Tucked away on a leafy street in Bloomsbury, The Academy offers a quietly luxurious escape in one of London’s most intellectually rich and architecturally elegant neighbourhoods. Defined by garden squares and refined Georgian townhouses, this corner of the West End has long attracted thinkers, writers and creatives.
Bloomsbury’s reputation was shaped in the early 20th century by the Bloomsbury Set, an influential group of writers, philosophers and artists including Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes and E.M. Forster, who lived and worked locally, and were a source of inspiration behind the recent reconstruction of the property, its elegant interiors, library & Alchemy Bar.
The five-star Academy comprises of five Georgian townhouses, seamlessly combined for a boutique stay with the feel of a private residence. With just 50 bedrooms and suites, the hotel feels personal and considered, with interiors by New York-based, award-winning Champalimaud Design. This hotel is a classic example of YTL’s understated luxury, combining modern and vintage pieces for a contemporary take on townhouse living. The unique Courtyard provides a haven amid the bustling city, offering guests a chance to indulge in a quintessential afternoon tea or evening drink from their extensive selection. Following the multi-million-pound refurbishment by YTL Hotels, The Academy is now a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Our stay was in the Bloomsbury Suite; a generously proportioned space designed for both relaxation and lingering. Elegant bespoke furniture, refined colour palettes and a luxurious marble en-suite create a sense of understated sophistication, while the separate seating area, complete with sofa bed adds the feeling of residential ease.
The Refectory is a relaxed and stylish space where breakfast is unhurried and thoughtfully presented. The hotel’s charming historic garden (a rare luxury in central London) is a great space to relax when the sun is shining, and The Alchemy Bar, a ground-floor hideaway, is ideal for bespoke cocktails, speciality gins or a glass of champagne.
A highlight of our stay was Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea, a distinctive experience inspired by Bloomsbury’s literary heritage and the novel Mr Ma and Son by renowned Chinese author Lao She. This quintessentially English ritual is reimagined with a subtle Asian twist, reflecting the story of a father and son navigating life in 1920s London, and finding comfort, identity and connection through tea.
The Academy also offers considered creative spaces. Set within an urban townhouse, the environment is informal yet refined, with flexible lounge areas ideal for small gatherings and networking – and The Genius Lab, which is a luxury boardroom flooded with natural daylight and fully air-conditioned, equipped with premium delegate stationery, a presentation screen and high-speed Wi-Fi for focused meetings and collaborative conversations.
The Academy’s location is one of its strongest assets. University College London sits nearby, while the British Museum is just a short walk away. Covent Garden, Soho, the West End theatre district, Oxford Street and St Pancras International are all within easy reach, whether on foot or by public transport.
Quiet, characterful and impeccably located, The Academy feels less like a hotel and more like a well-kept Georgian townhouse complete with creaking floors that only add to its charm. With welcoming staff, excellent dining and an atmosphere of discreet refinement, it’s an ideal base for travellers who value culture, comfort and a true sense of place.
The Academy
21 Gower Street, Fitzrovia, London WC1E 6HG
reservations@theacademyhotel.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7631 4115
By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar
