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The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5.0 star property
This urban London retreat blends artistic heritage with contemporary luxury, featuring a peaceful garden patio and easy access to iconic attractions.

Choose dates to view prices

The Academy, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers a tranquil garden sanctuary in central London. Guests can dine outdoors at The Alchemy Bar, browse the library, use free WiFi, or relax by the lobby fireplace. The attentive staff earns high praise.
VIP Access

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$374
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Townhouse Single Room

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

Townhouse Single Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Designer toiletries
Hairdryer
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Bloomsbury King Room

Bloomsbury King Room

Bloomsbury King Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Designer toiletries
  • 21 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bloomsbury Suite

Bloomsbury Suite

Bloomsbury Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Blackout curtains
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Townhouse Double

Townhouse Double

Townhouse Double

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Designer toiletries
  • 21 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Bloomsbury Twin Room

Bloomsbury Twin Room

Bloomsbury Twin Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Designer toiletries
  • 21 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Bloomsbury Single

Bloomsbury Single

Bloomsbury Single

Highlights

Individually furnished
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Designer toiletries
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Single Bed

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About the area

Located in London City Centre, a neighbourhood in London, The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is near a metro station. The British Museum and Royal Opera House are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Marble Arch and Big Ben. London Eye and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum are not to be missed. Visit our London travel guide
Map
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London, England, WC1E 6HG

What's nearby

  • Estação do metrô de Londres: Tottenham Court Road
    Tottenham Court Road
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Beautiful view of the garden in Russell square with residential buildings view
    Russell Square
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • The British Museum showing interior views as well as a large group of people
    The British Museum
    5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • University College London
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • University of London
    3 min walk - 0.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Eggslut
    4 min walk
  • British Museum Members' Room
    3 min walk
  • Great Court Restaurant
    3 min walk
  • GAIL's Bakery
    4 min walk
  • KFC
    4 min walk

About this property

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Luxury boutique hotel near The British Museum
Located close to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World provides a terrace, a garden and a library. The on-site restaurant, The Alchemy Bar, features al fresco dining and light fare. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with dry cleaning/laundry services and a fireplace in reception.
Other perks include:
  • Tour/ticket information, a front desk safe and coffee/tea in reception
  • Free newspapers, a banquet hall and luggage storage
  • Smoke-free property, meeting rooms and a TV in reception
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All 50 individually furnished rooms feature comforts, such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, in addition to thoughtful touches, such as laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with designer toiletries and showers
  • 28-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Wardrobes/cupboards, electric kettles and daily housekeeping

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 transport

  • No on-site 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 centre
  • 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 lift

More

  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1775
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Georgian architecture
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Dressing gowns
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

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

Is The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

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

As of 9 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World on 15 Mar 2026 start from AU$374, including 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.

How much is parking at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 2 AM.

What time is check-out at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Where is The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World located?

Located in London City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of University College London and Russell Square. The British Museum and Leicester Square are also within 15 minutes. Goodge Street Underground Station is only a 4-minute walk and Russell Square Underground Station is 8 minutes.

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Reviews

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 414 out of 693 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 174 out of 693 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 71 out of 693 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 693 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 693 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Esther

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was blown away by the kind, caring, and supportive staff at the Academy. Their food was delicious, the bed so comfortable, and my stay was fantastic! It was the perfect location as it was close to all the major sites within walking distance and it was calm, quiet, and tranquil. I would highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Averil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the moment we arrived to the moment we left the staff were so helpful and accommodating. We were supposed to stay for 2 nights but ended up extending our stay for another 2 nights! The rooms were lovely and warm during the cold weather, cleaned every day and mini bar restocked. The continental breakfast was amazing and with endless cups of coffee. Very close to Covent Garden and West End, perfect location and felt safe walking about at night as lovely area. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sujatha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff was amazing
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a fabulous stay by every metric. The room was delightful and the bed and linens so perfect for sleep after a long day out walking and the breakfast was delicious with many options. One of the best features of the hotel were its numerous public spaces including a garden - and one could sit and read while having a coffee or tea or cocktail. Truly a gem of a place - looking forward to returning soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and the reception areas are well decorated and look lovely. We only arrived late so didn't see the other rooms such as the library or bar. It was a good price and value for money. Room on the small side and shower small and on 4th floor. no issue for us, but could be a problem for access issues. Beautifully decorated and nice touches of complimentary water and soft drinks in the room. Helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

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

10/10 Excellent

Terhi

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

8/10 Good

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Delightful but cramped. No elevator and four flights to walk. Staff couldn’t be lovelier. Lication perfect.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Great hotel.. central location.. great staff
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous hotel - walkable - nice bar, lounge, patio - and great staff.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bozena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Academy hotel is very cozy and it is beautifully decorated. The rooms are comfortable, and the breakfast is absolutely wonderful. It is located in a very nice neighborhood with pretty much walking distance to main attractions London has to offer. There is also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from. The staff is wonderful! They are very responsive and making sure you have a wonderful stay. Highly recommend it!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 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

Rodel

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

10/10 Excellent

Eva

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A very nice hotel located within walking distance to Soho, Oxford street, Buckingham Palace etc. The bed was very comfortable and the breakfast was amazing. The best I have ever had in UK.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

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

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

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I really enjoyed our stay. The staff was very helpful and the location is excellent. I would stay here agian.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel. Clean, attentive staff, lovely atmosphere. Nice little oasis.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo

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

Katherine

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

10/10 Excellent

Belinda

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

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

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

Good hotel in a good location

David was incredibly helpful and the staff overall was very friendly. A great location thats within walking distance to many locations and walking distance to multiple train lines as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Manuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and awesome property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

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

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