The Prince Akatoki London is a charming hotel tucked in the heart of Marylebone, offering Japanese-inspired minimalism with a touch of London charm. With its tranquil design, flawless service, and thoughtful details, this boutique hotel is a standout for travellers seeking luxury and a unique cultural twist.
Hotel
From the moment you step into The Prince Akatoki, you’re greeted by an atmosphere of calm – away from the hustle and bustle of central London. The lobby is softly lit, with clean lines and muted tones, embracing Japanese aesthetics. The hotel’s dedication to omotenashi – the art of Japanese hospitality – is evident in every detail, from the warm smiles of the staff at reception to the spotless bathrooms (wait until you get to the room!).
We visited The Prince Akatoki having just returned from a trip to Japan, so our stay felt like being transported back to Kyoto’s Gion district, home to Geisha and tranquil gardens.
Room
A spacious, plush bed greeted our arrival to the fourth floor, with crisp white linens paired with tatami furnishings. The neutral colour palette of the room felt like a long and peaceful sigh, exuding zen-like relaxation.
One standout feature – the headboard lighting – could be adjusted to match your mood. At night, the warm glow turned the room into the cosiest space, but another setting can be used to wake you gently in the morning – a must if your stay coincides with a grey London morning.
The bathrooms are equally indulgent, with sleek marble walls, a rainfall shower and a deep tub. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or traditional Japanese green tea – with a built in TV for you to watch from the comfort of the tub. An array of luxe White Company toiletries give the bathroom a luxury spa feel, but if you’re craving some extra pampering, in-room treatments by local masseurs can be arranged.
Food and drink
Dining at The Prince Akatoki is a delight from start to finish. The in-house restaurant, TOKii, offers an exciting menu blending Japanese cuisine with European influences. Our highlights included the pork belly skewers, which melted in the mouth, the yellowtail carpaccio, the buttery miso black cod paired with sweetcorn rice, and the smoky, umami-rich grilled aubergine.
The food is delicious, but the setting completes the experience. With dark wooden sliding doors and minimalist décor, TOKii’s interior feels authentic down to the last touch – and immediately transported us back to Japanese. It has a calm and inviting atmosphere, with warm and knowledgeable staff always ready with recommendations.
To round off the night, I’d highly recommend heading to the adjoining Malt Lounge and Bar for an after-dinner cocktail. Offering an extensive selection of Japanese whiskies, the highly skilled mixologists whisked us up several delicious cocktails, to our taste.
Come morning, breakfast at the hotel makes for the perfect way to ease into your day. As well as offering a buffet of freshly baked pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurts and overnight oats, you can choose from the cooked breakfast too. Japanese omelettes have a reputation for being light and fluffy and The Prince Akatoki’s were no different. Pair your breakfast with a matcha latte or freshly brewed coffee, and you’re all set for a day of exploring London.
To do
The Prince Akatoki’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring London. On a sunny day, guests can do no better than taking a stroll to nearby Hyde Park or browse the charming boutiques and shops along Marylebone High Street. For food and drink, the area is packed with fantastic options, including The Carpenter’s Arms. It’s a short walk away and serves an excellent Sunday roast.
As you wander, soak in the timeless beauty of the surrounding Georgian architecture, with its elegant terraces and classic London charm. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re a regular visitor, The Prince Akatoki puts you right in the heart of it all, with many transport options right on your doorstep.
In a nutshell
The Prince Akatoki London is a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city madness. With its Japanese-inspired design, it’s the kind of place where guests can instantly switch off and unwind. The service exemplifies the art of Japanese hospitality, and the small details —from ambient lighting, authentic interiors and incredible Japanese food —that really stay with you after visiting. When a trip to Japan isn’t on the cards, this boutique hotel in the heart of London is surely the next best thing.
Factbox
Address: 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
Phone: 020 7724 4700
Website: theprinceakatokilondon.com
Hotel photography courtesy of The Prince Akatoki London.
