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The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London, London
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Key details
About the Hotel
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury,
London,
United Kingdom,
WC1E6HG,
Greater London
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World combines five Georgian townhouses into a 50-bedroom boutique hotel in Bloomsbury, featuring timeless glamour and traditional features merged with modern city style. This 5-star property occupies a position in London's West End, amid grassy squares and grand Georgian townhouses with 240 years of history.
Designer Luxury Rooms
Each room at Small Luxury Hotels Of The World features marble en-suite shower rooms and bespoke furniture by award-winning Champalimaud Design. The accommodations include Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, USB charging ports, and Nespresso facilities.
Refined Dining Options
The Refectory serves continental breakfast daily, while the Alchemy Bar offers specialty cocktails by mixologist Ilias Chondros. The menu features smoked paprika calamari, four cheese ravioli, and beef lasagne.
Business Meeting Spaces
The Genius Lab accommodates small meetings and drink receptions. The Academy Book Club hosts monthly literary gatherings, while the Library features distinctive monkey wallpaper for quiet reading.
Central London Location
The Academy positions guests 4 minutes from the British Museum and near multiple Underground stations. Kings Cross and St Pancras International stations are within a 20-minute walk, while Euston Station is 10 minutes away on foot.
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Select your room type
The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Experience a variety of amenities at the boutique hotel, crafted to ensure your comfort and unforgettable moments
Wi-Fi
Parking
GBP 32.50 per day
Baggage storage
24-hour services
24-hour reception
24-hour security
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Happy hour
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Business
Business center
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cribs
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Location
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury,
London,
United Kingdom,
WC1E6HG,
Greater London
Map view
street view
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury,
London,
United Kingdom,
WC1E6HG,
Greater London
City landmarks
Museums
The British Museum
2100 ft
Westminster Bridge Road Riverside Building
Coca-Cola London Eye
1.3
mi
Garden
Buckingham Palace
1.4
mi
Square
Trafalgar Square
5100 ft
Museums
National Gallery
1.0
mi
Elizabeth Tower - Houses of Parliament
Big Ben
1.4
mi
Church
Westminster Abbey
1.5
mi
Marylebone Rd
Madame Tussauds London
1.5
mi
Parks
Hyde Park
1.8
mi
Oxford Street
Oxford Street
2700 ft
Opera House
Covent Garden
2800 ft
Market
Borough Market
2.0
mi
Square
Piccadilly Circus
5100 ft
Great Central House
Marylebone Tube
5200 ft
Castle
Tower of London
2.5
mi
Gallery
Tate Modern
1.6
mi
Church
St Paul's Cathedral
1.5
mi
Palace
St James's Park
1.3
mi
Clive Steps
Churchill War Rooms
1.3
mi
Harbor
Tower Bridge
2.6
mi
Public Building
Houses of Parliament
1.5
mi
Church
Westminster
1.5
mi
Mosque
Regent's Park
1.3
mi
Zoo
ZSL London Zoo
1.5
mi
Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
4700 ft
Bloomsbury
Gordon Square
2900 ft
Museums
London Transport Museum
4300 ft
Seven Dials Covent Garden
Seven Dials
2900 ft
Nearby
Hospitals
University of London
2000 ft
Restaurants
Olivelli
500 ft
35 Store Street
The Life Goddess
600 ft
29 Store Street
Chettinad Restaurant
1300 ft
16 Percy Street Soho
The College Arms
600 ft
Wc1e 7dh 18 Store Street
Busaba Bloomsbury
900 ft
22 Store Street Bloomsbury
Spaghetti House
1300 ft
Palladium House 1-4 Argyll Street
Mybar Bloomsbury
1100 ft
11-13 Bayley Street
GAIL's Bakery Bloomsbury
1200 ft
11 Bayley Street
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
60%
enjoyed the hotel and would happily stay again
6.0/10
Guest rating
Rooms
7.0
Location
8.6
Service
7.4
Dining
7.2
Guest reviews
6.0/10
based on 5 reviews
8.2
8.2/10 based on 2678 reviews
Christina
United Kingdom,
March
2025
6.0/10
I had a mixed experience at The Academy. The charming decor and prime location were definite highlights, but there were some service hiccups that left me disappointed. While the breakfast spread was good, I found the staffing situation could use improvement.
Rooms
5.0
My room was quite compact and felt smaller than expected, with some minor issues like ineffective air conditioning. However, I did appreciate the modern amenities and complimentary refreshments provided.
Service
6.0
The staff were friendly, but I felt they were stretched thin during busy times. For instance, when I sought assistance regarding parking, the response was not as helpful as I would have hoped, and I encountered some misunderstandings.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location is superb, close to Euston and several underground stations. It made exploring London incredibly convenient and enjoyable.
Dining
8.0
Breakfast was a highlight of my stay. with fresh pastries and great coffee. The dining area was beautifully decorated, adding to the overall positive experience.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel offered a range of facilities, though I found some aspects lacking, like the absence of an elevator which made carrying bags upstairs challenging. Room service was decent and timely, though the bar area was quite busy.
Joshua
United Kingdom,
January
2025
6.2/10
I had a lovely stay at The Academy, although there were a few hiccups along the way. The room was spacious with a comfortable bed and nice decor, making for an enjoyable experience. However, the absence of a lift made accessing my room a bit challenging, especially with my heavy bags. Overall, the attentive service and good breakfast options with fresh choices added to my positive impression.
Rooms
9.0
My room was quite large and well-furnished with a comfy bed and a Nespresso machine. It was a bit noisy due to the old Victorian building's features, like the squeaky floorboards.
Service
8.0
The staff were very helpful and attentive, going the extra mile to make my stay comfortable. However, I did experience some delays in the bar and with room service.
Location
10.0
The Academy is conveniently positioned within walking distance to various attractions and dining options. This made exploring the area very easy for me.
Dining
8.0
Breakfast offerings were plentiful and featured many fresh options like pastries and fruits. However, I found miscommunication regarding the full English breakfast pricing.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel features a charming bar area and lovely lounge spaces. The lack of a lift is a downside, but the overall facilities were well-kept.
Emerson
United Kingdom,
December
2024
5.8/10
The Academy in Bloomsbury offers charming decor and a cozy atmosphere, though the small room sizes might be a drawback for some. The service was generally warm and accommodating, especially at breakfast. but the dining options could use some improvement in variety. Overall, it’s a beautiful hotel that has its strengths, though I feel the pricing is slightly high for what’s included.
Rooms
6.0
The room I stayed in was quite tiny, which is typical for London. However, it was clean and had some nice decorative touches, like wine and biscuits.
Service
7.0
The staff were friendly and attentive, especially in the breakfast area, but there were occasions where the responsiveness wasn't up to par. I felt a lack of empathy in some of my interactions.
Location
9.0
The position of the hotel is excellent. it's close to the British Museum and within walking distance of various attractions. I would definitely choose to stay in this part of London again.
Dining
6.0
The breakfast included a nice spread, but I found the continental options a bit limited in variety. While the service was good, I expected more from the food, especially considering the price point.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel has lovely common areas, including lounges and a pleasing courtyard. but the bar was often unavailable when I wanted to use it.
Ava
United Kingdom,
December
2024
5.8/10
I had a pleasant stay at The Academy, with its charming and well-renovated interiors. The service was great, making me feel well cared for. However, accessibility issues, such as the lack of an elevator and the basement rooms, were notable downsides, impacting my overall experience.
Rooms
7.0
My room was clean and cozy, featuring a comfortable bed and a lovely bathroom with excellent water pressure. However, it felt a bit cramped, especially in comparison to other places I've stayed in London.
Service
9.0
The staff was truly attentive and kind, enhancing my experience at the hotel. They were proactive in handling my luggage and ensuring a smooth check-in process.
Location
6.0
While the hotel is situated quietly across from UCL, I found the location a bit odd for exploring other attractions. It felt secluded, and getting to more vibrant areas required longer walks through less appealing parts of the city.
Dining
8.0
Breakfast was a good spread with fresh food and a nice atmosphere, although it was located in the basement. The options were satisfying, but I felt that the space could use improvements for accessibility.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel offers basic facilities, but I was disappointed by the lack of an elevator and the limited space in the breakfast area. Nonetheless, the environment was lovely and fit the hotel’s boutique charm.
Kathryn
United Kingdom,
December
2024
6.4/10
My stay at The Academy was quite amazing. I enjoyed the charming decor and the fantastic location near Bloomsbury. However, the breakfast options were a bit limited and could use some enhancement. Overall, the comfort of my room and the quality of service from the staff made my experience enjoyable.
Rooms
8.0
I stayed in a beautifully decorated room that was surprisingly snug. the linens were good, and the Nespresso machine was a nice touch. I did find the size a bit compact, but it catered to my needs as a solo traveler.
Service
7.0
The staff were genuinely warm and accommodating. On one occasion, they helped resolve an issue with my booking efficiently, which I greatly appreciated. However, a promised follow-up from management regarding a room issue didn't materialize, which was disappointing.
Location
9.0
The hotel's position was ideal for my trip. I was able to walk to many attractions and local cafes easily. Plus, the proximity to Euston station made my travels around the city a breeze.
Dining
6.0
While I enjoyed the breakfast offering's quality, I found the selection a bit lacking. I was expecting a wider variety beyond the continental spread and a basic bacon roll. It didn’t quite match the standard set by other aspects of the hotel.
Facilities
7.0
Facilities like housekeeping and secure luggage storage were well-managed. but the absence of a lift did make the six flights of stairs a challenge for me, especially after a long day out.
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