Malakoff - Saint-Donatien Nantes, France
Opened
2012
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage WellnessOutside the door
Minimalist chapel retreat
Nineteenth-century stone arches and soaring vaults frame an airy chapel retreat, energized by monochrome lines and vivid modern furniture.
“Public spaces and guest rooms have bright white walls, cool grey granite pillars, high vaulted ceilings, and a suitably austere ambience.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Minimalist monochrome interiors contrast historic stonework with colourful designer furniture beneath seventeen-meter vaulted ceilings.
Notable
Restored 1883 Neo-Gothic chapel featuring soaring stone vaults, original granite columns, and preserved stained-glass windows.
Notable
Subterranean relaxation space equipped with an ice cabin, hammam, Finnish sauna, and sensory experimental shower.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Housed in a 19th-century chapel, Nantes’ Sozo Hotel brings a whole new meaning to the word ‘divine.’
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The 19th-century Jardin des Plantes botanical garden sits right across the street, a short walk from Nantes TGV train station.
The rooms
Bedrooms tuck beneath stone vaults and stained glass on the chapel or sacristy sides, paired with minimalist finishes and custom beds.
Sauna and hammam
A mosaic-tiled steam room is lit by tea lights, set beside a timber sauna and a sensory shower.
The spa
Blue light illuminates the subterranean ice cabin, steps from a private room for massages and rituals.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
The Choir Bar serves drinks beside a grand piano, and breakfast includes regional Beillevaire cheeses and fresh pastries.
How it began
Rescued from demolition in 2009, the 1883 Neo-Gothic chapel was reimagined as a sanctuary named after the Japanese word for creation.
Good to know
Stay here
Sozo Hotel
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Nantes
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.