Nobu Hotel London Portman Square

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square Overview

You know what hit me first when I walked into Nobu Hotel London Portman Square? The smell – not typical hotel lobby air freshener, but this subtle mix of Japanese hinoki wood and something clean and mineral-like. It’s honestly quite striking, and I found myself pausing in the entrance just to take it in. The whole place feels like someone took a really thoughtful approach to blending Japanese minimalism with that classic London grandeur you get around Marylebone.

I mean, the location is pretty brilliant if you actually know London. You’re literally on Portman Square (which is one of those gorgeous Georgian squares that tourists walk past without realizing), but here’s the thing – you’re also a three-minute walk from Oxford Street without dealing with the Oxford Street chaos. Baker Street tube is right there, and honestly, being able to pop over to Regent’s Park for a morning run or walk to Selfridges without fighting crowds is kind of perfect. The neighborhood has this residential feel during evenings and weekends that I really appreciated – you’ll hear actual Londoners walking their dogs instead of just tourist chatter.

What actually sets this place apart though is how they’ve done the rooms. The design is clean without being stark, and the lighting is incredible – they’ve got these paper-thin screens that diffuse natural light beautifully during the day. The beds are firm (which I personally love, but heads up if you prefer squishy), and the bathrooms have these deep soaking tubs that actually fit a normal-sized human being. I stayed on the fifth floor facing the square, and mornings were genuinely peaceful – just birds and the occasional delivery truck, nothing like the constant hum you get near the major thoroughfares. Check-in was smooth, though they do get busy around 3 PM when everyone arrives at once. The staff actually knows the neighborhood well, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how rare that is – they sent me to this little wine shop on Crawford Street that I never would’ve found otherwise.

Here’s what’s interesting: the Nobu restaurant downstairs is obviously fantastic, but it can get pretty scene-y on weekends. If you’re not in the mood for that energy, there are some genuinely good local spots within a few blocks – Chiltern Firehouse is close if you want the full London experience, or you can walk to Marylebone High Street for something more low-key. The hotel itself doesn’t have a pool or gym that’ll blow you away, but there’s a decent fitness setup, and honestly, with Hyde Park and Regent’s Park both walkable, you’re not really missing much.

One small thing – parking is tricky around here (this is central London, after all), but the valet service is solid if you’re driving. The 8.5 rating feels about right to me – it’s genuinely special without being perfect, and there’s something refreshing about a five-star place that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to impress you. It just quietly does everything well.

Nobu Hotel London Portman Square Accommodations

Facilities