Academy Town House Hotel Reviews

bathroom too small ...
bathroom too small
Reviewed by Giancarlo Gotelli; Reviewed in 01:01 15 Nov 2009

no lift in hotel breakfast very expensive ...
no lift in hotel, breakfast very expensive
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 2 Sep 2009

Pleasant amp quiet alternative to the usual quot...
Pleasant & quiet alternative to the usual "big" hotels full of business travellers and conferences.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 28 Aug 2009

The hotel will swipe your card when you...
The hotel will swipe your card when you check in for an amount substantially more than the cost of the room per night. Unfortunately this is processed with your bank so is deducted from your available balance. Make sure you have plenty of money in your account in case it leaves you short!
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 25 Aug 2009

We have enjoyed the friendlyness of the ladies...
We have enjoyed the friendlyness of the ladies during breakfst most of aal. They made our stay really enjoyable and deserve a special mention!
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 10 Aug 2009

This hotel left me with mixed emotions The...
This hotel left me with mixed emotions. The check-in process, whilst handled with charm and professionalism, seemed to go on forever. The interior decor was delightful in places, but in others seemed seedy and none too clean. The room was nicely furnished but small enough to be claustrophobic, and the the bathroom was no bigger than a wardrobe.<br />A curate's egg, in short, nice in parts.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 17 Jul 2009

It took minutes to get checked in and...
It took 17 minutes to get checked in and then it was a long trawl up many flights of stairs to the room (no lifts.....). The room was fine, albeit with 2 single beds pushed together rather than the double that I booked. Maintenance was iffy - the curtains wouldn't close completely but I needed to be up early anyway so that wasn't a disaster. Bathroom small, with the dreaded Mira "instant" heat trickle (you wouldn't call anything made by Mira a shower - that implies a powerful flow of water) and the world's dinkiest handwash (one at a time) sink. The TV was barely usable, with all channels randomly pixellating from time to time. WiFi was abysmal with very poor bandwidth.<br />Decent furnishings, though and an excellent location.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 16 Jul 2009

We came up to London for a Royal...
We came up to London for a Royal Garden Party. This hotel is in such an ideal position - a very short walk to the main theatres, the local tubes, British Museum etc. Staff are all very obliging - nothing is too much trouble. Room was very luxurious and bed extremely comfortable. Best nights sleep we had ever had in a hotel. The breakfast was freshly cooked to order. Also what a treat to find a hotel in central London with a garden!
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 16 Jul 2009

Great little hotel It is however a collection...
Great little hotel. It is however a collection of converted townhouses so it is possible to hear doors banging etc, and staircases are narrow and windy. the continental breakfast was excellent and the garden nearly unheard of in London.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 26 Jun 2009

This is a great hotel for the business...
This is a great hotel for the business traveller as well I am sure those site seeing in London. It is a little disconcerting on arrival as it does look like a private house. The entrance and foyer however are charming, the trek to the room less so - I had to go up and down stairs and along corridors and the chap showing me to my room didn't offer to help with my bag. However the room itself was lovely - nice view to the garden, very clean, comfy bed with very good quality sheets. nice touches - good quality robe, Molton Brown excessories, an ok hairdryer, free bottled water, tea, coffee and biscuits. The room service menu was a little basic but fine and the food much the same. Bathroom cramped and a little tired. Woudl definitely go there again for an overnight trip. Only major complaint was that I hung my breakfast request on the door handle in plenty of time, but no one came and removed it so no breakfast in my room! Disappointing.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 22 Jun 2009

Very pleasant hotel air conditioning effective and room...
Very pleasant hotel, air conditioning effective and room a good size with finishings in good order. (No scuffed paintwork etc that often find in hotel rooms,) Bed very comfortable, had best night's sleep that we've ever had in a hotel. Continental breakfast was good. Excellent location for the British Museum and Theatreland. Would be happy to recommend.
Reviewed by Mrs Amanda L.; Reviewed in 08:39 29 May 2009

Do to a very unsatisfactory hotel experience my...
Do to a very unsatisfactory hotel experience, my wife and I decided we needed to change hotels!<br />I got on LateRooms.com not knowing what we might be able to get at the last minute for a weekend stay. We love the Bloomsbury area and the Academy Hotel popped up. We loved this hotel!! The location is great, the rooms were clean and nicely decorated, and the staff was very helpful. The Academy Hotel turned our stay in London, a city we love and have visited several times, from a disappointment into a great stay! Thank You Academy Hotel
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 28 May 2009

I stayed in a single room which had...
I stayed in a single room which had two rather steep steps leading up to it. The room was nicely furnished. The bed and pillows were verycomfortable. I had the best sleep I've had in a hotel for a long time.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 22 May 2009

Very good hotel very clean and very good...
Very good hotel, very clean and very good staff. Great bed and nice touches in the room such as a radio, fruit and sweets.<br />I would stay here again.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 9 May 2009

We had a one night stay which was...
We had a one night stay which was very comfortable. We were upgraded to a suite so had a largish room and large, separate bathroom (down an awkward flight of stairs with a 90 degree bend, so definately not one for anyone with mobility problems - in fact the whole hotel is a bit of a warren.). The actual room rate we paid and breakfast rates are reasonable for this class of hotel in central London. It is obviously selling itself on being different - a bit like an old fashioned gentlemans' club, down to the printed calling cards - "Mr such and such is in residence at The Ambassador...") . Lots of interesting touches in the room which we didn't really make use of one a one night stay. Good TV, radio / CD player etc. Decent breakfast and comfortable lounge areas with newspapers.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 19 Apr 2009

I enjoyed my stay in The Academy very...
I enjoyed my stay in The Academy very much. The staff were really friendly and helpful, the room quite small but very cosy and comfortable and the view I had of the little garden with the fountain was delightful. I liked the little touches such as the radio/ipod speaker, the flat screen TV, the apples and the partly handwritten welcome note. I just wished I had had more time to enjoy the garden and the lounge and sample the food. I certainly hope to do so next time.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 17 Apr 2009

Excellent hotel experience ...
Excellent hotel experience
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 10 Apr 2009

Chipped shower tray very small bathroom no head...
Chipped shower tray, very small bathroom, no head board, marks on the top cover. The booking was for a double room/mini suite... the room did not live upto expectation
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 6 Apr 2009

Seems typical of London hotels to have a...
Seems typical of London hotels to have a listed price of 250 per night - is this to catch out foreign tourists or people that miss the last train home? I would have been disappointed at the price, but at 100 this was very good value - nice big room and bed, clean, nice tv, well located, robes. Only minor gripe was that the tea/coffee choice was distinctly "budget hotel" - and would a couple of biscuits have hurt? Might have been tempted by the mini bar - but didnt have a price list, and i am not falling for that one!
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 10 Mar 2009

I enjoyed my stay which was brief and...
I enjoyed my stay, which was brief and over one night. The staff were very helpful, and moved me from the quite small Room 1, which smelt too much of new paint, and was on a busy corridor, to Room 53, upstairs at the back of the hotel overlooking the garden. I have no problem with that freshly decorated room, and I am pleased that they refurbish rooms, but it was not quite fully aired yet. 53 was a much nicer single room. I think I would have liked to have been offered it in the first place. The bathroom was a good size and very clean. Attention to detail was generally good, although, like a lot of places, the grouting of the shower tiles needs a clean. I was very happy with my choice of hotel and would stay here again.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 10 Mar 2009

Imagine our disappointment when after seeing the spaciopus...
Imagine our disappointment when, after seeing the spaciopus rooms on the website, we were allocated a room barely big enough to be called a 'double'? Not only this, but the bathroom was minute and so badly designed that my partner burnt himself on the radiator whilst attempting to draw a bath. There was no kettle, no hairdryer and the room was so hot we could not sleep - opening a window was not a possibility since our room was next to the generator, which was extremely noisy. All in all, NO! we would not recommend the hotel... unless, perhaps, you are prepared to pay the full price, in which case, you are probably not going to be put in what ones senses was the annex for the 'cheap' guests!
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 3 Mar 2009

very good ...
very good
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 13 Feb 2009

I've always liked the Academy and am pleased...
I've always liked the Academy and am pleased to see the prices are now more reasonable! The location is great, service is excellent and the room (double for single use) was bigger than usual in London and very pleasant. I really like having a radio. The bathroom was tiny but fine (lots of towels, a nice bathrobe and the Molton Brown toiletries are great), although I'd have preferred a better shower. The only problem is that the doors are very noisy and the floors creak so if your neighbours come back late or you have someone who likes wearing shoes indoors in the room above it can be a bit noisy.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 10 Feb 2009

Location and accommodations are nice Room was small...
Location and accommodations are nice. Room was small but clean and neat. Asking for a 500 deposit "in case of damage" is outrageous, and makes you feel you are dealing with a second hand bungalow renter. Service was average. examples: could not get room service (a sandwich) Sunday evening. Had to call in a technician to fix heating. This hotel has all it takes to become first class. Management has to decide it wants it.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 21 Jan 2009

our stay in London at the Academy Hotel...
our stay in London at the Academy Hotel was excellent. I highly recommend the Academy hotel.
Reviewed by Ortiz Hidalgo; Reviewed in 08:35 19 Jan 2009

This was an excellent hotel very comfortable service...
This was an excellent hotel, very comfortable, service and friendliness was superb. Probably the best stay I have ever had in London. Would definitely stay again and would recommend to others
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 1 Jan 2009

I only waited for a friend in the...
I only waited for a friend in the reception area, but the atmosphere of the hotel was very inviting. The hotel seemed to be very clean and the receptionist very professional.
Reviewed by Jas Gates; Reviewed in 12:48 6 Dec 2008

Really lovely A calm atmosphere in a buzzing...
Really lovely! A calm atmosphere in a buzzing city. Easy to find and helpful staff, beautifaul furnishings. Gorgeous!
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 25 Nov 2008

Excellent This was my second stay and I...
Excellent. This was my second stay and I would certainly come here again. The rooms are very quiet at the rear of the hotel. I have not stayed in a front room.
Reviewed by Roger R; Reviewed in 11:50 4 Nov 2008

I though it was quite expensive Very clean...
I though it was quite expensive. Very clean but room very small
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 24 Oct 2008

very small room and bathroom that you had...
very small room,and bathroom , that you had difficulty getting into with your bag. i ordered a sandwich thatwas tasteless
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 14 Oct 2008

Excellent friendly staff in a small and personal...
Excellent friendly staff in a small and personal hotel at a very reasonable price for London. The room was a little small, but well-appointed, incredibly clean, and comfortable. The only complaint is the shower needed retiling and didn't drain quickly, meaning you have to stand in water - surprising given it was on the top floor.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 12 Sep 2008

Location of Hotel is excellent responsiveness of the...
Location of Hotel is excellent, responsiveness of the staff is questionable in particular when you have to complain. Air conditioning was faulty, woke us up in the middle of the night, but couldn't put the bedside lamp on as it didn;t work either. After complaining to the night porter, an alternative room was found, resulting in us having to trek 6 flights of stairs up and down in our pyjamas - Not ideal Upon checking out, the receptionist couldn;t offer any compensation without checking with her manager. eventually got 50% off price of room and an upgrade for future visit. Perhaps a lesson in how to provide Customer Service would be beneficial for the Academy.
Reviewed by Mrs Smith; Reviewed in 10:05 29 Aug 2008

Easy to access and would have been easier...
Easy to access and would have been easier if the buses were not on divert. The hotel was very clean and welcoming.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 18 Aug 2008

Excellent room - spacious cool and clean Very...
Excellent room - spacious cool and clean. Very nice. Well located for Shaftesbury Avenue / theatres. Staff very helpful. Breakfast was good but quite expensive at 15 each. Overall great value and we would stay again.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 12 Aug 2008

This is comfortable hotel with a friendly welcome...
This is comfortable hotel with a friendly welcome. Despite being in a room at the front of the hotel it was quiet and noise from the road was kept to a minimum by the secondary double glazing. Friendly pleasant staff who were willing to help with any enquiry. Downs - The room info promised free water when our beds were turned down but we didin't get any and our free bowl of fruit consisted of three apples. However we really enjoyed our stay.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 15 Jul 2008

An attractive hotel that has a lot of...
An attractive hotel that has a lot of character and a very discrete frontage. We had a "suite" - which was basically one large room with a sofa and a small en suite bathroom. But it was an attractive room, clean and comfortable (well mostly - the bed was a little harder than I would choose, if I'm being picky). Be prepared for them to "authorise" your credit card when you arrive for the room rate plus a margin (+30 in our case) "for mini-bar, phonecalls, breakfast, etc". But at checkout we were actually charged just the room rate. Altogether an enjoyable stay in a central London hotel (Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street a short walk away) at a competitive Laterooms price.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 3 Jun 2008

Very comfortable high quality room although bathroom a...
Very comfortable, high quality room (although bathroom a little "wiffy" with no working fan), a little offended by being asked for a security deposit in advance for a quality hotel.
Reviewed by B.Mitchell; Reviewed in 09:19 12 May 2008

Very good Friendly and attentive staff lovely setting...
Very good! Friendly and attentive staff, lovely setting, great location for visit to British Museum. The only downside was the incredible hot weather at the time, and the ventilation at that time - it wasn't coping. But I suspect many hotels had the same difficultyu that summer. Lovely hotel.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 11 Apr 2008

good location and nice people however my room...
good location and nice people however my room was on the top floor and the hot water boiler must have been just above it! The thing boiled away all night, a bit like a kettle that you could not switch off.<br />So I would stay again but ask for a better located room.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 7 Jan 2008

We didn't ask for a bathroom specifically but...
We didn't ask for a bathroom specifically but got a tiny showeroom; next time we will insist on a better room and bathroom.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 12 Sep 2007

The bedroom was very comfortable and bathroom clean...
The bedroom was very comfortable and bathroom clean and well supplied. We did have to ask for the advertised fruit bowl in the bedroom though and the window frame was in a decaying state. The range of fruit at breakfast was superb and the coffee really good.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 21 Aug 2007

Generally very good nice room decent food and...
Generally very good, nice room, decent food and good location. Pretty good value for money compared with other London hotels.<br />Reception could be more efficient, just one desk and one receptionist created a bottleneck for checkout; time needs to be allowed for the delay. <br />On the whole, I liked it and would use it again.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 30 Apr 2007

Booked through late rooms Requested a double but...
Booked through late rooms. Requested a double but a single was booked. Informed late Rooms email record showed only 1 adult and yet there were 2 and details weren't corrected at the hotel. Details were not clear to say that payment had not been taken just room was reserved and this was not stated clearly in paperwork. Arrived at hotel and client had to pay 1000 on the bank card to stay at the hotel as card details which had been given to the hotel could not be charged without authorisation! Surely this had already been given through late rooms!!!! <br />Hotel generally clean and staff service very good but everything was very expensive and you couldn't swing a cat in the rooms.<br />There was food available to eat at the hotel but all meals had to be consumed in the rooms and if you don't have a suite then you have no facility to eat your dinner!!!<br />Slight restoration work going on at the hotel as well - this wasn't mentioned by Late Rooms or by the Hotel.
Reviewed by an anonymous guest; Reserved via LateRooms.com; Reviewed in 12:00 24 Apr 2007

An extremely enjoyable stay Little touches such as...
An extremely enjoyable stay. Little touches such as Time Out folded to the day's TV, fruit and bottled water and even the loo-roll decoratively folded!

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.
Reviewed by Bernard Martin; Reviewed in 09:05 19 Dec 2004

My husband and I stayed with you a...
My husband and I stayed with you a couple of years ago.The rooms were very nice, breakfast was delicious and the staff were very polite.

Sincerely,

Melissa Springer
Baltimore, MD USA
www.SovereignFunding.com


Reviewed by Melissa Springer; Reviewed in 07:50 10 Nov 2004

Very good hotel and quality room Staff were...
Very good hotel and quality room. Staff were friendly and helpful. The only down side for us was the banging of doors at 7.30am and the noisy pipes from the water system.
Reviewed by Robert Loxham; Reviewed in 04:05 8 Jul 2004

minor problem with faulty air conditioning in very...
minor problem with faulty air conditioning in very hot weather when staying 11/12 may, otherwise vvvery pleasant stay (room 30, i think)
Reviewed by b.m.morton; Reviewed in 12:34 20 Jun 2004

Very pleasant staff great location Room was small...
Very pleasant staff, great location. Room was small but nicely furnished. Room 6 was seriously underlit, however, something several previous visitors had noted. Breakfast was very good. Several nice amenities (free mineral water each night). Would definitely stay there again.
Reviewed by Steve; Reviewed in 12:19 23 May 2004

Hotel was excellent great stay hotel staff very...
Hotel was excellent great stay, hotel staff very friendly and polite. Nice touches, as you walk into your room classical music playing, Bed turned down at night slippers left at the side of your bed and a little box left on your pillow with two chocolates.
We had the suite what a lovely room, very clean, Bed huge. Breakfast very good.
Would definitely stay here again.

Reviewed by Michelle & John Girvin; Reviewed in 11:56 3 May 2004

Had a fantastic time staying at this hotel...
Had a fantastic time staying at this hotel in Bloomsbury, Its about 15 min walk to Leicester Square and 20 mins to convent garden. The Hotel is luxurious and unique, the staff were friendly and helpful. Would go back for another stay.
Reviewed by Sarah; Reviewed in 10:32 9 Mar 2004

Wonderful stay Great location - Easy walk to...
Wonderful stay. Great location - Easy walk to Goodge St. tube station, British Museum, many resturants. Great staff, nice breakfast. We had a suite and our two children - 6 & 9 - were well treated by the staff.
Reviewed by Kent Blossom; Reviewed in 07:55 1 Dec 2003

The best hotel I've stayed in in London...
The best hotel I've stayed in in London.
Excellent breakfast, comfortable and clean room, good location, friendly staff. Our room was a bit cramped that's why I've scored it 9 not 10. Would definately stay there again.
Reviewed by Anthony Jarvis; Reviewed in 11:56 24 Nov 2003

Our recent stay was our second and certainly...
Our recent stay was our second and certainly won't be our last. We appreciate the comfort, the excellent service, the great breakfast and the warm welcome. We would recommend The Academy very highly to other New Zealanders travelling to London. Thank you.
Reviewed by Pam and Murray Ball; Reviewed in 11:38 17 Nov 2003

Excellent - beautiful decor fantastic breakfast lovely rooms...
Excellent - beautiful decor, fantastic breakfast, lovely rooms with all the extras you could possibly need.
Reviewed by Jacqui; Reviewed in 01:57 13 Nov 2003

fantastic value for money will come again ...
fantastic value for money, will come again.
Reviewed by harold; Reviewed in 12:24 17 Oct 2003

Had a fantastic stay and will definitely bey...
Had a fantastic stay and will definitely bey staying there again. The rooms were lovely, breakfast was delicious and the staff were extremely friendly and polite.
Reviewed by Theresa Baldwin; Reviewed in 07:47 30 Sep 2003

The first budget under GBP London hotel I...
The first budget (under 150 GBP) London hotel I would return to. The rooms are small, but all furnishings, bedlinens, bathroom fixtures etc. are of a high quality. I appreciated that the hairdryer was not nailed to the wall. Young, international staff were efficient, pleasant and helpful.
Reviewed by Sheila; Reviewed in 05:07 17 Sep 2003

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay it was a superb...
Thoroughly enjoyed my stay, it was a superb hotel with excellent service. The breakfast was really scrummy and sets you up for a day in London. There were some really nice touches, everything seemed of a good quality.I shall most definately be visiting again.
Reviewed by Ellena Paddock; Reviewed in 11:06 9 Sep 2003

Professional accomodating and very friendly staff Excellent breakfast...
Professional, accomodating, and very friendly staff. Excellent breakfast: amazing fruit, perfectly cooked eggs, and great coffee.
Beautiful rooms with all the amenities and some extras...cd player, etc.
Would definitely stay here again!
Reviewed by Linda ; Reviewed in 01:31 6 Sep 2003