Nobu London Portman Square

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square stands as a beacon of modern luxury in the heart of London's affluent Marylebone neighborhood. This Michelin Key Selected property seamlessly blends Japanese minimalism with sophisticated London cosmopolitan culture, offering guests an opulent and tranquil escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel frequently described as "stunning," "luxurious," and "excellent." Review platforms often show high scores, typically ranging from 8.5 to 9.0 out of 10 for overall experience. Guests appreciate the hotel's cleanliness, prime location, and enjoyable atmosphere. However, some reviews indicate a mixed experience, with occasional issues raised regarding service consistency, noise levels, and breakfast quality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Nobu London Portman Square:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently praised for being friendly, attentive, helpful, and embodying the Japanese spirit of "Omotenashi."
• Location: The hotel boasts an "excellent" and "perfect" central London location in Marylebone, offering easy access to attractions like Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Selfridges, and Marble Arch Tube Station.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design is a significant draw, characterized by its luxurious, contemporary aesthetic. The dramatic lobby features a mesmerizing kinetic sculpture by Ivan Black, and the interiors showcase dark wood, elegant furnishings, and a "zen" atmosphere.
• Amenities: Highlights include a full-service spa, a 24-hour fitness center, the world's first Nobu Pilates Reformer studio, two acclaimed restaurants, and a vibrant bar.

3. Room Quality

The 249 individually designed rooms and suites are described as spacious, modern, impeccably clean, and exceptionally comfortable. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses with Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding, complemented by a pillow menu for personalized comfort.

Room amenities are comprehensive, including air conditioning, minibars, laptop-compatible safes, Smart TVs with satellite channels, complimentary wireless internet, desks, and Nespresso coffee/tea makers.

Bathrooms are a luxurious affair, often featuring marble floors, rainfall showerheads, bathrobes, slippers, and designer Grown Alchemist toiletries. While generally well-appointed, some guests noted the absence of a Japanese toilet despite the hotel's thematic influence. Certain room categories, like the Zen Suites, offer spacious living rooms and bathrooms with TOTO toilets and bathtubs. Many rooms provide city views, and some even include private balconies.

4. Dining Experience

Dining is a central pillar of the Nobu experience, with several distinct options:

• Nobu Restaurant: The namesake restaurant is considered "sensational" and a destination in itself. It offers an iconic menu of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, including signature dishes like Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi, and Rock Shrimp Tempura. The atmosphere is described as a "huge, low-lit, sexy space" that feels "buzzy and theatrical." Omakase tasting menus are highly recommended, with "helpful and knowledgeable staff" explaining each "exceptional" dish.
• Breakfast: Served in the restaurant or bar area, breakfast offers a diverse menu that includes Japanese signature flavors like Salmon & scrambled egg donburi, Banana caramel soy French toast, alongside a full English breakfast. Quality is generally high, with praise for homemade baked beans and flaky croissants. A unique perk mentioned is breakfast being served until 2 PM, allowing for a leisurely start to the day. However, service can sometimes be slow on busy mornings.
• Nobu Bar & The Lounge: The Nobu Bar is known for its cool cocktails, including the popular Japanese Fizz. The Lounge offers a refined setting for afternoon tea.

5. Service & Staff

The hotel's staff is consistently highlighted as a major strength, embodying the "Omotenashi" philosophy with their thoughtful and attentive service. Guests frequently use terms like "incredibly friendly," "helpful," "gracious," and "exemplary." Specific instances of staff going above and beyond, such as specially making a croissant when they had run out, underscore their dedication. While overall service is highly rated, some isolated comments mention slow breakfast service or internal management issues within the spa department.

6. Location & Accessibility

Nobu London Portman Square enjoys an enviable location in Marylebone, a "coveted" central London neighborhood. It is conveniently situated "tucked away yet close to the bustling streets of Mayfair and Soho." Major attractions like Oxford Street, Hyde Park, and the upscale Selfridges department store are all within a short walking distance. Public transport is easily accessible, with Marble Arch Tube Station just a five-minute walk away, providing excellent connectivity across London. The hotel also offers valet parking for a fee. For guests requiring accessibility, the hotel features wheelchair-accessible amenities and rooms.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury, Michelin Key Selected property, Nobu London Portman Square operates at a higher price point. Room rates can vary significantly, with deluxe rooms starting from around $126 and king rooms from $389, while suites can range from approximately $397 for a Superior Room up to nearly $4,000 for the two-bedroom Nobu Penthouse. A full breakfast typically costs around GBP 25.00 per person, and valet parking is approximately GBP 80 per day.

Guest opinions on value for money are somewhat mixed; many guests feel the exceptional service and facilities justify the cost, deeming it "great service and value for money." However, some note that dining, particularly in the Nobu restaurant, is expensive. Leveraging benefits through certain luxury travel agents can enhance the value proposition with perks like hotel credit and upgrades.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues mentioned by guests include:

• Service Inconsistencies: Although generally excellent, some guests have reported instances of slow service, particularly during breakfast.
• Noise Levels: A few reviews have cited issues with noise, although others describe the rooms as "unusually quiet."
• Breakfast Quality/Experience: While many praise breakfast, it has also been a point of mixed feedback and occasional criticism regarding quality or the waiting time.
• Room Size: Some guests perceive certain room categories as being on the smaller side.
• Lack of Japanese Toilet: A minor but noted point for a hotel with a strong Japanese theme.
• Spa Management (Employee Reviews): Internal employee reviews suggest potential issues with management and professionalism within the spa department, though this is not directly from guest experiences.

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