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The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5.0 star property
Georgian hotel with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Terrace/patio
Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk
Library
Lobby lounge, alfresco dining, open daily
Lobby

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London, England, WC1E 6HG
  • Place, Russell Square
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, The British Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Piccadilly Circus
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, London (LHR-Heathrow)
    ‪37 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members
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Room options

View all photos for Townhouse Single Room

Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk

Townhouse Single Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • 151 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bloomsbury King Room

Bloomsbury King Room | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk

Bloomsbury King Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bloomsbury Suite

Bloomsbury Suite | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk

Bloomsbury Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Townhouse Double

Townhouse Double | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk

Townhouse Double

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)
  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Bloomsbury Twin Room

Bloomsbury Twin Room | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk

Bloomsbury Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bloomsbury Single

Bloomsbury Single | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk

Bloomsbury Single

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bed

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About the neighborhood

London

Located in London City Centre, The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is adjacent to University College London and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Russell Square. This 50-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, 24-hour room service, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Russell Square - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • The British Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Leicester Square - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Piccadilly Circus - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Trafalgar Square - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Goodge Street Underground Station - 4 min walk
  • Tottenham Court Road Station - 8 min walk
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪GAIL's Bakery - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Jack Horner, Holborn - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Rising Sun - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Life Goddess - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Black Sheep Coffee - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Georgian hotel with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World features free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a business center. Offsite parking is offered for a fee. Multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with securing valuables, tours or tickets, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this boutique hotel include coffee/tea in a common area, a library, and free newspapers.
28-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. IPod docks, espresso makers, and free newspapers are also available.

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Offsite parking; discounts available

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • The Alchemy Bar

Things to do

  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • No elevator

More

  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1775
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Georgian architecture
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 28-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels
  • iPod dock

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Laptop workspace
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers discounted parking nearby.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Academy Hotel London
Academy London
The Academy Hotel London
The Academy London, England
Academy Hotel
The Academy
The Academy Small Luxury Hotels of the World
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World Hotel
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World London
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World Hotel London

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

As of Oct 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World on Oct 26, 2025 start from $228.76, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What can I see within easy reach of The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

This hotel is situated in London City Centre, just steps from Tottenham Court Road, and within a 10-minute walk of Russell Square and The British Museum. You'll also find Leicester Square and Oxford Street less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

No, there isn't parking at the hotel but you'll find nearby parking with discounts available.

Does The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World include a casino on the premises?

No, The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this boutique hotel include around-the-clock room service, premium bedding, and bathrobes.

Does The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

The closest major airport to The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is London City Airport (LCY), which is 9.2 mi away (45 minutes by car). Another top airport is Heathrow Airport (LHR), which is located 20.1 mi away (54-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 389 out of 648 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 165 out of 648 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 63 out of 648 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 23 out of 648 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 648 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

STEVE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Robbie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort

Nice, but try to get a room away from street

AC unit started leaking water. Staff quickly fixed the issue and offered another room. Two days later it leaked again. Moved to a new room with more space, but no bathroom sink space and right below the street. In the new room cars, motorcycles and people were noisy throughout the night. Not the hotels fault, just try to get a room not located next to the street. Great location Walking distance from shopping, stores and broadway shows.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Wesley

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms not as advertised. This is NOT a 5-star or luxury hotel. Staff not the best or very attentive either.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Belinda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We have stayed in many hotels and found The Academy to be just like a small, family run hotel. It was excellent. The staff could not have been friendlier and more helpful, particularly Felix and the ladies in the breakfast room. The bar and garden are beautiful and the room was spacious, spotlessly clean and the bed very comfortable. We would not hesitate to stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Denis

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, small rooms, really small. My roomed had the stench of overcooked broccoli pretty much the whole stay. The single rooms are dark, low lighting, and room 43 must be over their kitchen trash…not recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shobha

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abeer

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the place. Staff all friendly and nice.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Good location to British Museum and many walkable parts of the city; easy going vibe; helpful staff. Only surprise was the thimble size of the single room, which took some gymnastics to maneuver.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allison

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was small but had windows and it was well decorated. Breakfast is very good
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolute perfect location. Very tranquil area with many great small cafes and restaurants. Was quiet and calm at night and very walkable to everything. The room was large and very comfortable. We would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sergio, Ciudad de México

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Excellent staff, but some rooms and bathrooms are very small. No elevator. The breakfast is minimal with no hot items except tea/coffee unless you pay extra.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shantel Flemming

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This place was perfect for me. Had a bar, a gorgeous outside garden and the rooms were comfy. I enjoyed the staff and hope to come back soon.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Royce

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property! Great atmosphere! Room was spacious and comfortable. Convenient location! Highly recommend!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rodel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were so kind and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
What a great place to stay. From my early arrival on Saturday morning (to drop my bag) until my departure two days later, I loved my time at The Academy. Much as this hotel has many excellent features; *a convenient location for the west end, *great nearby transport links, *a beautifully decorated room, *breakfast included with the room, *free drinks in the fridge, *pod coffee maker *comfortable public rooms *a garden space to chill, the best quality of this hotel is its staff. Every member of the team I met in reception, housekeeping and in the dining room was so helpful and looked genuinely happy to be there. Smiles were immediate and warm. I very much hope to stay here again. Hx
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent. Luxe interiors, helpful staff, enormous continental breakfast. Would recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Jeff

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice. Tiny room.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is in the perfect location to see all of London within a short walk or bus/underground ride. So many shops, bars, restaurants, and theaters nearby! The staff went above and beyond any time I had a question or needed anything!! Highly recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Marion

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely area. Walkable from main stations. Close to British museum. Room v comfortable with tasteful decor. Breakfast good. Staff v helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARIA

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I've stayed in the this hotel more than 20 times so I'm well qualified to speak about it. It's on a lovely street close to the British museum and West End theaters, which works perfectly for me. The beds are terrible and in spite of renovations of the property have not been changed since the 90s when I first stayed there. That and a kind of mediocre breakfast are the downsides. My small room is always clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

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