Reviews of The Academy - Small Luxury Hotels of the World 5 stars
21 Gower Street, Bloomsbury, Camden, London, WC1E 6HG, United Kingdom
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Reviewed: 2 September 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewSmall hotel with personal feel
Tv signal was awful
Reviewed: 2 September 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 September 2025 · Stayed in September 2025
Verified reviewThe staff supervisor Tidi in the breakfast area and Davide at the front desk went above and beyond, making our stay at The Academy even more enjoyable.
Reviewed: 1 September 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewVery cute, quirky hotel in several old Victorian houses. Great location, a five-minute-walk from the British Museum. Very tiny room but well equipped, immaculately clean, and with a very comfortable bed. Very nice staff and good breakfast.
There was a gap between the door and the wall, meaning you could see a ray of light in the room all night long. During my previous stay I was in another room and there was the exact same issue. It should be easy to fix. Also bear in mind that you may have to climb up to three levels of stairs to access your room. That said, the staff happily carried the suitcase for me both ways, I did not even have to ask. And you get to discover the lay out of Victorian houses, which is charming.
Reviewed: 31 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewA bit of luxury in a convenient location.
Exceeded my expectations
Dear Maarit, Thank you for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that your stay with us exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed a touch of luxury in our convenient location. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back to The Academy soon. Warm regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Maarit, Thank you for your kind words. We are delighted to hear that your stay with us exceeded your expectations and that you enjoyed a touch of luxury in our convenient location. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward … Show more
Reviewed: 30 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewBoutique, lovely room, courtyard and lounge. Close walk to shows, restaurants and trains.
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Dear Guy, Thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed a relaxing week with us and that The Academy’s boutique charm, lovely rooms, and welcoming courtyard and lounge contributed to your stay. It is also a pleasure to know our location made it easy for you to enjoy the shows, dining, and exploring nearby. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable visit. Warm regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Guy, Thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed a relaxing week with us and that The Academy’s boutique charm, lovely rooms, and welcoming courtyard and lounge contributed to your stay. It is also… Show more
Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewBathroom very small
Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewI thought it was very good value for central London. The lication was also great.
Dear Rosemarie, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and perfect score. We are delighted that you found your stay to be of great value and enjoyed our central London location. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Warm regards, Andreea/Duty Manager
Dear Rosemarie, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and perfect score. We are delighted that you found your stay to be of great value and enjoyed our central London location. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we look forward to … Show more
Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewVery comfortable
Stairs
Dear Mark, Thank you for your kind review and excellent score. We are delighted to hear that you found your stay very comfortable. We appreciate your note regarding the stairs, and we are always happy to assist with luggage to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Warm regards, Andreea/Duty Manager
Dear Mark, Thank you for your kind review and excellent score. We are delighted to hear that you found your stay very comfortable. We appreciate your note regarding the stairs, and we are always happy to assist with luggage to make your st… Show more
Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewLovely character hotel Service levels exceptionally high given a smaller hotel Very good breakfast in the price and free mini bar - unusual these days
Some reviewers comment on no lift but not an issue for us ( yet)
Dear Ian, Thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed the character of our hotel and experienced the high level of service our team takes great pride in providing. It is also a pleasure to know that you appreciated our breakfast offering and the complimentary minibar – we are glad these little touches made your stay more enjoyable. We truly appreciate your kind words regarding the lift, and we are pleased it did not affect your experience with us. We look forward to welcoming you back for another pleasant stay. Warm regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Ian, Thank you for sharing such wonderful feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed the character of our hotel and experienced the high level of service our team takes great pride in providing. It is also a pleasure to know that you… Show more
Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe staff was unrivalled. Every person I encountered wanted to make my experience great. The common spaces are beautiful. The continental breakfast is excellent.
Room 52 is like a Harry Potter under the stairs experience. Small, cavelike, with window that opens onto the common courtyard. Desk, but with chair you can’t move given bed placement. Avoid if possible.
Dear Debra, Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed our central location, beautiful common spaces, and continental breakfast, and it is especially rewarding to hear your kind words about our team – they take great pride in creating memorable stays for our guests. Thank you for sharing your comments about the room. As our building has a historic character, some rooms feature a distinctive layout, which we understand may not be ideal for everyone. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and our team is always glad to offer alternative room options whenever possible to ensure a comfortable stay It was a pleasure having you with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another enjoyable stay. Warm regards, Andreea/Duty Manager
Dear Debra, Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed our central location, beautiful common spaces, and continental breakfast, and it is especially rewarding to hear your kind… Show more
Reviewed: 27 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful inside, very welcoming, super friendly staff and lovely breakfast. Bedrooms lovely with comfortable beds and complementary soft drinks mini bar.
If I’m being picky I don’t think you should be asked in front of other guests if you want to leave staff tips on checkout.
Dear Jade, Thank you for returning to The Academy and for your kind recommendation. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our welcoming atmosphere, friendly team, lovely breakfast, and comfortable bedrooms with the complimentary minibar. We also appreciate your feedback regarding gratuity at checkout. The discretionary service charge is outlined in our booking policy, and our reception team informs guests before taking payment to ensure full transparency. We understand this may feel uncomfortable, and we will review the process to make the experience smoother for our guests in the future. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Kind regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Jade, Thank you for returning to The Academy and for your kind recommendation. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our welcoming atmosphere, friendly team, lovely breakfast, and comfortable bedrooms with the complimentary miniba… Show more
Reviewed: 27 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe location is perfect. The breakfast was good. The staff was very polite. The room was clean and comfortable.
Dear Radostina, Thank you for your kind feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed our central location, breakfast, and the comfort and cleanliness of your room. It is also wonderful to hear that our team made a positive impression with their polite service. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Academy soon. Warm regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Radostina, Thank you for your kind feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed our central location, breakfast, and the comfort and cleanliness of your room. It is also wonderful to hear that our team made a positive impression with t… Show more
Reviewed: 25 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGood breakfast- very helpful staff
stairs! lots of them! residence bar closes too early
Reviewed: 25 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewVery welcoming, made our anniversary celebration special
Very tastefully decorated. Clean, comfortable and the staff were very warm and welcoming. Particularly the breakfast staff.
Reviewed: 25 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe staff were absolutely perfect. Whatever you needed, they were there to help. The hotel has a lovely garden area off the main bar area, perfect to relax in. The library is a nice touch too, with mystery wrapped books and a nice selection on the shelves. The library also has a garden area off it. It's a great location, a short walk away from the underground, Euston, and shopping streets. 24-hour room service with a fair selection of hot meals available.
The only downside was that breakfast was only continental and extra if you wanted a full English.
Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGreat location, central but quiet. Charming rooms and courtyard garden. Enjoyed a few cocktails!
Dear Stephen, Thank you for sharing your kind feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our central yet peaceful location, the charm of our rooms and garden, and that you had the chance to relax with a few cocktails during your stay. It is wonderful to know that you found us to be an excellent choice for couples visiting the city, and we truly look forward to welcoming you back for another enjoyable stay. Warm regards, Andreea- Duty Manager
Dear Stephen, Thank you for sharing your kind feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our central yet peaceful location, the charm of our rooms and garden, and that you had the chance to relax with a few cocktails during your s… Show more
Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewVery good location.
The included breakfast is rather simple.
Dear Hugo, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are delighted that our central location added to your stay, and we also appreciate your comments regarding breakfast. A continental selection is included as part of our offering, and we will be happy to pass your feedback to our restaurant team as we continue to explore ways of enhancing the variety for our guests. We truly value your input and look forward to welcoming you back for an even more enjoyable stay. Warm regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Hugo, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are delighted that our central location added to your stay, and we also appreciate your comments regarding breakfast. A continental selection is included as part of our offering, and we wi… Show more
Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe continental breakfast was by the far the best one I have had. Everything you would want and more. Staff are helpful and friendly. Brilliant location. Nice spacious bathroom with high quality toiletries. Brucey bonus was the mini bar was stocked with lots of soft drinks.
Only thing I would say, and this not a fault more of an FYI, not accessible for all due to the amount of steps.
Dear Rebecca, Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review of your stay with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our central location, spacious bathrooms with quality amenities, and the complimentary minibar selection. It is especially rewarding to know that our continental breakfast stood out as one of the best you have experienced, and that our team’s friendly service added to your visit. We also appreciate your note regarding accessibility. As our hotel is set within a historic townhouse, there are steps throughout the property, and we recognise this may not be suitable for all guests. Our team is always on hand to assist wherever possible to make arrivals and departures more comfortable. We truly value your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for another enjoyable stay. Warm regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Rebecca, Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review of your stay with us. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed our central location, spacious bathrooms with quality amenities, and the complimentary minibar selection. It is esp… Show more
Reviewed: 22 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewAs a solo traveler I felt welcome and safe. The staff were all attentive and helpful, and efficiently arranged cabs. The continental breakfast was very varied, and excellent quality. Again, great staff, friendly and efficient.
The single room was in the basement, and rather stuffy. The air conditioning was OK, but loud. Might be worth paying more for another room.
Dear Ffion, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that, as a solo traveller, you felt welcome and safe, and that our team’s attentive and friendly service made a positive impression. It is also wonderful to know that you enjoyed our varied continental breakfast. Please be assured that your comments regarding the air conditioning have been shared with our maintenance team for attention. We also appreciate your feedback about the basement single room. We understand that some guests may prefer rooms on higher floors, and we will be happy to provide recommendations to ensure your comfort on future stays. We truly value your kind words about our staff and your overall experience, and we look forward to welcoming you back to The Academy Hotel. Warm regards, Andreea - Duty Manager
Dear Ffion, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that, as a solo traveller, you felt welcome and safe, and that our team’s attentive and friendly service made a positive impression. It is… Show more
Reviewed: 22 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified review