has implemented a variety of measures and enhancements to ensure a safe and healthy environment, including thermal screening of all guests and employees prior to entering the hotel and restaurant, as well as the requirement of staff to wear masks and gloves at all times. Guestrooms are also left vacant for a minimum of 48-hours following guest check-out and cleaning includes the use of electrostatic sprays and UV lighting of hospital grade. The Alexa voice-commands available in all rooms allow for touch-free control of lighting and window shades, while UV light germicidal room sanitisers can be found in all public areas such as guest corridors, restrooms and the fitness centre throughout the day and overnight.

“We are excited to welcome the local community and our loyal guests to our entirely new hotel,” comments General Manager Andrew Tilley. “Our luxury guestrooms, expanded outdoor dining, exclusive Ryokan experience and impressive amenities embody the Nobu culture with urban influences from the surrounding Silicon Valley and Bay Area, creating a unique atmosphere for all guests to enjoy.”