The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Exterior photo The Society's headquarters at 10 Carlton GardensThe Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Exterior photo The photo shows a beautifully arranged breakfast buffet in a bright and airy room. The walls are painted a vibrant turquoise blue, creating a cheerful atmosphere. The ceiling features white coffered panels and is adorned with three large, modern chanThe Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Exterior photo The photo shows a cozy outdoor seating area in a courtyard. The area is enclosed by a brick wall on the left and a lush green ivy-covered wall on the right. 

The seating consists of a large, curved wicker sofa with several light-colored pillows, and
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From157US$ /night
Check-in
19Apr2026Select date
Check-out
20Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom, WC1E6HG
-
Steps from the British Museum
Great
8.2
8.6
/10
4.4
4.1
/5

Location

The Academy is situated in Bloomsbury, a historic district in London's West End known for grand Georgian townhouses. This location provides easy access to significant attractions including the British Museum, which is only a four-minute walk away. Quick transport options are available with multiple Tube stations, such as Tottenham Court Road and Goodge Street, within a ten-minute walk.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 50 beautifully-appointed rooms and suites, each showcasing a contemporary take on townhouse living by renowned designer Champalimaud Design. Accommodation options include the Townhouse Single, Townhouse King, and Bloomsbury Suite. Each room comes equipped with a marble en-suite shower room and bespoke furniture.

Dining

Dining options include The Refectory, where guests can enjoy a complimentary Continental breakfast every morning. The Academy also features Mr Ma's Afternoon Tea Experience that combines traditional tea with modern flavors. The Alchemy Bar serves bespoke cocktails and a selection of specialty gins in a relaxing atmosphere.

Events and Meetings

The Genius Lab provides a creative space for small meetings and private parties, accommodating cocktail receptions with canapés. The entire hotel can be booked for exclusive events, ensuring privacy and flexibility for all gatherings. This versatility is complemented by the hotel's location near cultural hubs and easy transport links.

Entertainment

The Academy is close to several cultural attractions including the Royal Opera House and West End Theatre District. Guests can explore the literary heritage of Bloomsbury through the monthly Academy Book Club, which encourages discussions on classic works. Nearby, the vibrant atmosphere of cafes, shops, and parks enhances the guest experience.

Highlights

Location: Enviable position in Bloomsbury

Accommodation: 50 beautifully-appointed rooms

Dining: Mr Ma's Afternoon Tea Experience

Events: The Genius Lab for creative meetings

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the tranquil Holland Park at dawn for fresh air.
  • Savor the iconic Fish and Chips at The Rock & Sole Plaice nearby.
  • Visit the lesser-known Leighton House Museum for stunning art.
  • Explore Borough Market for unique eats and gourmet finds.
  • Catch a Shakespeare play at the Globe Theatre for a true classic.
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Select your room type

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bloomsbury Single
2 persons
155 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Bloomsbury King Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Bloomsbury Twin
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Townhouse Double
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
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Facilities

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • 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
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Dining Onsite

Experience a delightful array of dining options at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, where British cuisine takes center stage. From leisurely breakfasts to indulgent afternoon teas, each setting invites guests to savor culinary pleasures in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Restaurant photo The photo shows a cozy and stylish restaurant interior. The walls are painted a vibrant teal blue, with a section featuring raised paneling that adds texture and visual interest. A dark gray fireplace with a white mantelpiece is built into the wall,
The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World London Restaurant photo The interior of the restaurant

The Alchemy

British
Ambiance
A stylish bar that opens onto a spacious terrace, complete with heating lamps, perfect for enjoying drinks outdoors.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes such as smoked paprika calamari, four cheese ravioli, and hearty beef lasagne, alongside a creative cocktail menu crafted by mixologist Ilias Chondros featuring unique concoctions like the Tanqueray Bloomsbury Martini and Midnight Manhattan.
Reservation
No
Hours vary.

The Refectory

Continental Breakfast
Ambiance
A chic and inviting space that sets a relaxed tone for morning meals, ideal for starting the day with comfort.
Key Offerings
Guests are treated to a complimentary continental breakfast, featuring a selection of pastries, breads, and fresh fruits, ensuring a delightful morning ritual.
Reservation
No
Breakfast only.

Afternoon Tea

Traditional Afternoon Tea
Ambiance
A secluded and elegant setting in the heart of the West End, perfect for leisurely gatherings.
Key Offerings
A selection of finely brewed teas complemented by an assortment of delicate pastries and sandwiches, offering a quintessentially British experience.
Reservation
Recommended
Hours vary.

The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World Location

21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom, WC1E6HG
Map view
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom, WC1E6HG
Nearby
Hospital
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
Explore London
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The British Museum
The British Museum
8 minutes' walk
Home to a vast collection of world art and artifacts, offering free admission and captivating exhibitions.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden
11 minutes' walk
A lively area known for shopping, street performances, and eateries, providing a taste of local culture and entertainment.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
19 minutes' walk
Iconic public square featuring Nelson's Column and numerous events, embodying London's vibrant history.
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul's Cathedral
25 minutes' walk
A masterpiece of architecture with a famous dome, offering guided tours and stunning views of the city.
Yoga sessions at The Life Goddess
2 minutes' walk
Enjoy relaxing yoga classes at a nearby venue focusing on wellness and tranquility, ideal for stress relief.
Bike Rentals at Cartwright Gardens
7 minutes' walk
Bike rentals for exploring London's parks and landmarks, perfect for adventurous guests wanting to see more.
Olivelli
Olivelli
2 minutes' walk
Italian restaurant known for homemade pasta and delicious desserts, featuring a cozy atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Chettinad Restaurant
Chettinad Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Authentic South Indian flavors with a variety of vegetarian options, creating a vibrant dining experience.
The Place
10 minutes' walk
A cultural venue offering dance performances and theater shows, perfect for art lovers of all ages.
Live Jazz at The College Arms
3 minutes' walk
A cozy pub featuring live jazz nights and great drinks, creating a warm atmosphere for guests looking for nightlife.
Getting around
City Centre
London18 min  ·  5000 ft
Airports
London City (LCY)23 min  ·  9.3 mi
London Heathrow (LHR)43 min  ·  17.7 mi
Train
Euston railway Station11 min  ·  3000 ft
Underground
Goodge Street tube4 min  ·  1000 ft
Bus
Bus stop6 min  ·  1700 ft
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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 GBP 32.50 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in 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

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1240 verified reviews
8.2/10
Great
84%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.2/10
Cleanliness
8.7/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.4/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Guest reviews
based on 1240 reviews
8.2/10
based on 2491 reviews
8.2/10
Emma from United Kingdom
Single
townhouse double
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 04, 2025
8/10

convenient stay

easy accesscomplimentary drinkscontinental breakfastinactive thermostat
my second stay was good the location provides easy access from the tcr tube station about a 10-minute walk the room included complimentary soft drinks in the mini bar i found a nice bar and courtyard area for summer drinks breakfast included a continental selection of coffee tea cereal and pastries
the thermostat on the wall was inactive i had to use the ac remote and radiator dial to adjust the temperature reaching the power switch for the ac unit required climbing on a chair it was not convenient
Dining
9/10
continental breakfast featured coffee, tea, and a variety of cereals the breakfast selection included pastries offering a pleasant start to the day i observed good service with readily available coffee
0 Helpful
|
Show less
rosemary from united kingdom
Single
bloomsbury twin
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 17, 2025
6/10
perfectly acceptable locationnoticeable stepdisturbing noise
the location was perfectly acceptable.
i was not thrilled that the room had a noticeable step. there was also a disturbing noise that sounded like water. it was hard to sleep well because of that noise.
0 Helpful
Jackson from United States
Couple
Bloomsbury King Room
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 27, 2025
6/10

Mixed Experience Due to Room Issues

acceptable locationinconsistent hot water
The hotel has an acceptable location close to the British Museum and other attractions.
This detail was not disclosed beforehand. The hot water in the shower was inconsistent and sometimes cold. The thermostat did not work. I had to adjust the AC unit myself by climbing on a chair to reach its power switch
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World
What is the distance between The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World and the British Museum?
The Academy is located 400 m from the British Museum.
How far is The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World from London's city center?
The hotel is situated approximately 3 km from the city center.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World?
Rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and private bathrooms with free toiletries.
What dining options does The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World provide?
The hotel hosts an on-site restaurant serving British cuisine and also features a bar lounge.
Is breakfast included at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World?
A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning at the hotel.
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Does The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World offer airport shuttle services?
The hotel provides a paid airport shuttle service for guests.
What languages do the staff at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World speak?
Staff members speak English, Spanish, and Italian.
Is there parking available at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World?
Public parking is available nearby for £32 per day.
What nearby restaurants can guests find close to The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World?
Nearby restaurants include Hakkasan Hanway Place Restaurant (0.5 km), Macellaio RC Fitzrovia (0.5 km), and Cafe Deco (0.5 km).
What are some attractions near The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World?
Nearby attractions include the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the historic Bloomsbury area.
What business facilities are available at The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels Of The World?
The hotel has a business center and five meeting rooms available for small events.

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