The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Exterior photoThe Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Exterior photoThe Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Exterior photo

THE ACADEMY - SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD, London – A Smart Stay in the City

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Check rooms and rates
From$157 /night
Check-in
02Sept
Check-out
03Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E6HG
-
Near the British Museum
Great
8.3
8.6
/10
4.5
4.1
/5

5-star luxury townhouse hotel in Bloomsbury

Accommodation

The Academy comprises a collection of five Georgian townhouses seamlessly combined into one luxury hotel with 50 bedrooms and suites. Each room and suite displays a contemporary take on townhouse living, designed by award-winning designer Alexandra Champalimaud. The hotel's charming decor pays homage to the rich literary history of the Bloomsbury Set that once inhabited the area.

Dining

The hotel offers diverse dining experiences with a selection of venues that blend the comfort of tradition with modern touches. Guests can enjoy Mr. Ma's Afternoon Tea, which includes a Glass of Prosecco upon arrival. The Alchemy Bar serves bespoke cocktails and a variety of specialty gins in a cozy setting.

Location

Nestled in the centre of Bloomsbury, The Academy enjoys close proximity to key attractions like the British Museum, only a 4-minute walk away, and Covent Garden. The area's rich history is reflected in its grand Georgian architecture and leafy squares. Transport links are easily accessible, with multiple London Underground stations within a 10-minute walk.

Facilities

The Genius Lab at The Academy provides flexible spaces for meetings and private events, accommodating cocktails and canapés. The hotel also offers exclusive use options for complete privacy during gatherings. For relaxation, The Library invites guests to read and reflect in a quiet environment, hosting monthly book club meetings.

Offers

Book direct to receive exclusive benefits, including a complimentary continental breakfast served in The Refectory. Guests can enjoy curated packages such as the Mr. Ma Afternoon Tea experience. Discounts are available for those who book a two-night stay or more, enhancing the overall stay.

Highlights

Location: 4-minute walk to the British Museum

Accommodations: 50-bedroom/suite traditional

Dining: Mr. Ma's Afternoon Tea Experience

Events: Genius Lab for private parties

Library: Space for reading and book clubs

Offers: Complimentary Continental breakfast

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the British Museum for world-class history and free entry.
  • Savor a traditional afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason's tearoom.
  • Explore the vibrant Borough Market for gourmet food stalls.
  • Walk through the hidden Leighton House Museum in Kensington.
  • Catch a show at the National Theatre along the Southbank.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
  • Bloomsbury Single
    2 persons
    14 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Bloomsbury King Room
    2 persons
    21 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Bloomsbury Twin
    2 persons
    21 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage 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 centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

The Academy offers a delightful culinary experience featuring British cuisine, perfect for those craving authenticity and charm. Guests can savor exquisite light meals and drinks in cozy yet stylish settings, making each dining encounter a memorable highlight of their stay.
  • The Alchemy

    British
    Ambiance
    A chic bar atmosphere leading to a spacious terrace, complete with heating lamps for added comfort.
    Key Offerings
    Signature dishes like smoked paprika calamari, four cheese ravioli, and beef lasagne. Enjoy inventive cocktails crafted by mixologist Ilias Chondros, including enticing options like the Tanqueray Bloomsbury Martini.
    Reservation
    No
    Hours vary.
  • The Refectory

    Continental Breakfast
    Ambiance
    Stylish yet relaxed, ensuring a warm start to the day in a serene setting.
    Key Offerings
    A complimentary Continental Breakfast per guest, offering a selection of pastries, fruits, and beverages to invigorate mornings.
    Reservation
    No
    Breakfast only.
  • Afternoon Tea

    Traditional Afternoon Tea
    Ambiance
    Secluded and elegant West End setting, perfect for intimate gatherings and leisurely indulgence.
    Key Offerings
    Quintessential Afternoon Tea experience, allowing guests to savor delectable pastries and classic sandwiches, accompanied by a fine selection of teas.
    Reservation
    Recommended
    Hours vary.

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Location

21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E6HG
Explore London
Explore Bloomsbury
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
The British Museum
The British Museum
8 minutes' walk
The British Museum houses a vast collection of world art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden
11 minutes' walk
Covent Garden is known for its vibrant atmosphere with shops, restaurants, and street performances that entertain visitors daily.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
19 minutes' walk
Trafalgar Square features impressive monuments, including Nelson's Column, and is a cultural hub with art galleries nearby.
National Gallery
National Gallery
20 minutes' walk
The National Gallery hosts an extensive collection of European paintings, offering free admission and unforgettable artistic experiences.
Coram's Fields
8 minutes' walk
Coram's Fields is a park and playground ideal for families, featuring spacious lawns and a petting zoo, perfect for relaxation.
Regent's Canal Cycle Tour
20 minutes' walk
A thrilling cycling tour along Regent's Canal offers scenic views and a unique perspective of London's historic waterways.
Olivelli
2 minutes' walk
Olivelli serves delicious Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere; their homemade pasta and pizza are highly recommended.
Busaba Bloomsbury
4 minutes' walk
Busaba offers contemporary Thai food with a relaxed vibe; signature dishes include Pad Thai and their famous calamari.
The Comedy Store
15 minutes' walk
The Comedy Store hosts various comedy shows, and features well-known talents; an ideal spot for a fun night out.
The Bloomsbury Theatre
5 minutes' walk
The Bloomsbury Theatre presents a diverse range of performances from drama to dance, known for its intimate and inviting setting.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    London 18 min  ·  5000 ft
  • Airports
    London City (LCY) 23 min  ·  9.3 mi
    London Heathrow (LHR) 43 min  ·  17.7 mi
  • Train
    Euston railway Station 11 min  ·  3000 ft
  • Underground
    Goodge Street tube 4 min  ·  1000 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 6 min  ·  1700 ft
Unlock Early-Bird Deals
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A continental breakfast is served and charges are applicable.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish, Italian
Year renovated:
2012
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
50

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Academy enjoys a great location, making it easy to walk to the British Museum, Covent Garden theatres, and Tottenham Court metro station. Guests appreciate the comfortable and spacious rooms, some of which even feature complimentary water, soda, coffee (Nespresso), and tea. A few guests have mentioned small bathrooms in some of the rooms. The hotel also offers a lovely garden area off the main bar, a library, and 24-hour room service.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 1336 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
83 %
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Staff
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.3/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Exceptional staff
Shady garden
Clean rooms
Great location
Cons
Loud aircon
Guest reviews
based on 1336 reviews
8.2/10
based on 2491 reviews
8.3/10
Chris from United Kingdom
Couple
Townhouse Double
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 16, 2026
9/10

a very pleasant stay

generous choices great spread
i stayed in a townhouse double. the room included elemis products, that was nice. the continental breakfast had many choices, it was a great spread.
0 Helpful
Jennifer from United States
Couple
Bloomsbury Suite
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 12, 2026
7/10
fantastic location spacious room elemis products flooded room smaller room tiny room
the location was fantastic, near many attractions. the room was lovely and spacious. elemis products were included in the bathroom, which i appreciated.
The room i booked, a bloomsbury suite, was supposedly flooded upon arrival. i was offered a smaller kingsize room instead. this room was up three flights of stairs and quite tiny. It was disappointing.
0 Helpful
Felix from Germany
Single
Bloomsbury King Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 03, 2026
9/10
helpful staff buffet breakfast great location
The front desk staff scheduled my taxi to the airport. The buffet breakfast provided good variety. The hotel stands very close to the British Museum plus Covent Garden theatres.
The air conditioning unit was a little noisy at night.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World
What are the check-in and check-out hours at the hotel?
10 January 2024
Check-in starts at 14:00, and check-out is required by 11:00.
Is it possible to request an extra bed or is there a sofa bed available in the rooms?
22 March 2024
A sofa bed is available, which can accommodate one person under the age of 16.
Can luggage be stored at the hotel if I arrive before check-in or have a late flight?
15 February 2024
Luggage storage is available at the reception for guests arriving before check-in or needing to store their bags after check-out.
If I book a non-refundable rate, can I change the booking dates if necessary?
5 April 2024
Non-refundable bookings can be modified up to 14 days before the scheduled arrival date.
Are there any food options available at the hotel since room service isn't offered?
18 May 2024
Currently, room service is unavailable, but The Alchemy Bar serves drinks daily until 22:30, and the reception team can recommend nearby dining options.
How can airport transfers be arranged, and is there a charge for this service?
20 June 2024
Airport transfers can be arranged through the reception team, and there may be a fee for this service.
Do the rooms in the hotel come equipped with refrigerators?
29 April 2024
Some rooms include a mini fridge, while others do not.
What options are available for guests who follow a vegan diet while dining?
11 July 2024
Vegan breakfast options are available, though the selection may be limited.
Is there an elevator in the hotel for accessing upper floors?
2 August 2024
There is unfortunately no lift available for accessing the upper floors.
How far is The Academy from local attractions like the British Museum and Covent Garden?
15 September 2024
The British Museum is about a 4-minute walk away, while Covent Garden is easily accessible on foot or by public transport.
Is there parking available on-site for guests with vehicles?
3 October 2024
On-site car parking is not available; however, there is a nearby car park known as Bloomsbury Square.

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