In our review of The Academy, we found this Small Luxury Hotels of the World member to be a charming boutique hotel in London’s Bloomsbury area. Housed in converted Georgian townhouses, it’s just a short walk from the British Museum.
The hotel has friendly staff, clean rooms, and a handy location. You can enjoy British food at the Alchemy Bar or relax on their outdoor terrace.
While the hotel is generally well-liked, some guests might find the rooms a bit small, which is common in historic London buildings.
Also, being a boutique hotel, it lacks some amenities of larger chain hotels, like a gym or pool.
The Academy is best suited for travelers who appreciate personalized service and historic charm, and who want to be near London’s cultural attractions.
It’s ideal for couples on a romantic getaway or solo travelers looking for a cozy, upscale base in central London.
Key Points
- The Academy is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment to enhance its luxurious appeal.
- Centrally located in Bloomsbury, London, the hotel offers exceptional accessibility to renowned attractions like the British Museum and seamless transportation links.
- Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including free WiFi, a restaurant, room service, and a 24-hour front desk, creating a convenient and comfortable stay.
- With an overall guest rating of 8.1 out of 10, the hotel is praised for its exceptional staff service, cleanliness, and comfort, delivering a high-quality experience.
- The hotel’s interior design blends classic Georgian architecture with contemporary elegance, providing a visually appealing and luxurious ambiance for guests.
Hotel Overview
The Academy – Small Luxury Hotels of the World is situated in Bloomsbury, London, comprising five Georgian townhouses.
Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment by YTL Hotels, it’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.
Located a 5-minute walk from The British Museum and Goodge Street underground station, the hotel has an excellent location score of 9.2/10 based on 2,908 reviews.
The Academy offers various facilities, including free WiFi, a restaurant, room service, 24-hour front desk, and more.
Guests can also enjoy an extensive Continental breakfast buffet daily, with an à la carte option available at an additional cost.
Guest Ratings and Reviews
Based on the over 2,900 reviews, guests have rated The Academy – Small Luxury Hotels of the World very good, giving it an overall score of 8.1 out of 10. Key ratings include a stellar 9.1 for staff, a superb 9.2 for location, and strong scores for cleanliness (8.6) and comfort (8.7). However, the hotel scored slightly lower for facilities (8.0) and value for money (7.7). Guests particularly praised the friendly staff, comfortable beds, and aesthetically pleasing decor.
| Metric | Score |
|---|---|
| Staff | 9.1 |
| Location | 9.2 |
| Cleanliness | 8.6 |
Facilities and Amenities
With a range of facilities and amenities, The Academy – Small Luxury Hotels of the World caters to the needs of its guests.
The hotel offers complimentary WiFi, a restaurant (Alchemy Bar), and room service. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, family rooms, and airport shuttle service.
The outdoor terrace and garden provide a relaxing atmosphere, while the business center caters to those with work obligations.
The rooms feature marble en-suite shower rooms and complimentary minibars, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Plus, the hotel’s convenient location near various dining options allows guests to explore the local culinary scene.
Dining Options
Guests can enjoy an extensive Continental breakfast buffet daily, with an a la carte option available at an additional cost of £15. The Alchemy Bar serves British cuisine and features an outdoor terrace. The hotel is located near numerous eateries and attractions, including Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Covent Garden.
| Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Breakfast Buffet | Extensive selection | Included |
| A La Carte Breakfast | Additional items available | £15 |
| Alchemy Bar | Serves British cuisine, outdoor terrace | Varies |
| Nearby Dining | Variety of eateries within walking distance | Varies |
Location and Accessibility
The Academy – Small Luxury Hotels of the World enjoys an excellent location in Bloomsbury, London.
Comprising five Georgian townhouses, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from The British Museum and Goodge Street underground station.
With an outstanding location score of 9.2/10 based on 2,908 reviews, the hotel has easy access to many of London’s top attractions.
Guests can conveniently explore the city, with Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Covent Garden all within close proximity.
The hotel’s prime position ensures visitors can make the most of their stay, with a range of dining options and public transportation links nearby.
Booking and Policies
Booking your stay at The Academy – Small Luxury Hotels of the World is straightforward, with check-in from 14:00 and check-out by 11:00.
The hotel welcomes children of all ages and can provide extra beds upon request. However, pets aren’t allowed on the premises.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary depending on the accommodation type. Nearby public parking is available for £32.50 per day.
The Academy’s convenient location, exceptional facilities, and competitive rates make it an attractive choice for discerning travelers seeking a luxurious experience in the heart of London.
Design and Decor
The Academy – Small Luxury Hotels of the World boasts a meticulously designed interior that seamlessly blends classic Georgian architecture with contemporary elegance.
The elegant lobby features a striking marble fireplace and plush furnishings, setting the tone for the hotel’s refined aesthetic.
Guest rooms showcase a tasteful color palette, complemented by luxurious fabrics and bespoke furniture.
Thoughtful details, such as the marble en-suite bathrooms and complimentary minibars, elevate the overall experience.
The property’s outdoor terrace and garden provide a tranquil oasis, allowing guests to unwind amidst the lush greenery.
Every aspect of The Academy’s design has been carefully curated to deliver a sophisticated and memorable stay in the heart of London.
Nearby Attractions
Stepping outside the hotel’s elegant interiors, guests find themselves in the heart of Bloomsbury, surrounded by an array of renowned attractions.
Just a 5-minute walk away is the British Museum, one of the world’s greatest cultural institutions, showcasing an unrivaled collection of artifacts and antiquities.
Nearby Goodge Street station provides easy access to other iconic London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and the West End’s vibrant theater district.
Foodies will delight in the diverse culinary options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual cafés, all within a short stroll of the hotel.
Whether seeking history, culture, or cuisine, The Academy’s central location ensures guests can explore the best of London with ease.
Common Questions
What Is the Hotel’s Check-In/Check-Out Time?
Check-in time at the hotel is from 2:00 PM, and guests must check-out by 11:00 AM. These standard check-in and check-out times provide guests with ample time to settle in and depart without disruption.
Can I Bring My Pet to the Hotel?
Pets are not allowed at the hotel. The policy clearly states that pets are not permitted on the premises.
Is There a Fitness Center or Spa On-Site?
The hotel doesn’t have a dedicated fitness center or spa on-site. However, it offers other amenities like free WiFi, a restaurant, room service, and a 24-hour front desk to cater to guests’ needs.
How Far Is the Nearest Airport, and Is There an Airport Shuttle Service?
The nearest airport is approximately 30 minutes away. The hotel offers an airport shuttle service for added convenience. However, no further details about the airport’s location or shuttle costs are provided in the given information.
Does the Hotel Offer Any Special Packages or Deals?
According to the information provided, the hotel offers an airport shuttle service, but it doesn’t mention any special packages or deals. The hotel’s focus seems to be on providing a comfortable stay with various amenities and a convenient location.
The Last Word
Based on our review, The Academy – Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers an exceptional London experience. Its prime Bloomsbury location, luxurious accommodations, and impeccable service make it an ideal choice for discerning travelers. We found that with a range of upscale amenities and easy access to the city’s top attractions, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay that exceeds expectations. Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests can indulge in the hotel’s charms and enjoy a truly memorable London getaway. For your convenience, we recommend using the booking.com button below to reserve your stay, as they typically offer competitive prices for this hotel.