The DNA: Housed in a shiny new tower, Osaka’s first Design Hotels member offers a sleekly designed retreat from the bustle of the city, with 212 guestrooms, many of which are refreshingly well priced. Interiors – by Tara Bernerd & Partners – are minimal and elegant with a contemporary European edge and a plush residential ambiance.The lobby is filled with natural light alongside bookcases, plants, sofas and crafted textures – from the layered washi paper artworks to the forest green marble-topped front desk – while a clean-lined glass fireplace connects the lounge area with an outdoor terrace. Centre stage is a minimal blue limestone staircase – which leads to (appropriately-named) Upstairz, the hotel’s lounge, bar and restaurant.

Seen: design anthology, Top Hotel Design

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 212 rooms & suites (25-57m2) (270-615 sq ft) • hotel opened: July 2020 • architecture: Kajima Design • interior design: Tara Bernerd ❌ no parking available • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible