The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
, London, United Kingdom
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The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
, London
Rooms: 49
17-21 Gower Street
- London - England - WC1E 6HG - United Kingdom
Hotel Website |
| 44 02076314115
318
Traveller
Reviews - The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
You Decide
Submitted by: JL in 30/09/09 - Age Group: 51 - 60
- From: Canada
- Traveller type: Business Traveller
A very well located hotel as I had business at the British Museum just 2 blocks away. When I made my reservation over the phone from Canada, I asked that an email confirmation be sent and provided the email. Nothing heard for over a day. I emailed requesting confirmation and received it. My room is small and tidy. The room is on the ground floor at the back, so relatively quiet. But the views out the windows are bad; one window opens into a small closed-in space with nothing but pigeon droppings. The room is over the kitchen area, I am told. There is a constant sound of a door, cupboard being slammed. It starts at 6:30 in the morning and while I am out most of the day, it is still heard until well into the evening. The noise sounds very loud and very close. When brought to the attention of the desk staff, nothing but surprise and concern on their faces, but the noise remains. It may be something that has to be. Yet surely something can be done to eliminate it permanently. That this has not been done to date, and I can only imagine it has been going on for as long at the Academy has been open, suggests a certain disdain for their clients. Another oddity that is significant of a perspective is with the bottle of spring water that is left in the room. It doesn't actually say that it is complementary. What it does say is that it (the bottle) belongs to the Academy and will cost you 15 pounds if you take it. Welcome to Bloombury! Breakfast is way, way overpriced, no matter how good it is. Just around the corner of Gower and Store Street is a wonderful cafe, Cafe Deco which serves up a wonderful full English breakfast with tea, toast, a large sausage, 2 good pieces of bacon, an egg and beans, for 4 pounds 20. Compare that to the Academy's offering of essentially the same at 16 pounds 50. Wireless internet is available but at an outrageous price of 12 pounds for a continuous 24 hour period. Or, if you like, 6 pounds 50 for 60 minutes of use time. While internet cafes can be found in the area, they are not numerous, but only cost 1 pound per hour. It seems that everything at this hotel is expensive, as if people are to believe that the more expensive it is, the better it is. Well, the location wins hands down and my room was clean, but the rest, well you decide how much you think its worth.
Expensive for what it offers
Submitted by: David in 16/01/06 - Age Group: 41 - 50
- From: United States
- Traveller type: Business Traveller
Sometimes the joke stops being funny. So it is with the Academy. Where should I start? This is a five story hotel with no elevator. Many of the rooms are on Gower Road, a very busy street that includes a hospital, so sirens are common. I actually had to repeat myself while asking for a quieter room, because the man at the desk could not hear my request over a truck rumbling by. It would have been funny on television. Not in real life.
As for the room itself, the curtains were unusually thin, so the room could not be darkened. Once flushed, the toilet would not stop filling... I gave up hope after ten minutes, and called the desk. When someone arrived to investigate, the toilet was still filling loudly, like a faucet running. I was told this was normal and it would eventually stop. Sure enough, soon after he left (nearly half an hour after the flush) the toilet stopped filling.
While every room has Internet, mine did not work, even after an hour wasted with the staff. While the staff was very courteous, it was notable they never apologized for the problems.
I travel for business constantly, so I stay in many hotels. The Academy was far below the standards of many less expensive places. I would say the Academy is easily the most expensive cheap hotel in which I have ever stayed.
As for the room itself, the curtains were unusually thin, so the room could not be darkened. Once flushed, the toilet would not stop filling... I gave up hope after ten minutes, and called the desk. When someone arrived to investigate, the toilet was still filling loudly, like a faucet running. I was told this was normal and it would eventually stop. Sure enough, soon after he left (nearly half an hour after the flush) the toilet stopped filling.
While every room has Internet, mine did not work, even after an hour wasted with the staff. While the staff was very courteous, it was notable they never apologized for the problems.
I travel for business constantly, so I stay in many hotels. The Academy was far below the standards of many less expensive places. I would say the Academy is easily the most expensive cheap hotel in which I have ever stayed.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
disapointment in a english town house
from A TripAdvisor Member
After spending two days at this Hotel the best thing about it was the departure. I stayed in room 2, I am not sure you can call this a room, I would call it a cupboard with a bed!! The staff were friendly but had very little knowledge of London and most of them didn't speak English. In all I am glad that my stay was short and that I don't have to come back to this Hotel. I would stongly recomend you NOT to stay at this Hotel!
Central, comfortable, lovely.
from berneboy
An extremely enjoyable stay. There were little touches such as Time Out folded to the day's TV, fruit and bottled water and even the loo-roll decoratively folded! CD playing classical music as we entered too.
The bed was the most comfortable we have ever slept in and the staff were warm, friendly and helpful. All in all a very, very good hotel. A spacious suite for £155 in a very central location. Good stuff.
The bed was the most comfortable we have ever slept in and the staff were warm, friendly and helpful. All in all a very, very good hotel. A spacious suite for £155 in a very central location. Good stuff.
very disappointing
from A TripAdvisor Member
The staff are super friendly and the entrance areas very pleasant. I was disappointed by the size of the bedroom, albeit it was very tastefully funished. The bathroom was tiny with lots of cold water - no sign of any hot either day of my stay. A hairdrier is provided but none of the plug sockets are anywhere near the only mirror in the room so it is virtually useless. Fortunately I was out on business most of the day and evening, but when I returned at 4pm on the second day the room had still not been cleaned. If I had wanted a relaxing break and to spend time enjoying the surroundings the disappointment would have been worse.
Lovely Stay in Bloomsbury
from Vliegende_Hollander
Just stayed here with my ladyfriend, lovely, but needs more attention to detail.
PROS: Good location( and two tube stations nearby), lovely luxurious room/bathroom, nice bed(linen), delicious breakfast, polite and very helpful staff.
CONS: On arrival I requested a room facing the garden several times, no expanation was given why we got a room facing the street. Luke warm shower Sunday morning; no sign of promised slippers; informed staff that fridge wasn't working on the first day, still not working second day; no towels or toiletries second day after room was done up (dealt with promptly after informing staff); promised shoe shine service wasn't delivered.
I mentioned these problems on checkout, the gentleman apologised, but seemed totally oblivious.
Language seems to be a problem?!
(PS Mechanical parts of windows need to be "serviced")
PROS: Good location( and two tube stations nearby), lovely luxurious room/bathroom, nice bed(linen), delicious breakfast, polite and very helpful staff.
CONS: On arrival I requested a room facing the garden several times, no expanation was given why we got a room facing the street. Luke warm shower Sunday morning; no sign of promised slippers; informed staff that fridge wasn't working on the first day, still not working second day; no towels or toiletries second day after room was done up (dealt with promptly after informing staff); promised shoe shine service wasn't delivered.
I mentioned these problems on checkout, the gentleman apologised, but seemed totally oblivious.
Language seems to be a problem?!
(PS Mechanical parts of windows need to be "serviced")
Excellent accomodations.
from Londonjack
It's been a couple of years since we stayed at the Acadamy but I just thought I should write a review. We were walk-ins to the Academy after our confirmed booking at The Rushmore was not honored when we arrived from the US. They say that things happen for a reason, and finding the Academy was nothing short of miraculous. There is no denying that the rooms are small, but the service, location and room appointments far outway the cons. The furnishings are top quality and maintenance is impeccable. The staff treats everyone like a long lost cousin, and the cozy restaurant downstairs performs amazinf transformations from charming inn-like breakfasts to soho trendy nightspot. Unfortunately for us, the Academy was raised up a star afetr our stay and after thorough renoovations so it is no longer affordable for us but I would still highly recommedn it for those who are seeking a classy night's rest. Also, the exterior photos that I have seen do not do any justice to this hotel.
value for money
from A TripAdvisor Member
This hotel is not perfect. In fact, it is anything but perfect.
Upon close inspection the corridors, the wallpapers, the carpet, the sofas, all seem to have been the unfortunate victim of the equally unfortunate passing of time. Minor stains here and there. TV sets not really top of the range - to be truly honest they must be at least 7 to 10 years old.
However, if we add to this equation the price factor, everyting seems to change quite drammatically. For a deluxe double I paid 135 pounds per night (hotels-london) and that, in London terms, is shamefully low.
With the price tag in mind I cannot refrain myself from lauding the brilliance of this place. From the cosy reception area to the equally cosy, albeit imperfect rooms. The fluffy beds, the split level bathrooms (if you chose a deluxe double), the fireplaces present in some rooms and most importantly the generous size of said rooms (ever so rare in this wretched town). All these details may be not be cured to perfection but the mere fact that they are present for such low prices is to be admired.
The fact that this place screams "value for money" is easily demonstratable. A few months ago, I put my parents, who visit London quite often, in another boutiqute addess: the Kinghtsbridge Hotel. Now, probably because of its affiliation with the relatively renowned and infinitely vain Firmdale Group, the attention to detail was superior. However, the room I booked for that occasion cost 230 pounds per night (still relatively low for London luxury standards). And that bought a well serviced, yet ridiculously small room. Now for 100 pounds less, The Academy (part of another group of boutique hotels, the eton group) may not offer the same attention to details but it does provide you with substantially larger and much cosier accommodation - still preserving the minimum standards of luxury hotellerie. In my humble opinion, the best value for money accommodation in London.
Upon close inspection the corridors, the wallpapers, the carpet, the sofas, all seem to have been the unfortunate victim of the equally unfortunate passing of time. Minor stains here and there. TV sets not really top of the range - to be truly honest they must be at least 7 to 10 years old.
However, if we add to this equation the price factor, everyting seems to change quite drammatically. For a deluxe double I paid 135 pounds per night (hotels-london) and that, in London terms, is shamefully low.
With the price tag in mind I cannot refrain myself from lauding the brilliance of this place. From the cosy reception area to the equally cosy, albeit imperfect rooms. The fluffy beds, the split level bathrooms (if you chose a deluxe double), the fireplaces present in some rooms and most importantly the generous size of said rooms (ever so rare in this wretched town). All these details may be not be cured to perfection but the mere fact that they are present for such low prices is to be admired.
The fact that this place screams "value for money" is easily demonstratable. A few months ago, I put my parents, who visit London quite often, in another boutiqute addess: the Kinghtsbridge Hotel. Now, probably because of its affiliation with the relatively renowned and infinitely vain Firmdale Group, the attention to detail was superior. However, the room I booked for that occasion cost 230 pounds per night (still relatively low for London luxury standards). And that bought a well serviced, yet ridiculously small room. Now for 100 pounds less, The Academy (part of another group of boutique hotels, the eton group) may not offer the same attention to details but it does provide you with substantially larger and much cosier accommodation - still preserving the minimum standards of luxury hotellerie. In my humble opinion, the best value for money accommodation in London.
Wonderfully perfect for a weekend
from A TripAdvisor Member
I would definitely recommend this hotel. Great location which is quiet, yet close to the action.
Our suite was very comfortable and little touches, like the apples and mineral water, made the stay extra special.
Breakfast the following day was very impressive too. Full English brekkie or tempting array of fruits, berries, pastries and cereals - what a lovely dilemma :-)
Our suite was very comfortable and little touches, like the apples and mineral water, made the stay extra special.
Breakfast the following day was very impressive too. Full English brekkie or tempting array of fruits, berries, pastries and cereals - what a lovely dilemma :-)
Faded Glamour
from VeggieYorkshire
Good Points
Booked on lastminute for 99 quid a night. Nice public rooms, friendly staff. Good breakfast.
Bad Points
Noisy all day and night with traffic noise. Room was a little shabby. Looked like it needed re-painting.
Stuff that doesn't really matter, but...
CD player didn't work (I wasn't bothered), the fan didn't work in the bathroom (nope not bothered either). Slow service for breakfast (nope was on holiday). Thought it may bother some people though. Oh and its a good way of working of your breakfast going from the basement restaurant to a top floor room. Watch out for the dodgy stairs!
So all in all OK, but nothing fancy. If I had a quieter room would probably stay here again.
The chain has a better hotel in Little Venice called The Collonades, which is lovely.
Booked on lastminute for 99 quid a night. Nice public rooms, friendly staff. Good breakfast.
Bad Points
Noisy all day and night with traffic noise. Room was a little shabby. Looked like it needed re-painting.
Stuff that doesn't really matter, but...
CD player didn't work (I wasn't bothered), the fan didn't work in the bathroom (nope not bothered either). Slow service for breakfast (nope was on holiday). Thought it may bother some people though. Oh and its a good way of working of your breakfast going from the basement restaurant to a top floor room. Watch out for the dodgy stairs!
So all in all OK, but nothing fancy. If I had a quieter room would probably stay here again.
The chain has a better hotel in Little Venice called The Collonades, which is lovely.
Very Pleased
from A TripAdvisor Member
This hotel was a wonderful place to stay on our first visit to London. It had been highly recommended by a friend who lives in London and it certainly lived up to expectation---in fact we told her to keep recommending it to others. The staff were very friendly and helpful, the breakfasts were outstanding, the location was great and our second and third floor rooms were clean, roomy, and very comfortable. What a find!
Great hotel
from A TripAdvisor Member
I chose the hotel based on positive reviews and location. It turned out to be a great hotel. Just a couple blocks from the underground (a short 5 or 10 minute walk) in a fine neighborhood. The room was spacious and the bed was great, although I think it was a set of double beds stuck together, if I remember right. It was a good alternative to a chain hotel. For the location it was in, I believe it was a good deal. It wasn't as enjoyable as the Colonnade, which is also in this small group of Eton hotels.
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Oyster Buy and Oyster card. It's a card that you swipe each time you ride on any public transportation. There's a cutoff dollar amount each day, so if you take the Tube and the bus alot, you'll save money and it's much more convenient than having to purchase a ticket for each trip you take. You can always just put more money on the card (just like a phone card).
Use Genuine London Taxis Only use the real London taxis when not using the Tube. Gypsy cabs are all over and they will charge you ridiculous amounts of money for even the shortest trip. The real deal is always better, even though Americans should be ready to engage in political discussions with their drivers!
london is improving - central london public transport is very much visitor oriented now and finding your way is quite easy. there are new contemporary trendy chain dining places, cheaper and quicker then traditional restorants.
- (hotels)
Other names for The Academy The Bloomsbury Town Hotel
- academy london
- academy hotel london
- Address: 17-21 Gower Street - London - England - WC1E 6HG - United Kingdom
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