The Academy - London

The hotel is conveniently located within a 10 minute walk of Piccadilly Circus and a few pubs and restaurants are close by. I was disappointed by the size of the room. Very small with a tiny bathroom.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Second time I've stayed here, still a great experience! This is not a hotel for those who can't do stairs though...

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Lovely hotel, allowed an early check in time. Loved it so much I booked again for the end of my trip!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Although the entry and the outside look ok, As soon as we took the 5 flights of stairs with luggage to our room, we could hardly fit into the room, It was in very bad disrepair with holes in the wall and nothing in the room worked but the wi-fi. I have visited London alot and this by far was the very worse place I have ever stayed. I think there might […] be some decent rooms but if you book through hotels.com, they give you the very worse. Stay somewhere else!!!! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great staff, nice little hotel.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Good luck with the internet. It doesn't work. And when it does work, it's painfully slow, disconnects, limits your usage and requires a daily visit to the desk per device for a new username / password. No joke, I had to rely on the pub down the street for internet connection. Most of the staff is friendly, but the woman could toss a smile, just once […] maybe. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Yes, the hotel was a catch for its price, especially around the holidays period. I had a single room, so should haveeected a smaller size room, however the bed was truly tiny. The bathroom was clean, but the shower was frequently clogged. Also, not a big deal. The deal breaker for me was that the wifi in the rooms wasn't working and the manager could […] not tel me when it would work again. The hotel's solution was to hang out in the lobby and use the wifi there, which is very inconvenient. They didn't even offer any kind of compensation. Overall, I would have expected a better customer service Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Nice homelike experience: where even the "singing" floors make you feel like not at impersonal hi-tech interior but at human warm place

Genuine Expedia guest review

When I booked a room at The Academy for a wk in London with my daughter, knew it was an older hotel with some quirks and inconveniences (incl tight quarters & no lift). But was drawn to its charm and very convenient location in Bloomsbury - figured the quirks came with the territory. Get the impression from other reviews that there's a wide range of […] accommodations there - we were apparently on the lower end (though certainly not priced at a low rate). Our double was on the top floor. On the plus side, the bed (and bedding) were lovely and it was nice and quiet. Rm was small, which was expected and tolerable. The bathroom, however, was tiny and awkward - nowhere to put belongings (not even a soap in the shower). Faucet and fan made so much noise that we wondered if we'd awakened the whole hotel. (did report the fan to the concierge in case a repair was needed). The biggest inconvenience was that our key card did not work 3 days in a row. Which might not seem like a big deal, but after walking all day in the city, followed by 3+ flights of stairs up to our room (and back down to notify them) - not happy. They apologized and said they hadn't had this problem before (on the last day, the mgr offered us complimentary breakfast for our trouble). The Academy has a lot to offer - esp.location and charm. Shouldn't take that much to bring accommodations up to par. In fairness to future guests, they should do so. Recommend to others if there are assurances upfront. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Beautifully appointed rooms, stellar staff, nice touches (bathrobes, Nespresso maker, etc). Quiet neighborhood yet easily accessible via tube, bus, taxi to major sights (British Museum walking distance). Numerous excellent restaurants close by. Would definitely stay again!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A nice little hotel less than 5 minutes walk from the British Museum. The rooms are a bit small, but comfortable. The hotel staff did not seem too knowledgable of the surrounding area. They couldn't direct us to an area of restaurants that was a couple of blocks away. As a result we turned a different direction and found very few places to eat. The […] neighborhood is nice and otherwise we enjoyed our stay. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Very close to British Museum (2 block walk), with helpful staff who was nice enough to bring our heavy luggage up the flights of small, creaky stairs to our room. Mostly clean - However, there was mold in the tile in the shower. No thermostat available in our room (cool in evening). Bed was extremely hard (2 twin mattresses laid next to each other), […] and no top sheet (only comforter on the bed). Large room with sofa and large storage room. Lastly, on a very busy street - with sirens and heavy traffic in morning. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I have stayed at the Academy for years, and it remains a favorite. It is several 18th century townhouses in the heart of Bloomsbury, within an easy walk to the British Museum or the Underground. Rooms are comfortable, but not luxurious, and the staff are friendly and very helpful. Everything was clean, and the hotel has a good breakfast. One nice feature […] is two libraries and two gardens to sit in when taking a rest or at the end of a long day. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I was so happy to have chosen this hotel for my 4-night London stay! It was full of London charm. The room itself was small but beautifully appointed. The hotel has a lovely garden, well sheltered from the street. Around the corner are cafes, an Italian restaurant, ice cream shop, bookstore, wine shop, bike shop, pub, grocery store, all along a quiet […] tree-lined street. The hotel is just a few blocks from the British Museum, several tube stops are not far away, and theaters, Covent Garden, and other sites are within walking distance. Iw ish I had been able to open the window in my room, looking out over the garden, to get a little fresh air on a warm day, though the air conditioning was more than adequate. Loved the free wireless, but would have appreciated having breakfast included in the room price. Instead of paying for breakfast, I recommend going around the corner to one of the cafes. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The stay was great. The staff friendly and helpful. The only problem was the toilt flushing. I did not alwasy work.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This was our forth stay at the Academy because of our positive experience with them and its location. However it could be our last. We were placed in a very uncomfortable room, yes, surprisingly this hotel does have rooms they should not be charging full prices for. To their credit when we could no longer stand it we asked for another room and they […] graciously moved us. Secondly, breakfast is no longer inclusive, not a deal breaker, but given our experience a fifth stay is not going to be automatic. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was not located close to any city activity and the bathroom was small enough to hit your head on the sink while sitting on the toilet. The water pressure in the shower was very low.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Basic but with amenities; tv, radio/ipod, safe. wi-fi; I liked the apples and the bottle of water every morning. All included. The bathtub is kind of slippery tho

Genuine Expedia guest review

We enjoyed our stay at The Academy very much. It was close to the British Museum, two grocery stores, and many eating places. It was convenient to get on the Tube so we were able to get around London easily. Even though there is no elevator, the staff got our bags up and down quickly. The desk clerks were very helpful and helped us get transportation […] to the airport when we left town. I read many complaints about the internet. We found if we went by the windows or down to the Library, we could connect more easily. All in all, we were very satisfied. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great location with easy access to underground, restaurants, and shopping. Very nice accommodations with friendly and helpful staff.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Despite a rather substantial room rate, this was little better than a glorified B&B without breakfast. I was assigned a 3rd floor walk up room (which is 4th floor by American count) which was the size of my closet at home. Complaints regarding the size and floor was not addressed. The hotel is quite basic. The TV sets are tiny and the satellite system […] did not work properly. There is no bar or restaurant, though there is a quaint sitting room. All in all, not worth the money. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This is a lovely, intimate hotel in Bloomsbury with an at-grandma's-house feel; it's a row of Georgian houses that are connected. The staff is extremely helpful and pleasant, and the rooms are charming. Note that if you are a light sleeper, you will probably want to ask for a back room--the hotel is directly on the street, and my first-floor front room […] could be noisy. I moved to a back room that was on the top floor--beware that there are no elevators--and that was quiet. Overall, this is an excellent location for getting around without being in the most hectic part of town, and the setting is charming. Great if you want to get away from that big-hotel feel. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Loved this hotel. Small but charming - rooms were very nice. Staff was very accommodating and friendly. I would definitely stay here again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I thought the decor of the hotel common areas and lobby was fantastic. I did not have the breakfast because it was very expensive--15 GBP for a full English. My room was comfortable and clean, but it was not as newly decorated as the rest of the hotel, though there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. The staff were absolutely fantastic and helpful […] throughout. I thought the location was great and very close to two tube stops. I will definitely stay here again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Normally, I'd strongly recommend this hotel, but I'm afraid I'd have to suggest that people steer clear until they get working wifi service. I spent a total of 4 hours (2 of them on the phone with swisscom) trying to get a working wifi connection in room 56. When I travel, I NEED the internet to work. If a hotel says it will, and it doesn't (signal […] strength too low for operation), that's close to fraud. In the end, after hours of debugging effort, I was able to connect in the lobby, having lost about a quarter of my brief, and badly needed, break in London. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I have been going to the Academy for about 8 years, and have never been disappointed. It is in the heart of Bloomsbury a few blocks from the British Museum, the undereground, and close to much of the city. The Academy is in old townhouses with rooms that vary widely in size. Many would be smaller than many Americans would expect, but are perfectly comfortable, […] with a very friendly and capable staff, and serves an excellent breakfast. The new owners are currently renovating rooms, so shortly it will be even more up to date. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Only complaint smaal single room otherwise excellent hotel

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel is well situated for exploring Covent Gardens, Soho and shopping on Oxford St. Good restaurants and bars nearby. Service was great. Rooms were clean and neat. Patio and conservatory give it a homey feel; definitely not a cookie cutter hotel. On the down side there is a lot of traffic noise which means that windows cannot be left open. Additionally […] the air conditioning unit was not very powerful. No need to go for breakfast at the hotel when Eat/Pret a Manger/Table du Pain are all right around the corner. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We loved this boutique hotel in Bloomsbury only 2 blocks from the back entrance to the British Museum and a short walk into the trendy neighborhood of Fritzrovia with its great restaurants and nightlife. It is also convenient to a number of tube stations particularly the Northern Line at Goodge Station. We had a suite for my husband, myself and our […] daughter which was roomy and comfortable - elegantly restored architectural detail, immaculate white linens with down pillows&quilts and a lovely marbled bathroom. Very clean. We loved having free WIFI and the hotel staff is extremely friendly and helpful - especially with carrying your bags to the upstairs rooms as there is no lift. We would definitely return to this hotel when in London for its location and for its reasonably priced rooms by London boutique hotel standards. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We had a wonderful time staying at the Academy. The service was excellent and the staff attentive. The rooms were very comfortable and well designed. We stayed in two different rooms - one was tiny but so beautiful, but too small for my husband so the staff gladly moved us as soon as a room was available. We explored the streets - good reasonable restaurants […] nearby - Percy Street has wonderful restaurants at the far end (one that Ezra Pound once visited), and Charlotte street. Also wander through some of the most lovely squares - Russell, Bloomsbury, and many more. Youthful college students provide a contemporary contrast to the historical setting. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall, we were very satisfied with the Academy Town House. It was very nicely furnished, and was in a prime location for the tube and the British Museum. The only negatives I would mention would be that there was no elevator, so if you have difficulty with stairs, do not choose this hotel. Also, some of the front desk staff could have been more familiar […] with local sightseeing attractions. We would stay there again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

My (single) room was at the top of three flights of steep stairs, and was a shoe-box sized room, that had a slight damp smell. Quite nicely fitted out, but tiny. Free wifi but a hopeless internet connection, and when I paid extra for a high speed broadband connection, it really wasn't much better. Internet happens to be crucial to me, so it really put […] me off the hotel. Good location, very close to Tottenham Court road/central London. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

If u don't mind walking this place is excellent. Super affordable especially for London and a clean place with an LCD TV and cable. Everything was as clean as expected and I would recommend to my mother.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

OK....lets look at the good stuff first. Good location (near British Museum-restaurants-tube station, etc. Reasonably tidy room, friendly staff. Now for the bad bits: Did I mention No lift?! I'm 60 years of age and (thankfully) fit, but walking up & down 6 flights w/ luggage??? Nuh-uh! I haven't had to do that since I lived in the Bronx. Had we been […] staying more than 2 nights we'd have insisted on a lower floor. WIFY was free but-oops...didn't work. Overall seemed a bit more like a pricey youth hostel than a hotel,so if you're a 20 something w/ a backpack & bicycle, have-at, otherwise, try the Rathbone a few blocks away. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

It was a great value.

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The rooms are allegedly air-conditioned. It was hot. The AC in the room I was given (tiny, one window overlooking the AC units) didn't work. I was moved to a nicer room (why didn't I get this room the first time? -- I'm even a return visitor to this hotel). The AC didn't work either, but at least there was more than one window and so I had some cross-ventilation. Otherwise, […] the hotel is pleasant and well-located. The rooms, however, are very small. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

nothing else

Genuine Expedia guest review

Hotel is in a series of townhouses about four blocks from the Brittish Museum in a nice neiborhood full of students and spotted with pubs, and a variety of different types of restaurants, many of them reasonably priced. There is also shopping of all kinds close by and a couple of really nice parks. We walked to Westminster Abby, to Covent Garder, to […] St Pauls, all over, but there are tube stops close by and it seemed as if every bus in London went by the hotel. (Rooms away from the street are quieter.) Our room was small without a chair, other than the desk chair, but still comfortable. Service was good. Staff was friendly and very helpful. Would definitely recomment this hotel. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review