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

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, Tottenham Court Road
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Russell Square
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, The British Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, London (LHR-Heathrow)
    ‪45 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

Room options

Townhouse Single Room

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

Bloomsbury King Room

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

Bloomsbury Suite

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

Townhouse Double

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

Bloomsbury Twin Room

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

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
  • ‪Black Sheep Coffee - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Life Goddess - ‬2 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, dry cleaning/laundry, and tours or tickets. 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.

Similar properties

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 Nov 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World on Nov 16, 2025 start from $225.9, 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.

Will I be able to park 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at 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.

Are there hot tubs at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

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, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony 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. 391 out of 654 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 168 out of 654 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 63 out of 654 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 654 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 654 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

10/10 Excellent

Evan

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Karl

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

8/10 Good

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cute hotel in a great location.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trevor

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terhi

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful historical property near the British Museum
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

London Base....

My second time to stay in the hotel, I really like the vibe and the location is Great. Si Easy to get to from TCR tube station. 10min Walk. The rooms are compact and you have to climb a few sets of stairs to get there about 4 or 5 flights to my room. Last Time I was on ground floor, but no big deal at the same time. Full sized bathroom with shower 🚿 nice bar and courtyard area outdoor for summer drinks. Got complimentary drinks as I didn't get one last time because there was a slight delay with my room last time. Complimentary soft drinks mini bar and Continental breakfast in the morning which is nice. Coffee ☕ or tea ☕ and usual cereal 🥣 and pastries 🥐 etc. really Nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Feels like being a guest in a beautifully maintained city home. Staff is friendly & helpful. A pleasant outdoor courtyard is great for a drink or your dinner. There are many stairs, and no lift but staff will bring your luggage up & down for you. I would return to this comfortable personal hotel again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Katherine van

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle, Mountain View

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

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff was very attentive and the hotel is perfect! Breakfast was really nice too.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

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