The 249-room Marybelone hotel, which showcases the work of David Collins Studio and Make Architects among others, has welcomed its first guests.

Following the success of Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay and Nobu Restaurant Monte Carlo, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square represents the third collaboration between Nobu Hospitality and L+R Hotels. It’s also the 13th hotel for the brand, which was founded by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Hollywood star Robert De Niro and entrepreneur Meir Teper.

A new addition to the Nobu portfolio

The latest hotel to join the Nobu Hospitality portfolio sits on a prominent corner of Portman Square. This highly anticipated opening encompasses a signature Nobu Restaurant and Nobu Bar with year-round terrace, as well as fitness and wellness facilities and a 600-person ballroom, which is launching in 2021.

“This is a hugely exciting day for the team and I, and we can’t wait to welcome our first guests into the hotel and restaurant,” said Grant Campbell, general manager of Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, on its opening day. “The support we have had so far has been fantastic – with bookings for the restaurant far exceeding our expectations in the current climate. Despite the tremendously difficult challenges of the past year, we’re now looking forward to playing our part in the comeback of hospitality in London and beyond.”

For the opening, the legendary Nobu Berkeley Street restaurant has relocated here.

Craftsmanship and Japanese-inspired design

The hotel takes a contemporary approach to both design and hospitality. The interiors draw inspiration from Japanese architecture and minimalist design with the colour palette reflecting influences taken from heritage Japanese colour combinations. David Collins Studio is behind the design of the hotel’s public spaces, from the lobby to Nobu Restaurant and Nobu Bar.

A focus has been placed on craftsmanship throughout with details including hand-blown glass chandeliers, sculptures and original artwork. Guests are met on arrival with a five-metre kinetic sculpture by British artist Ivan Black, which hangs from the lobby’s high ceiling. A sculptural cloud statement pendant light by glassblower Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert is suspended above reception too.

Make Architects designed the rooms and suites, which are spread across seven categories, as well as The Nobu Penthouse to echo the character seen throughout the rest of the hotel, taking inspiration from Japanese minimalism and adding elements of bold art. Here, guests can expect details like striking wall prints and bespoke lighting. Rooms have abundant natural light and some come with terraces overlooking Portman Square.

The hotel is owned by L+R Hotels, which also led the development; besides Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, the group’s impressive portfolio includes the likes of Cliveden House in Berkshire and Chewton Glen in Hampshire.

Editor’s note: Shortly after Nobu Hotel London Portman Square announced its opening, London moved into tier four of local restrictions. Under these rules, the businesses required to close include: hospitality venues such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and social clubs; with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway (until 11pm), click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery; and accommodation such as hotels, hostels, guesthouses and campsites, except for specific circumstances, such as where these act as someone’s main residence, where the person cannot return home, for providing accommodation or support to the homeless, or where it is essential to stay there for work purposes.