The hype
Travelers love the sleek Japanese aesthetic and the friendly staff, but often feel the room rates are high for the square footage.
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
$400-600/ night
Book this if You want the Nobu brand cachet and a killer Marylebone location without the chaotic party scene of the Shoreditch outpost.
Why People Love It
- Minimalist 'Zen' design that actually feels calming, not just empty
- The Nobu Restaurant and Bar are destination spots right downstairs
- Location is unbeatable—steps from Selfridges but tucked in a quiet square
Quick Take: It's a fantastic restaurant with very expensive, stylishly small bedrooms attached.
Reviewed by @gregkiep: I stayed in this suite at Nobu London and it was the ultimate escape. The separate living room was perfect for unwinding, and the bed was like sleeping on a cloud. It felt so private and serene despite being right in the city center.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the location and the brand name; the entry-level rooms feel like upscale capsules.
- You prioritize a high-end gym and Pilates reformer classes over a pool
- You want to be walking distance to Marylebone High Street and Mayfair
- You love the Nobu dining experience and want priority access
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough; turn-down service is provided. Reviews consistently praise the 'spotless' nature of the rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Grout is clean, glass is streak-free. No mold reports found.
- Maintenance: The hotel is relatively new (opened 2020), so wear and tear is minimal. Everything feels crisp.
- Linens & towels: High thread count Egyptian cotton. Towels are fluffy and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of a signature 'Nobu' scent (citrus/woody). Rooms are fresh, no musty carpet smells.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Elevator dings if your room is close to the lift bank
- Heavy doors slamming in the hallway
- Occasional street noise on lower floors facing the square
Before you book
Good to know
- The 5% service charge on the room rate is 'discretionary'—you can ask to remove it, but it's awkward.
- Breakfast is not usually included in the standard rate and costs ~£30-45 per person.
- The Pilates studio is world-class but classes are pricey (~£35+) and book up fast.
What to pack
- Grip socks for the Reformer Pilates studio
- Smart casual outfits—the lobby and bar are a fashion show
- A universal power adapter (though USB ports are plentiful)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Zen Suite for actual breathing room and a separate living area
- Deluxe Balcony Room for fresh air and views over Portman Square
- High-floor rooms (7th floor and up) for the best light and least noise
Rooms to avoid
- Cosy King rooms if you have more than one carry-on bag
- Rooms directly opposite the elevator bank (noise complaints reported)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room away from the elevators to minimize hallway noise. If available, a higher floor facing Portman Square would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a wellness center with a gym and Pilates studio, but no swimming pool.
Is breakfast included?
Rarely. Expect to pay extra unless you booked a specific package. It's a la carte or buffet, and expensive.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it's pet-friendly. There's a pet fee of around £40-50 per stay, and they get a bed and bowls.
How far is Oxford Street?
Literally a 5-minute walk. You are right behind Selfridges.
Is the Nobu restaurant hard to get into?
Yes, it's popular. Hotel guests get priority, but you should still book your table when you book your room.
What is the 'Cosy King' room really like?
Small. 20-22 square meters. Think of it as a high-luxury crash pad, not a place to hang out.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Ringo' cocktail at the Nobu Bar is a local favorite.
- ✨
You can order from the Nobu menu in the Lounge or via room service if the main restaurant is fully booked.
- ✨
The Pilates studio is open to non-guests, so it has a cool local vibe, not just transient travelers.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 5% 'accommodation service charge' added to your final bill is a nasty surprise if you aren't expecting it.
💡The lighting in the rooms is very 'moody' (read: dark)—great for romance, bad for doing makeup.
💡You can walk to Chiltern Firehouse in 5 minutes for a drink if the hotel bar is too crowded.
💡The 'wellness' focus is real—the gym is better than 90% of hotel gyms in London.
💡Housekeeping is generally excellent, but turn-down service can be hit-or-miss with timing.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is located and what's nearby.