In short… A minimalist-chic option in this very old-world city!
The surroundings… Portman Square is in a very residential part of Marylebone, but so convenient to Chiltern Street shopping, Mayfair, and a five-minute walk to the Bond St. and Marble Arch tube stations. It’s a block from one of our favorite special occasion restaurants, Kol, and one our favorite spots for a bacon roll, Marble Arch News.
The vibe… Minimalist Japanese interiors with a 7-meter-tall kinetic sculpture by British artist Ivan Black at the center of the lobby. Because it’s a very open floor plan, it has a vibrant energy–there are a lot of people in the lobby having meetings, and in the adjacent bar area–so it feels alive. However, once you’re upstairs in your room, it’s the complete opposite.
The rooms… Cozy chic—we had a one-bedroom suite with oak-paneled walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, which meant lots of daylight even on a grey day. Japanese touches throughout—from the tea setup to the lighting fixtures. And so well soundproofed—we never heard anyone above or beside us, or anyone from the hall, or a beep from the street.
The food & drink… When we’re in London, we rarely eat or drink in the hotel, but we did have lunch at Nobu and it was delicious—as expected! We aren’t breakfast people, but I did check out the buffet when I went there to grab a coffee. It was fine, but not great—I would have expected some Japanese options, but it was pretty standard fare.
The wellness… They have a great daylit gym with lots of Technogym equipment and plenty of space to stretch. There are also two Pilates studios.
Date of stay… October 23-26, 2025
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