Talk about location, location. A fusion of 5-star Japanese style and hospitality in one of London’s most storied areas, The Prince Akatoki touts minimalist elegance and tranquillity for the ultimate serene stay on the edge of the city’s busiest shopping street.
The Prince Akatoki London might be one of the city’s best-kept secrets, occupying an enviable location among Georgian mansions on a quiet leafy street in Mayfair, yet just a five-minute walk to Marble Arch tube station and bustling Oxford Street.
It’s perfectly positioned for seamless exploration of Central London and many major attractions with Marble Arch, Hyde Park, Paddington, Mayfair and Oxford and Regent streets in easy walking distance and Soho, West End and Covent Garden also just 2km away.
Part of the Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts portfolio and listed in Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), The Prince Akatoki London is located 26km from London Heathrow Airport or a 31-minute tube ride on the Elizabeth Line to Bond Street.
Checking-in
The Prince Akatoki is a Japanese-owned and -inspired luxury sanctuary in London, housed within seven Georgian townhouses near Marble Arch in Mayfair.
It’s within walking distance of Marble Arch and Bond stations if you’re travelling directly from London Heathrow Airport, or the hotel will arrange transfers for an additional fee.
The 82-key hotel recently underwent refurbishment with updated suites and rooms reopening in October 2024 with a mindful balance of modern amenities and minimalist chic, including luxury bathroom upgrades and living areas.
Attention to detail is paramount throughout, from personalised staff touches down to the signature scent – a woody incense aroma that quietly underscores the hotel’s commitment to harmony and balance for an elevated guest experience.
The room
We check into a Deluxe Room – a 23sqm space with a queen bed that can be converted to twin beds – and described as a minimalist retreat with traditional Japanese elements.
The room features a view of the street from an almost floor-to-ceiling window, a small table and chair and blond wood furniture, including a TV cabinet, drinks bar and wardrobe.
Behind the bed with its floating shelves, a fusuma panel-inspired wall hanging in soft, sunset hues imbues the minimalist space with subdued, soothing tones and an orange armchair provides the only other pop of colour.
Other Japanese touches include two yukatas, provided on top of the plush bathrobes and slippers, with instructions on how to tie the obi sash, and a traditional tea set.
Mod cons include a JBL speaker and Nespresso coffeemaker, while tea drinkers will be thrilled by the presence of Jing teabags and a kettle, increasingly not always available in hotel rooms, with loose chamomile tea provided as part of the turndown service.
The fully stocked minibar offers free non-alcoholic drinks, such as kombucha, soft drinks and energy drinks, alongside Veuve Clicquot Champagne, wine and beer, plus shortbread, chocolate, nuts, pretzels and crisps for snacking.
In addition to the flatscreen TV, there is also a TV screen in the shower – handy for London weather updates each morning – within the contrasting black marble bathroom counters with bamboo wall panelling, AXOR Hansgrohe rain shower and full bath mixers and luxe MALIN+GOETZ amenities. Heated towel rails and a massive fog-free mirror are another welcome bathroom feature.
Each room also has a yoga mat and a Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, further promoting the in-room mind-body balance; however, the room is already whisper quiet with zero noise from other rooms or outside.
Food and drink
The Prince Akatoki has an onsite Japanese restaurant, TOKii, which provides a breakfast buffet and a la carte menu as part of the stay, as well as a lunch and dinner service.
TOKii brings the Japanese aesthetic to the décor in a darkened space with bamboo slats over the windows and deep booths as well as counter seating. The restaurant features refined Japanese cuisine from sushi, sashimi and grilled meats to an 11-course omakase and masterclasses.
On the night we dine there, the restaurant is full and buzzing with not only hotel guests but also other groups of diners.
The breakfast menu offers Western, Arabic and Japanese options, from a full English breakfast and American-style pancakes to shakshuka, grilled salmon and tamago omelette and smashed avocado on toast.
An extensive in-room dining and lunch menu also includes bento boxes and sashimi.
The hotel also has The Malt Lounge & Bar – a hidden ground-floor bar with warm, dark panelled space and more than 100 Japanese and international whiskies and other spirits on hand for cocktails, plus sake, wine and beers.
Amenities
Located on the first floor is the hotel’s gym and yoga space, open 24/7. The gym offers modern facilities, including cardio and weight equipment, while the dedicated yoga area is bathed in natural light.
The concierge team can also connect you to local fitness classes, personal training and spa treatment options. For runners, Hyde Park is right on the hotel’s doorstep for a loop around the paths and through to Kensington Gardens for a longer run.
The verdict
While you can’t fault the enviable location in London, the bespoke service, onsite amenities and chic interiors are also faultless and definitely make my stay memorable.
The Prince Akatoki London staff are knowledgeable and highly approachable, and no request cannot be accommodated.
While The Prince Akatoki may be hidden in plain sight in one of London’s busiest areas, it’s a tranquil retreat from the city streets that’s well worth seeking out for a stylish Japanese-inspired 5-star stay in the English capital.
The details
- Address: 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
- Room type: The Prince Akatoki London has 82 suites and rooms, including the Deluxe Room
- Check-in: 3pm
- Check-out: 12pm
- Rates: From £265–£2,000 per night
- Website: theprinceakatokilondon.com
The writer was hosted by The Prince Akatoki London.
