Soothing Serenity: Nobu Palo Alto

To see or hear the name Nobu is likely to conjure delicious memories of a perfectly prepared Black Cod with Miso, or Yellowtail Sashimi, two of the iconic restaurant’s world-renowned signature dishes. With more than 50 restaurant locations worldwide, global travelers are apt to have indulged at one time or another. But to those in the know, the Nobu name also represents soothing serenity in the form of 13 hotels (and six on the way) located in some of the world’s most desired locales. And yes, within each of the 13 hotels is a Nobu restaurant, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the Nobu experience. One such dual destination is Nobu Palo Alto, an oasis within the charged energy of Silicon Valley.

Nobu Hotel Palo Alto Lobby

Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar phased renovation, Nobu Hotel Palo Alto’s boutique property features 73 guest rooms that perfectly reflect the brand’s luxurious Nobu Hospitality standards. Calming neutral hues are carried throughout the interiors where natural wood is featured within desks, the bespoke lighting fixtures, and the Zen Bathworks Japanese soaking tubs made of teak that are found in the 8th floor Ryokan suites. Other guest room highlights include electric window shades, Alexa, and Toto Neorest® washlet toilets with heated seats – for those forever chilled, the ultimate in luxury.

Nobu Hotel Palo Alto King Room
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto Ryokan Room Bath

The private 7th and 8th floors are host to the Ryokan guest rooms where posh amenities are meant to be enjoyed – such as custom-made Mauro Spina luxury bath products, linen yukata bathrobes, linen slippers, Italian bed linens by Anichini, and premium private bars. 8th floor rooms also feature 90-inch televisions for a movie-like viewing experience, as well as larger, furnished balconies that overlook the gorgeous Santa Cruz Mountains. (Schedule your dinner reservation so as not to miss sunset.) Additionally, the 8th floor halls are lined with museum-quality Japanese artworks that are worth perusing.

An elevated fitness studio with top-of-the-line equipment including Peloton bikes rounds out the hospitality. And for those who prefer their exercise come in a more organic form, the hotel’s surroundings beg for a stroll. Boutiques, restaurants, and coffee houses line vibrant University Ave., off of which neighborhood streets feature beautiful homes and gardens that are worth a peek.

Nobu Palo Alto Patio
Nobu Palo Alto Sushi Bar

While hotel guests are granted the ability to indulge in Nobu’s in-room dining, a restaurant reservation is highly recommended. Start with a Nobu Sidecar cocktail while sitting on the large patio with picture windows that bring the outside in, and the inside out. Or try a Shunka Shuto whiskey pairing, an exclusive transportive menu. A new sushi bar allows front row viewing of the masters at work. If guests are interested in more than a view, they can schedule a sushi-making class with Nobu’s executive sushi chef whose instruction includes sushi rolling as well as guided preparation of Nobu menu favorites. Classes,  designed for 8 – 10, are $175/person and include a keepsake maki, seven-course meal, hot tea, small sake, and a Nobu branded chef’s apron – a perfect remembrance of a perfectly peaceful stay.

 

Fran Miller

Fran Endicott Miller is an experienced travel, wine, and general feature writer for a variety of luxury lifestyle publications and websites. Prior to her journalism career she established and managed the Golden State Warriors' first official community relations department and efforts. Principled and genuine, she’s known for thoughtfully eloquent writing. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retriever Nate.