An ‘Irasshaimase!’ Staycation

From the quaint, cosy townhouses in Mayfair, we moved to the recently opened “high-octane glamour” of Nobu Portman Square in Marylebone for the Bank Holiday weekend’s staycation.

The hotel lobby was a zen minimalism of pale wood and stone tiles and at the centre was a five-metre kinetic sculpture that casts a magical spectacle of light and shade from its rotating metal fins. All this was, a complete contrast to the old world grand hotels or country houses that we’re more used to in the U.K. It didn’t surprise Mum when she learnt that it was David Collins Studio that created the public spaces, of whom she is a big fan.

From the Jeremy Maxwell hand-blown glass cloud illuminated sculpture over the hotel reception …

to the exquisiteness of the detail and the refinements of Japanese architecture, it was a feast for the eyes.

We couldn’t wait to see our room.

We were Wow-ed!

Let us give you a tour of our room.

Look what they had for me – beef chews and my own bathrobe!!!

We didn’t want to leave the room and only did so because we had to have dinner at Chef Matsuhisa’s iconic Nobu restaurant on the terrace.

This is how I sat throughout the meal with my head on Mum’s lap but nothing was passed down to me. It must have been that good that Mum didn’t share any!

The night was still young and Mum decided to hang out at The Lounge for after dinner drinks.

The staff immediately brought me a bowl of water and a towel to lie on even though I thought the carpet was perfectly fine!

We really couldn’t wait to get back to our room.

We were so ready to relax in our suite. We donned our bathrobes and were in time to watch the sun set over the trees in nearby Hyde Park.

As beautiful images filled our minds, I needed to write about our staycation at Nobu before day’s end.

With that out of the way, it was time for the all essential bath – one of the reasons Mum chooses to stay in hotels!

Finally, we could get into the large inviting bed! And so to beddy-bye!

Till tomorrow, Oyasuminasai!

May’s comments: Nobu Hotels blend modern cool luxury and minimal Japanese tradition into the concept of a lifestyle hotel.  Having worked in the world of hotels and real estate development in my previous life, I was curious to stay in one after it had reopened after the second lockdown.

The new Nobu property near Portman Square is just north of the world-renowned Oxford Street and borders on Marylebone Village’s independent boutiques – very conveniently located for shoppers. And importantly for dog staycations, it is a 9 minute walk to Hyde Park!

I am a big fan of David Collins Studio, and it didn’t surprise me to learn that they had designed the public areas of the 249-room hotel as well as the Nobu Bar and Restaurant.

An infusion of Japanese art and architecture in a palate of pale wood and stone.

And loving the little details.

Lucky us, we were upgraded to a suite with two balconies.

Love the considerate touches –

The treats in a glass jar were beef chews. The bathrobe for furry-friend has got to be by far the best doggy amenity in any hotel we have ever stayed in. Like the human bathrobes, the doggy one is for room use but they can be purchased.

• There are no restrictions in terms of weight or height.
• Pets will need to be on a lead at all times.
• Pets are allowed on the Terrace and in The Lounge.
• Pets are not allowed in Nobu Restaurant or the Nobu Bar, and they are not to be left in the rooms.

There is a pet fee of £50 for each stay, regardless of number of dogs. They were disappointed when I told them I was only bringing one dog!

The alfresco section of the Nobu Restaurant is dog-friendly – and definitely one to add to our Wine and Dine Directory.

Our staycations are all about a change of scenery. Since it is so difficult to travel abroad, and honestly, not feeling particularly comfortable doing so, our ‘Irasshaimase!’ curated staycation was the perfect change of scene!

The Nobu Portman Square is located at 22 Portman Square, London W1H 6LW. The Nobu in Shoreditch will reopen later this year. Looking forward to an edgy experience there!