As the Olympic Games opens in Tokyo this summer, get a little taste of Japan here in the UK at The Prince Akatoki, the only 5-star Japanese hotel in London. Drawing inspiration from Asia, this is the perfect destination to relax and experience Japanese culture. House of Coco was invited to try the hotel’s Taste of Japan package, designed to create an authentic, memorable stay.
The experience starts as you check-in to one of the luxurious rooms, where you are welcomed with special Japanese inspired comforts including a traditional tea set so you can create your own tea ceremony and Yukata robe laid out on your bed, which add a little Asian fusion to your stay. All of the bedrooms are spacious however we were lucky enough to be upgraded to one of the suites. This zen sanctuary oozes style and elegance, combining neutral tones and minimalist lines, synonymous with Japanese interiors. A clean, fresh, light aesthetic is continued throughout the hotel. Soft white walls and natural wood run throughout the space. As well as a large bedroom and bathroom, the suite includes a kitchen and living space, ideal for relaxing in. The floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom floods the room with natural light. A stunning fusuma panel inspired wall is the focal point of the suite bringing an accent of colour to the room. There are touches of the Far East scattered all around the hotel including the beautiful Ikebana style floral displays.
After checking in we went for a stroll. The hotel is perfectly located for anyone who wants to explore London. Hyde Park is on your doorstep, and it is a short walk to Oxford Street and Bond Street.
After a couple of hours shopping and taking in the sights, we were ready to relax so went back to the hotel for a drink and dinner. It is wonderfully calm in The Prince Akatoki and you instantly feel a million miles away from the bustling London streets.
Superb sake is the name of the game at The Malt Bar and you can’t stay here without sampling the Japanese homegrown sake. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, this sophisticated, grown up bar has a serious selection of rare Japanese whiskies and spirits. Whisky fans can purchase their own premium bottle which will be housed in the bar’s secret vault that only you can access with your own key as and when you fancy a tipple. A full bloom cherry blossom tree has been installed in the corner and is the perfect backdrop to sip Sakura inspired cocktails. We sampled some of the extensive cocktail menu, I opted for a Momo Martini, a blend of Haku vodka, St. Germain, lychee water, peach honey and yuzu.
After drinks we head to TOKii restaurant for some authentic Japanese cuisine. The space is contemporary, dark timber joinery, screen divides and low lighting create an intimate atmosphere. The A La Carte menu has something for everyone with signature dishes, lighter bites and sides as well as a full menu of Nigiri, Sashimi and Sushi Roll options. The dishes served are like works of art and pretty enough to fill any Instagram feed. We opted for a bit of everything and were not disappointed, every dish was delicious. TOKii’s menu is modern, fresh and combines the best of Eastern and Western flavours. Highlights include the lobster croquettes, crisp and delicate with a perfectly balanced ponzu and mango salsa. The crispy pork belly was rich in flavour and the Cornish crab mayonnaise was not only an array of mouth popping tastes, but it was also beautifully presented, so much so I felt bad eating it. Our waitress insisted we try the wagyu beef with spicy ponzu sauce and I am so glad we did, it was ‘melt in your mouth’ tender and bursting with flavour. I would come back here just for the dining experience.
The Japanese pride themselves on service and the staff here are excellent, the attention to detail and level of hospitality was faultless throughout our stay. The hotel offers guests a chance to explore a culture rich in unique experiences set in a luxurious, relaxing space. The Prince Akatoki is a staycation that will whisk you to the other side of the world, without having to travel abroad.
Nightly rates at The Prince Akatoki London start from £229. A Taste of Japan Experience also includes a sushi masterclass and Ikebana flower arranging, which you can take home as a souvenir. To celebrate their post lockdown reopening, The Prince Akatoki is offering Sakura Season experiences, for more information and to book visit theprinceakatokilondon.com
Comments are closed.