The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Hotels
•
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
8.3 (3249 reviews)
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury , London , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 3249 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
S
Seamus • couple • nl
7
2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
A
Aileen • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • couple • au
10
2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
A
avsinan • couple • tr
8
konum şahane
Cons:

Kahvaltısı standartlarına göre zayıftı.

2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
G
Giuseppe • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Location and the gardens were very nice

2026-06-03 • via Nuitee
E
elisheva • solo_traveller • il
8
Pros:

מיקום מעולה, צוות אדיב.

Cons:

חדרים מאד קטנים. מאד יקר

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
L
Lorenz • couple • be
7
Goed voor een kort verblijf, misschien te duur voor wat het is
Pros:

Vriendelijk personeel, goede locatie. Makkelijk bereikbaar

Cons:

Het heeft wat opfrissing nodig,
De muren zijn beschadigd
Stoffen zetels beschadigd
Airco maakt veel lawaai, ramen die niet allemaal volledig open konden,..

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
A
Almog • couple • il
10
2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
V
Victoria • couple • gb
7
Would not recommend.
Pros:

Great location.

Cons:

Tiny room in the eaves. Very little light. No lift and a lot of stairs to navigate. Breakfast is continental buffet - you pay extra if you want cooked. Hit us with a 5% service charge on departure.

2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
J
Jean-François • solo_traveller • fr
8
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
K
Kabir • couple • gb
10
Will definitely booking again
Pros:

The decor was beautiful

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
S
Simon • couple • gb
8
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
V
VIVIEN • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • couple • gb
9
Loved the hotel overall - staff friendly and super helpful
Pros:

Comfortable bed and linens - beautiful shower gels etc. Nice touch with waters, biscuits and drinks in fridge. Good location to tube and nice surrounding restaurants

Cons:

Carpet could do with a refresh - stairs a bit steep with luggage

2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
C
Christian • couple • ch
9
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
M
Mies • solo_traveller • nl
8
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • solo_traveller • us
10
The staff is wonderful. The room is beautiful and I would stay here again.
Pros:

The staff was super nice and the building and rooms were really beautiful

Cons:

I was put in room number 18, which is the furthest away and up four flights of stairs. Other than that, I enjoyed my stay.

2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
K
Kendelle • couple • gb
6
Pros:

Great location. Staff were fantastic. Bed was very comfortable.

Cons:

We were in a dark basement room and it had a damp smell to it which was a shame but I’m sure the rooms upstairs are much nicer.

2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
H
Herpe • couple • fr
8
2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
D
Dawn • couple • gb
10
Great location, slightly pricey, great staff
Pros:

Lovely ambience, great location, nice staff

Cons:

It is not clear in booking.com that the included breakfast is just the continental, the full English is an additional £15.
Although the staff did clarify at check-in.
A service charge is added, although it is optional, you have the uncomfortable task of asking for its removal.

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee