Has The Prince Akatoki London Hotel Changed The British Hotel Industry?

You know the saying, "when one door closes, another one opens?" Well, sometimes, when one hotel closes, another one opens - and in the same spot too. That was the case with the Prince Akatoki London, a hotel that seemingly arrived with the intention of transforming the British hotel experience.

Has it succeeded in this? Well, to know the answer to that, we need to take a deeper look at this establishment, which now resides where The Arch London used to live. We're curious to see how much influence the new owners - Japanese group Prince Hotels - have had on the place.

The lobby boasts a relaxing environment that almost seems otherworldly

It seems that the change is instant from the moment that you enter the lobby. Featuring a communal workspace, several check-in desks, and a comfortable seating area, it's almost like being in another world. There's a very quiet, relaxing element to the space, which even seems to boast the scent of a spa to emphasize that. B3 Designers were reportedly responsible for the overhaul of the hotel, and they placed emphasis on creating a sleek and contemporary look. Given the history that a lot of London's buildings have, this sort of design could appear incredibly out of place. However, while it definitely has a feel of something 'other,' it somehow suits the city perfectly.

The rooms are light and filled with useful features for guests 

After seeing the rooms that the Prince Akatoki London has to offer, we're hopeful that this place will indeed revolutionize the British hotel industry. In a city where the rooms can often be cramped and unwelcoming, the dozens that are available here are like a breath of fresh air. While some are certainly smaller than others, the use of pale wood ensures that even the space that is 226 square feet feels quite roomy. The rooms come with all sorts of amenities like a smart TV, coffee maker, refrigerator, free WiFi, and Bluetooth speaker. There's also a turndown service available, with some of the bigger suites having their own quiet patio. Plus, many of the suites are connected, which is great for those traveling in larger parties. The only real downside is the lack of views, but that's something that can't always be helped in London.

The Prince Akatoki London also comes with a 24/7 gym

It's not just the lobby and the bedrooms that make the Prince Akatoki London such a standout hotel. Something else that you'll find here is a gym, which comes with plenty of weights and cardio machines. Although the space is somewhat limited, a decent number of people can still exercise at the same time. Plus, the gym is open 24/7, so if you're a bit of a night owl, you might want to consider late-night workouts if you'd like a bit of peace. What's more, guests have access to free towels and bottled water, which is a nice touch when you're paying as much as you are to stay here.

The food on offer here takes a lot of influence from Japan

With the Prince Akatoki Lodon's amazing location near Oxford Street and Hyde Park, finding somewhere to eat isn't that difficult. However, you may not want to stray far for food, in which case, the hotel restaurant is worth checking out. TOKii maintains the Japanese influence that's consistent throughout this place, offering dishes like sushi and grilled skewers. If you're not a fan of Asian delicacies, this might not be for you. Plus, seating seems to be pretty limited, with the service sometimes questionable. However, if you do love Japanese cuisine, you shouldn't be disappointed by the menu. What's more, the prices are pretty comparable to other similar restaurants around the city. That doesn't mean that it's cheap, but this is London that we're talking about here. It's also worth noting that the hotel is home to the Malt Lounge & Bar, where you can enjoy an afternoon tea experience that wonderfully fuses Japanese and English treats together.

TOKii also offers guests free breakfast and sushi masterclasses

Is there anything else worth knowing about the Prince Akatoki London hotel? Well, if you've ever been interested in becoming a sushi master, you might be happy to know that TOKii apparently offers classes on Mondays and weekends in the afternoon. It apparently costs £150 (roughly $185) for you and someone you're vacationing with to learn this Japanese art. Thankfully, while this might cost extra, something that you don't have to pay for is your morning meal. It seems that this is included with the price of your room, meaning you can enjoy delights like a traditional Japanese breakfast for free. We'd recommend making the most of this if you don't want to spend much on food later in the day.

The Prince Akatoki London hotel is definitely one of the best places to stay in the English capital right now. Ideal for anyone who loves Japan but wants to visit London, a stay here should be something that you remember long after you've checked out.