The Credentials
Housed behind an attractive-but-unassuming townhouse façade, The Prince Akatoki is a little sanctuary of Japanese elegance in Marylebone. With 82 rooms, a small gym, a very stylish cocktail bar and a stellar Japanese restaurant, this pristine property has everything you need for a sophisticated city break.
Sleep
The hotel has 82 minimalistic rooms set across a lower level and four floors (though you won’t find the number four in the lifts, as four is considered an unlucky number in Japanese culture). Despite being located on the lower level with no view to speak of, my room was called Sunrise (or less poetically, 001), which played into the hotel’s theme, as the Japanese word for dawn is akatoki. While there was no view, there was a small patio with a few chairs and some plastic greenery; however, it was nice to have fresh air.
Because of the creative lighting scheme, the room didn’t feel too dark or basement-like. The generous bed—set in front of a pretty peachy mountain landscape on fusuma panels—was nothing short of perfect, with high-quality sheets and fluffy pillows. I also really appreciated the lavender sheet spray left at turndown, the bouncy slippers and the lovely traditional yukata robes.
The bathroom felt utilitarian and corporate with harsh lighting and generic (read: terrible) toiletries, but the Toto toilet, rain shower and extra amenities (like loofa, toothbrush, comb, etc,) uplifted the space.
Throughout, the room was spotless, and I also appreciated the little Japanese-inspired touches, like the fired-clay teapot, Jing tea selection and delicate flower arrangement.
Dine
Tucked away down a dark corridor and intimately designed, The Prince Akatoki’s Malt Bar & Lounge may just be the best-kept secret in Marylebone. Like the rest of the hotel, the style here is Japanese minimalism, and each creative cocktail takes inspiration from a single Japanese ingredient like rice, soy, ume or yuzu. This makes for a genuinely remarkable menu that’s well-thought-out but also approachable and not too esoteric. I had the Kumquat, which was delightful with sour-and-sweet notes. There’s also a fantastic collection of Japanese whiskeys.
After my impressive drink at the bar, I went on to enjoy a true Japanese feast at the fantastic TOKii. Expect a winning menu of shared dishes. The maki rolls were fresh and flavourful, and don’t miss the buttermilk fried chicken with zesty gochujang mayo; lamp rump with green miso; and the crispy lobster croquettes. There’s a well-presented sake menu and the knowledgeable staff will be able to direct you, should you have any questions.
Breakfast follows a similar theme, though there is also a buffet and plenty of western dishes to enjoy.
Who Goes There?
The Prince Akatoki seems to attract plenty of business travellers and a few well-heeled families (with one child), but the majority of guests seemed to be couples.
Out & About
The Prince Akatoki has an unbeatable location just behind Marble Arch, close enough to Oxford street to enjoy the shopping, but far enough away to not feel overpowered. It’s also close to Regent’s Park and Hyde Park.
The Worst Thing
My bathroom—though spacious—felt a bit corporate.
The Best Thing
Do I have to choose just one? I really appreciated the east-meets-west details like the spicy, woodsy signature hotel scent; the delicate rice paper of the cocktail menu; and the his-and-hers yukata robes left at turndown.
The Details
Nightly rates at The Prince Akatoki start from £400 inclusive of bed and breakfast.
The Prince Akatoki, 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
