Following the opening of The Buchanan, San Francisco’s six-block-long Japantown continues its boutique accommodations renaissance with Hotel Kabuki, which has just unveiled a $31 million renovation.
Its 225 rooms spread over the former Japanese Consulate and a 1960s community centre has been reimagined by Brooklyn-based MARKZEFF Design, who took inspiration from the neighbourhood’s bohemian spirit (the legendary live music venue The Fillmore is just steps away) and minimalist Japanese design. Shibori-clothed fabrics pop against the grey accent walls, while stitched leather furniture contrasts with smartly selected calligraphy.
The clean-lined, wood-centric lobby of Douglas fir beams and vintage factory windows features views of a Japanese garden tucked into the courtyard. The lobby bar honours Asia’s heritage of fermentation and distillation through a beverage program of sake and Japanese whiskey as well as a Californian tribute to izakaya bites.
And while its brand-new 3,000 square-foot gym lets you continue your wellness routines while on the road, guests are also encouraged to simply breathe and meditate in the dedicated zen garden—aided by the property’s iPads loaded with meditation music and apps. This, after all, is San Francisco.
