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The Academy

eeeee - 0800 031 8416
The Academy, 21 Gower Street Bloomsbury, London -0800 031 8416
Area: Bloomsbury - Marble Arch - Kings Cross Station & British Museum
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4.5
HOTEL RATING: 
VERY GOOD
4.5 out of 5 (1810 Ratings)
2.8 miles The Dome London
v17 mins driving
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - 0800 031 8416
Show Prices
The Spotlight on The Academy

Chic Georgian Style Meets West End Music Vibes

Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, just minutes from the buzz of London's West End, The Academy blends classic Georgian architecture with modern luxury. Housed in five restored townhouses, this boutique hotel offers a stylish, intimate stay just a short walk from iconic landmarks, theatres, and music venues.

With interiors crafted by award-winning Champalimaud Design, each room features bespoke furniture, marble en-suites, and a sophisticated, quiet charm that’s perfect after a loud night out.

Why Concert-goers love it

Whether you're heading to a gig in Soho, a theatre show in Covent Garden, or a live set near Leicester Square, The Academy places you within easy walking distance of it all. The hotel’s quiet side-street location means you’ll get a peaceful night’s sleep after the encore, and the nearby Goodge Street tube station (just 5 minutes away) makes late-night returns a breeze. With afternoon check-in (14:00) and a civilised check-out time (11:00), there’s no rush the morning after the show.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a stylish base close to nightlife
  • Solo travelers on a music pilgrimage to London
  • Couples making a romantic weekend of a concert date
  • Fans who want a quiet, luxurious recovery space
  • Budget-conscious music lovers seeking occasional luxury

Food and Drink Options

Start your day with an extensive continental breakfast buffet, or go for the à la carte option if you're feeling fancy (available for a small surcharge). The on-site Alchemy Bar serves up bespoke cocktails and specialty gins—perfect for a pre-show drink or a nightcap on the terrace. While there’s no 24/7 room service or late-night dining, you’re surrounded by dozens of restaurants and pubs within walking distance.

Nightlife Options

The Academy puts you within easy reach of Soho’s legendary clubs, Covent Garden’s theatre bars, and the energetic vibe of Leicester Square. Prefer to stay in? The hotel’s Alchemy Bar offers a more laid-back, elegant atmosphere where you can sip a quiet craft drink before bed.

What People Say

Guests rave about the location, calling it “a hidden gem in central London” and praising the comfortable, stylish rooms. Many mention the peaceful atmosphere despite being so close to the action. The staff earn high marks for friendliness and attention to detail. Travelers also love the historic charm and modern touches throughout the property.

Areas for Improvement

The à la carte breakfast isn’t included, which some guests found a bit pricey. There’s no gym or spa, and while there’s no on-site restaurant for dinner, the surrounding area offers no shortage of food options. Room sizes can be on the cozy side, especially in central London standards, but most guests find the design makes the most of the space.

The Bottom Line

If you're catching a show and want a stylish, peaceful retreat just steps from London’s music and nightlife scene, The Academy delivers charm, comfort, and unbeatable location.
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Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
w
Non Smoking
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
r
Pets Allowed
Other Amenities
` Business Center
` Garden
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Room Service
` Safety Deposit Box
` Air Conditioning
` Bar
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Coffee shop
` Trouser press
` Heating
` Fax/photocopying
` Shared lounge/TV area
` 24-hour security
` Concierge services
` Designated Smoking Area
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Live entertainment
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` Happy Hour
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Wine/champagne
` Fruits
` Outdoor furniture
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` Process in place to check health of guests
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Electronic room key
` Audible alarm
` balcony/terrace
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Ironing amenities
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Restaurant (special diets available)
` Tour services
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Allergy-free rooms available
` Room service available
` Airport shuttle (charges may apply)
` Parking available (charges may apply)
` Indoor parking (charges may apply)
` Shuttle service (charges may apply)

The Academy Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Very Good (4.5 out of 5)

Write a review

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Maria Mon, 9 June 2025

Exceptional

3

Pleasant - 3.0 out of 5

Anonymous Sun, 8 June 2025

Nice but expensive!

Liked: The hotel is in a great location. The room was cosy, clean but very small! There are also lots of stairs in the hotel and no lift so it wouldn’t work for everyone! There weren’t any facilities beyond a small bar! On the whole, we had a nice stay but it was quite expensive and it didn’t feel very good value for the money we paid!
Disliked: It felt really small and cramped and was very expensive! There are also lots of stairs so wouldn’t t suit everyone!

1.5

Poor - 1.5 out of 5

Gair Sun, 8 June 2025

Certainly not 5 star

Liked: The location and reception staff were great
Disliked: Although having booked a single room, it was so small that every door hit off other pieces of furniture. There was barely room to get into the shower due to proximity to the sink. Breakfast was a mix. Nice fresh fruit, but simple, basic things were missing or not considered, for example the fruit salad was left in the layers it had been prepared, so you had to stir through layers to get a mixture, causing it to spill over. Simple, basic things that you would expect anywhere, but especially when supposed to be 5 star. The calming music over breakfast changed after 30seconds to rap with very abusive language and remained until I gave up and left to get breakfast elsewhere.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Julie Thu, 5 June 2025

Exceptional

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Einat Mon, 2 June 2025

Nice, clean hotel, great location

Liked: Very clean, very friendly and helpful staff, great location, free of charge minibar, lovely breakfast
Disliked: Very little windows - hard to air the room. Maby pillows but all of the same type, which was not comfortable for me

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Sarah Sun, 1 June 2025

Exceptional

2

Disappointing - 2.0 out of 5

Shawn Sat, 31 May 2025

Disappointing

Disliked: We had a mouse in the room!

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Lyn Sat, 31 May 2025

Very good

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Caroline Fri, 30 May 2025

Nice hotel in central London

Liked: The staff were very friendly and helpful. Nice compact room on top floor. Breakfast was wonderful.
Disliked: Long climb to top floor, but I was aware of this and didn't mind really

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Naomi Thu, 29 May 2025

Exceptional

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The Academy 21 Gower Street Bloomsbury, London