Interview with Ms. Ellen Franke,
General Manager of Patina Osaka
Patina Osaka, the first urban property of Patina Hotels & Resorts, the modern luxury lifestyle brand by Capella Hotel Group. The 221-key hotel is located opposite Osaka Castle and next to the noteworthy Naniwanomiya-Ato Park. The modern 20-storey building is a collaboration between two award-winning Japanese architects and designers: Jun Mitsui & Associates Inc. Architects for the exterior and Strickland for the interiors.
Ellen Franke joins Capella Hotel Group from The Ritz-Carlton, having worked for the group since 2006 across several global locations, before assuming the General Manager role at their Langkawi property in 2018. Ellen now brings this vibrancy to her new role as General Manager of Patina Osaka, leveraging her dynamic leadership and dedication to exceptional service. Aligning her innate talents with the needs of today’s conscious modern traveller, she seamlessly balances the nuances defining the brand pillars of Patina to the forefront, with the aim of inspiring positive connections.
“Patina Osaka represents a homage to the city’s effortless beauty and vibrancy, and I am excited and proud to be commencing my new role now as General Manager of this urban sanctuary,” says Ellen. “As Patina Hotels & Resort’s first Japanese property, as well as its first within a city location, it’s my great privilege to dedicate the next phase of my career to the brand’s modern luxury lifestyle approach, pioneering a fresh perspective in transforming moments into marks.” SpaChina interviewed her.
How do you see global travel trends in the post pandemic era? How do these trends affect the positioning and operational strategy of Patina Osaka?
In the post-pandemic era, travel is making a strong comeback, and the weak yen is making Japan even more appealing for international visitors. With EXPO taking place in Osaka this year, the city is becoming a top destination for travelers looking to experience both the latest technology and the rich history of Japan.
Patina Osaka is perfectly timed to welcome guests during this exciting period. Located in the heart of Osaka, the hotel offers visitors a chance to enjoy the modern attractions of the EXPO while also immersing themselves in the city’s historic culture.
As part of the renowned Capella Hotel Group, Patina Osaka embodies an evolving journey, offering a fresh perspective in hospitality, while transforming moments into marks. This is transformative luxury. Our highly curated, intentional and purpose-driven programming is at the heart of our offerings. Meaningful experiences are laying the path to connect with the community and likeminded people.
What do you think is the core attraction of Japan for international travelers? What role will Patina Osaka play in this?
Japan’s appeal lies in its rich history, vibrant culture, amazing food, and warm people. History plays a big part, with iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle offering a glimpse into the country’s fascinating past and feudal heritage. Culture is another major attraction, with visitors captivated by traditional experiences such as Osaka’s famous Tenjin Matsuri festival and unique cultural activities like Bunraku (traditional puppet theater), which highlight Japan’s deep cultural roots. Food is also central to the experience. Osaka, known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” is a food lover’s paradise, offering dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, ensuring every visitor leaves with unforgettable culinary memories. Finally, Japan’s people are renowned for their kindness, hospitality, and respect, making travelers feel safe and welcome throughout their visit.
Patina Osaka, ideally located right in front of the iconic Osaka Castle, perfectly embodies the essence of Japan, blending history, culture, and exceptional hospitality.
Each material – water, stone, wood, and copper – was reimagined in the design of Patina Osaka, creating an environment in harmony with its surroundings, a space that could only exist here, at this convergence of history.
With five diverse restaurants and lounges, guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences, from 72 micro season inspired menu at our Signature Restaurant P72 to Basque flavors at our Inaki restaurant all the way to Barin, our fine dining Teppanyaki experience, where personalized service stands out and dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. We also collaborate with local potters and farmers, bringing authentic, handcrafted artistry and fresh, seasonal ingredients directly to our guests. With its warm, welcoming service and stunning views of Osaka Castle, Patina Osaka is the ideal destination for experiencing the spirit of Japan while enjoying modern comforts.
Japan is known globally as the country with the longest-living population, and for the wisdom of Japanese-style living and the concept of wellness. How does Patina Osaka incorporate these elements into the guest experience?
Diet plays a significant role in Japan’s longevity, with plant-based foods, fermented items like miso and natto, and seafood contributing to a healthy lifestyle. At Patina Osaka, aligned with Japan’s focus on an active and balanced lifestyle for longevity, we encourage guests to stay active by offering running activities in the nearby park, our extensive gym and studio, along with wellness activities such as sunrise and sunset yoga and sound healing and advanced health-tech machines for hyperbaric and oxygen therapy, cryotherapy and red light therapy to support quick recovery and improved health, providing a holistic approach to well-being that mirrors the traditional Japanese emphasis on vitality and well-being.
Please share with us the design considerations for Patina Osaka, and how it reflects the spirit of the city and what that conveys about the Patina brand.
Patina Osaka embodies the core values of the Patina brand, creating a space that seamlessly connects with the local environment, celebrates the rich history of the area, and offers guests a new perspective. The design is deeply inspired by the land’s heritage, from the natural stone walls at the entrance that evoke the ancient memory of the Naniwa-No-Miya Palace Ruins, to the sustainable artwork in our signature restaurant “P72,” where reclaimed wood and roots symbolize the deep connection to the region’s past. Inside the hotel, every element has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the timeless beauty of Japanese craftsmanship. The bold rammed earth walls, the grand staircase crafted from compacted soil, and the wooden beams and columns all create an immersive environment that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshing in its modernity.
Patina Osaka is designed to honor local culture while offering a unique, transformative experience. The guest rooms further this vision by blending materials like wood, stone, and delicate washi paper, paying homage to the craftsmanship that has been passed down since the construction of Osaka Castle. The headboard, reimagining the stone walls of the castle, serves as a striking reminder of the region’s enduring legacy, while offering guests a space to relax, reflect, and connect with the land’s rich history. Every detail within Patina Osaka invites guests to experience not just luxury, but a deep sense of belonging, tradition, and a fresh perspective on the harmony between the past and the present.
With the global tourism industry becoming more and more focused on sustainability, how does Patina Osaka provide a luxury experience while at the same time practicing sustainability?
Patina Osaka takes sustainability to heart, providing a luxury experience that is deeply rooted in responsible practices. Our commitment to sustainability goes far beyond eliminating single-use plastics. For example, we grow our own herbs in the hotel garden, ensuring that our ingredients are fresh, local, and environmentally conscious. We also prioritize sourcing food from local farmers, supporting the community and reducing our carbon footprint.
In our restaurants, we take sustainability a step further by creatively incorporating food waste into our menu. One example is our delicious tart, made from ingredients that would typically be discarded – like tea leaves from our restaurant’s tea, coffee grounds, and orange peels from juicing – reused as part of the tart dough. This not only reduces waste but also results in a delightful dessert, showcasing the perfect harmony between sustainability and taste.
We also offer activities that encourage guests to adopt sustainable practices, such as learning how to reuse food waste for fermentation. By engaging guests in these hands-on experiences, we help them develop a deeper awareness of how small, thoughtful actions can make a big impact.
At Patina Osaka, we believe that luxury today is not just about indulgence, but about offering a meaningful, sustainable experience. By blending sustainability with world-class hospitality, we aim to provide a fresh perspective on what it means to travel responsibly while still enjoying the finest comforts.
Which countries or regions are the main target markets for Patina Osaka? What kind of marketing strategies do you plan to attract travelers from these markets?
Patina Osaka primarily targets travelers from the US, Asia, and Europe, as these regions are familiar with our brand through prestigious publications and luxury media. To reach these markets, we work closely with Capella Hotel Group and our team in Singapore to fully leverage our global network. This includes partnering with luxury travel agencies and securing media coverage.
We also focus on digital marketing efforts, such as online campaigns, social media, and collaborations with influencers, to engage potential guests in these regions. By combining media partnerships and digital strategies, we aim to position Patina Osaka as a top luxury destination for travelers from the US, Asia, and Europe.
What trends do you see in the travel needs of Chinese tourists? How does Patina Osaka fulfill these needs?
Chinese tourists are known for seeking unique cultural experiences, high-quality dining, and digital convenience. Patina Osaka meets these needs by offering authentic Japanese hospitality, a wide variety of dining options, and diverse programming. Additionally, we provide digital payment methods to ensure convenience for our guests.
What do you think are the most important elements in running a successful hotel?
The people. At Patina, we call our employees – Teammates. Our teammates are the core in everything we do. Patina culture is deeply embedded in our personalized services. A well-trained, motivated team that works together harmoniously is crucial for maintaining high service and quality standards.
What is your vision for the future of this hotel? How will you stand out from the competition in Osaka?
Patina Osaka’s vision is to be more than just a luxury hotel – it’s a place where both locals and travelers connect, inspire, and transform. It’s a space for sharing ideas, gaining new perspectives, and creating lasting memories through unique experiences and services that can’t be found anywhere else.
Patina Osaka aims to be a destination within a destination – a place cherished by the local community and a must-visit for travelers. We are committed to spreading the Patina spirit, where luxury, culture, and sustainability come together to offer something truly special for every guest.
