Photo courtesy of AKA
AKA opens in Alexandria
Hotel AKA Alexandria, a 180-room property in Old Town North, is the newest luxury hotel in the area.
“The opening of Hotel AKA Alexandria brings a distinctive new experience to Alexandria, unlike any hotel the city has offered before,” says Larry Korman, CEO of AKA. “Together with our partners, we’ve created a modern hotel with sophisticated design, bespoke amenities and services, while paying tribute to the rich history of Old Town to bring a new wave of travelers to the city.”
The work of Italian architect Piero Lissoni of Lissoni New York, Hotel AKA Alexandria is Lissoni’s first U.S. hotel project. The property, according to AKA, "embodies an effortless blend of modern minimalism and mid-century elements, among the charming brick-lined setting of Alexandria’s Old Town."
The lobby features art by Mineheart Limited and Sabine Pigalle. Sleek lines, dark tones and rich materials of the common areas evoke Japanese minimalism, Scandinavian design and a reinterpretation of colonial styling. The lobby focal point is a signature Lissoni floating staircase that accentuates dark steel and unique lines which ascend to the hotel’s terrace level.
Stepping onto the a terrace, guests and visitors can soak in a tranquil oasis while enjoying cocktails from the seasonal bar, with views of the Zen Garden, a peaceful outdoor space with natural greenery. A.terrace is furnished with a number of seating groups, firepits and abundant greenery along with the bar seating.
The guestrooms and suites offer residential-style comfort with amenities and furnishings designed by Lissoni New York and crafted by leading artisans, including Italian furniture makers Living Divani and Porro.
For an even more elevated serene stay, guests can opt in for the Zen Garden Rooms with peaceful views of the Zen Garden. A natural color palette with warm lighting throughout the accommodations conveys a relaxing environment. Natural light pours in from the picturesque windows overlooking Old Town or the a terrace courtyard. In the bathrooms, French Crema Luna stone is found throughout. Spacious walk-in showers with rain shower heads and Fantini hardware along with large stone vanities.
The Suite Collection at Hotel AKA Alexandria has been crafted with the design-forward traveler in mind. Ranging from 525- to 735-square-feet, each Piero Lissoni-designed suite has been curated for the ultimate rest and relaxation. Every suite is equipped with a spacious living and sleeping area, featuring custom Lissoni-designed wet bars and residential design-inspired living rooms.
“Lissoni envisioned a new chapter for the old city of Alexandria, a destination for business travelers and leisure visitors to feel at ease in an art-oriented environment. The sculptural motifs are distributed in the common areas like the staircase, the art gallery, bar lounge and the library. We added a serene garden terrace where guests can enjoy the changing of the seasons and relax in peace and tranquility,” states Stefano Giussani, CEO, Lissoni, Inc.
Two Distinctive Dining Options
The hotel offers two distinctive dining options — one called the A.lounge and the other a French-inspired cafe. A.lounge is a refined lounge and bar with a menu of classic and signature cocktails, as well as renowned wines and light bites. Menu offerings will be curated by veteran restaurateurs, Bill Chait and Raphael Francois.
Guests can also enjoy a contemporary menu of breakfast and lunch options at the café on the ground floor of the hotel. Fresh baked goods and Illy coffee and tea will be served by D.C. based French pastry shop, Un je ne sais Quoi.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art conference center, as well as a 1,500-square-foot Junior Ballroom with an additional 700-square-foot pre-function welcome area, Hotel AKA Alexandria’s event spaces cater to guest’s needs. An event team will efficiently work with guests and vendors to create an event setting that includes signature on-site catering and audio and visual equipment setup.
Created to be a tranquil oasis, Hotel AKA Alexandria offers a selection of meaningful wellness experiences. An expansive fitness center on the ground floor features the latest Technogym equipment. Working closely with local partners and businesses seasonally, the hotel will offer rotating outdoor fitness classes including yoga and meditation on a.terrace, complimentary for all guests.
Additional amenities at Hotel AKA Alexandria include a.cinema, an exclusive on-site theater available at select properties. A.cinema is available to all guests for private screenings of a wide range of genres, from award-winning films, modern classics, small independent features, and foreign productions.
Hotel AKA Alexandria is one of the brand’s 16 properties and second in the DMV-area, along with AKA White House. For more information and to book a stay at Hotel AKA Alexandria, visit: https://www.stayaka.com/hotel-aka-alexandria.
