The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Hotels
•
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
8.3 (3096 reviews)
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury , London , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Hotel has a cozy decor
Friendly and accommodating staff
Excellent central location
High quality breakfast options
Cons:
Noise issues from neighboring rooms
Comfort level of beds varies
Stairs and uneven floors in an old building
Additional charges for breakfast items

Categories

Cleanliness
8.13
Some reviews mentioned cosmetic issues in rooms, affecting the perception of cleanliness.
Service
9.1
Staff received high praise for their kindness and consideration in several reviews.
Location
8.84
Guests highlighted the ideal location for central London, contributing positively to their stay.
Room Quality
7.59
Mixed feedback with mentions of discomfort in rooms and structural quirks, affecting overall comfort.
Amenities
8.12
Good amenities were noted, but some guests found certain aspects lacking, such as noise control.
Value for Money
7.58
Several reviews indicated that the price point did not align well with the experience provided.
Food and Beverage
8.63
Breakfast quality was praised, although some guests noted additional charges as a downside.
Overall Experience
8.4
Overall positive experiences with a few noted drawbacks impacting individual aspects.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-11 01:16

Property Description

Luxurious Georgian Townhouses Turned Boutique Hotel

Award-Winning Design and Gourmet Dining
Indulge in rooms crafted by New York's Champalimaud Design, featuring marble en-suite showers and bespoke furniture. Start your day with an extensive Continental breakfast buffet or opt for a delicious a la carte breakfast for a small fee. Explore nearby dining options or unwind at the Alchemy Bar's Terrace with Mr. Ma's Afternoon Tea and unique cocktails.

Prime Location for Exploring London
Located just a 5-minute walk from The British Museum, The Academy is your gateway to London's iconic landmarks. Discover Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Covent Garden within a leisurely 15-minute stroll. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Oxford Street, Soho, Chinatown, and Trafalgar Square, all within a mile from the hotel.

Ready to experience luxury and convenience in the heart of London? Book your stay at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World now!

Important information:

Please note, this property does not have an elevator, and rooms are only accessible via stairs.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: LHR

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 16 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 16 years old stay for free when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs GBP 32.50 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.3
Based on 3096 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.13
Service: 9.1
Location: 8.84
Room Quality: 7.59
Amenities: 8.12
Value for Money: 7.58
Food and Beverage: 8.63
Overall Experience: 8.4
H
Héctor • solo_traveller • es
9
Pros:

En general todo muy bien.

Cons:

La cama un poco blando.

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
M
Mike • couple • gb
10
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
D
Dragan • solo_traveller • rs
10
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
G
Gsalas • couple • ch
10
Pros:

La localización es espectacular, muy cerca del British Museum. Tiene muchos restaurantes cerca, parada de metro y autobuses.
Las habitaciones son preciosas, con cama y almohadas muy muy cómodas.
El desayuno está bien, bastante completo y productos de calidad.
El personal es muy amable. Era el cumpleaños de mi marido y nos ayudaron a reservar un sitio donde cenar, incluso nos invitó Davide a dos copas de prosecco (muchísimas gracias Davide, eres el mejor! Perdón que no pude agradecerte en persona).
Recomendaré este Hotel a todo el mundo y volveremos seguro!

2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
P
Patricia • family_with_children • us
10
Academy made my first stay in London a big part of a great experience in the city.
Pros:

I drank my coffee black and enjoyed it immensely. My granddaughter, who is studying in London, joined us for breakfast and she was welcomed as if she were a guest of the hotel. I would like to thank everyone for their gracious hospitality.

Cons:

It was a little difficult using the shower soap from the tubes in the shower.

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
T
Trevor • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Friendly staff, location was very central to restaurants, theatres etc.

Cons:

I would have appreciated the invlusion of a cooked hot breakfast rather than the buffet style, however the food was of good quality..

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
B
Benedikt • solo_traveller • at
9
2026-03-12 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • solo_traveller • ch
7
Cons:

The bathroom was too small.

2026-03-11 • via Nuitee
C
Claudia • solo_traveller • es
10
Pros:

The bed was super comfy, the water pressure excellent after a long day outside, the room was small but adequate, BUT THE STAFF... the staff takes the crown jewel here! Absolutely perfect! It made me feel welcomed and safe at all times.

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
M
Malcolm • solo_traveller • gb
4
Unsatisfied. Pl Unsatisfied
Pros:

The location and the staff.

Cons:

Where to start. Unlike your glossy video., the room was too small and up three flights of stairs. I was amazed that for a four star hotel you didn't have a lift. There were issues with a plug socket that di.didn't work. Also il hardly slept a wink due to light seeping into the room through the door.
And when we had afternoon tea outside my part
partner had to change her dress as the cushion on the seat was not only wet but dirty

2026-03-10 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Comfortable and clean

Cons:

7% surcharge on checkout.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
T
Tryggvi • couple • dk
10
Luxury in central London
Pros:

Luxurious apartment in the middle of London, on a really quiet street. Breakfast was great, staff were very friendly and helpful, and the room was quite comfortable.

2026-03-09 • via Nuitee
C
Cheryl • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Lovely staff, great room, delicious breakfast

Cons:

Lots of stairs we were on the 3rd floor but gave us a good workout!

2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
A
Athena • solo_traveller • nl
9
2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
B
Bonner • couple • gb
8
2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
J
Jenny • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
D
Delphine • family_with_children • fr
10
Magnifique séjour dans un bel hôtel idéalement placé et très sécurisé
Pros:

Très bien placé , très confortable, personnel au top

Cons:

Avoir plus de choix pour le bar restaurant

2026-03-07 • via Nuitee
Y
Yaroslav • couple • il
8
Pros:

Good location

Cons:

Stairs, we got room on the last floor without lift…

2026-03-06 • via Nuitee
O
OLIVIER • family_with_children • fr
10
2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
D
Dominic • solo_traveller • de
7
Pros:

- nice furniture, friendly staff, good location overall
- should be especially cool in summer when the terrace is open etc.
- It is quite cozy overall

Cons:

- The rooms have seen better times and my room was quite dark
- V. small bathroom (when sitting on the toilet, you are basically 'in' the sink) -> bathroom had a bad smell from the drain..
- Continental breakfast was included but it was just average - nothing like 'luxurious' and even for the price rather bad I would say

Overall, it's an 'ok' hotel but not more than that. Better get a 3* for GBP 100 less per night and have the same quality imho

2026-03-05 • via Nuitee