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The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5.0 star property
VIP Access

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

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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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 BONUS+ 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)
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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)
  • 21 sq m
  • 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)
  • 32 sq m
  • 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)
  • 21 sq m
  • 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)
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Bloomsbury Single

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

Bloomsbury Single

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Single Bed

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About this property

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Georgian hotel with 24-hour front desk and restaurant
This smoke-free hotel features a restaurant, a bar/lounge and coffee/tea in a common area. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, 24-hour room service, a business centre and concierge services are on-site.
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers 50 accommodations with iPod docking stations and espresso makers. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Beds feature premium bedding. 28-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include a shower, bathrobes, slippers and designer toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, complimentary newspapers and telephones. Additionally, rooms include a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Hypo-allergenic bedding and an iron/ironing board can be requested. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Russell Square. Features include free WiFi in public areas, plus a restaurant and a bar.
  • Free WiFi
  • Grab something to eat at the restaurant or stop for a drink at the bar/lounge
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge and tour or ticket assistance
  • Steps from University College London and 4 minutes on foot from Russell Square
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A business centre and meeting rooms are available.

Public spaces have free WiFi. A library, a terrace, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

This Georgian London hotel is smoke free.

The Alchemy Bar – This lobby lounge only serves light fare. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting).
24-hour room service is available.

Awards and affiliations

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

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Payment types at the property

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.

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

Reviews

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness
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

Reviews

6/10 Okay

STEVE

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

6/10 Okay

Robbie

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Eduardo

Business traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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