The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

5.0 star property
Boutique hotel near Russell Square

Choose dates to view prices

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

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

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

Heart of London.At this London City Centre hotel, you'll be well placed to visit Russell Square and University College London, both within a 5-minute walk. Also, The British Museum is within half a mile (1 km) and Leicester Square is within 2 miles (3 km).

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

Boutique hotel near Russell Square
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A business center 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.

  • 50 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • Built in 1775
  • Business facilities
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
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 showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, complimentary newspapers, and phones. Additionally, rooms include safes and complimentary bottled water. Hypo-allergenic bedding and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Awards and affiliations

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

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

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

Things to do

  • Library
  • TV in common areas

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

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

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

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.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Union Pay, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation.

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

How close is The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World to the airport?

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is 9.2 mi (45-min drive) away from the London City Airport (LCY) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Nov 1, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World on Nov 2, 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.

Does The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Does The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World offer free breakfast?

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

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.

Is there free parking at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

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

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World does not have a pool.

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

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is home to The Alchemy Bar, which features al fresco dining and light fare.

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

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World to downtown London?

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is 0.9 mi away from London.

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 391 out of 652 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 166 out of 652 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 63 out of 652 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 652 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 652 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

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

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