an AKA at The AKA Hotel: My Staycation in Alexandria, VA

Stairwell to mezzanine level

I take a week away from work every quarter; during the holidays it's more like two . . .or three. As a licensed mental health therapist, approved clinical supervisor of interns and residents, consultant, advisor and domestic goddess in my family, this pause was overdue. Counseling those on the oncology continuum in the Black community has its trials and triumphs. I, too, experience my own professional and personal trials and triumphs. This quarter, I was unable to es-ca-PAY (Dory pronunciation) in true form. I began to research local hotels in neighborhoods I have frequented. Then I remembered a childhood friend reported a restful and luxurious stay at Hotel AKA Alexandria. Opened: April 2023.

The name of this hotel stood out to me and I bookmarked her IG post. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated--the world's premier, sorority amongst the nine Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLO) [see National Pan Hellenic Council]. When in conversation with fellow members or other NPHC Greeks, we say "AKA." The AKA Hotels are owned by the Korman family, a five generation residential real estate company. Previously, a defunct Holiday Inn, the developers and their chosen architect, Piero Lissoni and interior designer made me feel like I was in a moody, albergo. I stayed for a short, two nights due to previously scheduled obligations. Escape with me below for my first blog-style-hotel-review. All opinions are my own, not sponsored. All photos are my own (as much as I wanted to use their professional images, I had to show you it really looks like those!)

Location

Old(e) Town(e) Alexandria, Virginia. Nestled in the northern most part of the well-known historic district. Several blocks north of King Street. Two blocks from Harris Teeter. About three or four from Trader Joe's. West Elm is directly across the street. Trouble. Hank's Oyster Bar and Rooftop is a block away. More on that later (future blog). Eight minutes from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Fifteen from D.C. and, about twenty-five minutes from Ft. Belvoir.

Design

My husband is an architect. I tend to awkwardly use those industry terms. So, I'll try my best to use the descriptors I know best. COLOR | The first thing I noticed upon arrival is the charcoal-mushroom colored brick. I'm from southern Virginia and love hardwood floors, red brick, and fireplace hearths. I typically despise when people paint exterior brick unnatural colors, but this coloring was a beautiful complement to the property resting on the edge of commercial stores, mom-and-pop restaurants, and stately residences. The color palette continues throughout: Deep, gray herringbone marble/quartz/granite tiled floors; muted tan seating in the lobby lounge; taupe textured floor-to-ceiling wall paneling; brushed bronze elevator doors and fittings. LIGHTING | The lighting! Moody. Capricious. But, in the best way. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby lounge let in sunlight, street light, and moonlight. However, as you move through the halls, the lighting changes based on various focal points the design team chose to place interest. For example, the check-in area is backlit as I would imagine an Asian restaurant with a large screen and what appeared to be black wooden mullions. As you move to the elevators, the lighting dims. Narrowing corridors, lower ceilings. Possibly off-putting to solo travelers, but I was impressed by this design risk. Calming and steers you to your room. Focused. The corridors create a fluidity to push you to your next destination of the hotel. The lobby lounge was inviting and conversational. I literally saw someone in tummy time position, feet swinging in the air, on facetime. ROOM | Teasing artwork, luxe finishes, and lighting effects continued. The bathroom contained a warm, almost golden-hued marble/quartz/granite (maybe terrazzo?) one-by-two (12" x 24") floor tiles, white zellige tile on the walls, and black faucets. The only thing I noticed that they did not change was the under-window AC unit. The outer housing was black instead of the 1990s taupe.

Chaise; Room

Room

BED | I slept like a well-fed, non-sleep-regressed baby. The mattress was comfortable. Not too firm, nor too soft. Sheets are possibly percale, they maintain a coolness through the night. The duvet is basic white cotton but there was five embroidered stitches on the left and right sixth, adding that small detail that your eye catches. SEATING | There is a chaise, armed dining type chair, and 2.5ft round, marble top table. I didn't sit on the chaise. The chair held my purse. The bed held me. LIGHTING | You can control the main lights from the switch over the nightstand. Thank you! Because who wants to get up and turn the lights off once they're comfy in bed?! Recessed, reading, spot, and main lighting are all available. The spot light is a long metal piece hanging from the ceiling. It looks odds, but is a neat night light if you need something to stay on throughout the night. BATHROOM | When visiting newer, boutique hotels I am always interested in the function (and fit). Form is sexy, but can I use this the way I'm supposed to (or a in a new way)? I enjoyed the amount of space I had to swivel around and dance while getting ready. The faucet to turn on the shower is well placed to not douse you with cold water before the pipes find the hot. The showerhead is rainfall style. No diverter. Not the best for anyone who doesn't wash their hair daily. As a Black woman with naturally curly hair, I wash, style and set my hair to last about four-to-seven days. Yes, I wore a shower cap, but water running down my face as I try to lather, is not how I want to lose eyelashes from rubbing suds out of my eyes. The bathroom steams easily as there are no physical barriers between the shower, toilet, and sink area. Because the bathroom is fairly large, once I cut the water off, I did feel cold more quickly. There are no towel hooks near the shower, so I placed my towel on the counter as the slab runs the full length of the bathroom. It creates a ninety-degree angle with the shower area. I placed my washcloth on the towel bar on the shower glass. Once dry, I hung my wet towel on the hooks on the back of the bathroom door. This is about twelve feet from the shower. I loved the white tea scented bar soap provided. CLOSET | Multifunctional wardrobe. Lacquered, emerald green. Two, cotton-modal blend robes are available. Standard luggage rack. Motion sensor lights. Iron. Ironing board. Two dresser drawers. The larger drawer beneath the left drawer is the refrigerator. The right drawer is a deep drawer. The area above the drawers is inset with glass shelves showcasing coffee pods, a tea box, espresso cups, and mugs. Branded box spring water is provided. A mirror is the back wall of the wardrobe/shelf/coffee area. There is also a full length mirror mounted to the wall to the right of the wardrobe. I can't remember the room flooring as I always take my Herschel cashmere travel slippers while away from home. VIEW | I was on the third floor. The hotel is only four. There is a condo building across. Nothing to see here.

Amenities

PARKING | My package provided in/out valet parking. This is your "only" choice. Due to permitting, there is not much overnight/long-term parking in the area. A text message received after checking in links your room number, car, and assigned valet tag number. You can request your car via this app at anytime. CINEMA | A beautiful design reminiscent of the home theatre my final childhood home was to have. They were screening two to three different movies during my stay. LOUNGE | a multi-use space with the bar as its centerpiece. Lunch and dinner are served there during specific times. CAFE | Breakfast and lunch served here. It is around the corner from the lounge. I stopped here on my way out to grab a juice and croissant. Well appointed, and airy. Booths, farm house table and smaller cafe tables wedged to the left of the main counter. High quality jams, juices, and pastries offered. CONFERENCE | A conference room is near the elevator lobby. I didn't pop in, but based on the description and the "en suite" terrace, this would be a great amenity to take advantage of for a small company's team building event, bridal shower, or other celebratory event. POOL? | The previous property indicated a pool, however I didn't see any signage pointing to this reality. I did see a terrace is coming soon with fire pits. The hotel is still undergoing changes, however no noise or construction crew were noted during my stay. There is also a small ballroom. Not sure of square footage or capacity.

Lounge

Staff

Accommodating. Knowledgeable. Friendly. Engaging. As a therapist I can appreciate this. I don't like small talk, but I also am not about to tell you my life story. My stay was upgraded and I was given a complimentary bottle. Valet is efficient and friendly as well. I note they take care to not completely override your car settings.

Experience

I'll be back! It's a great place to host out-of-town family flying into DCA as well. Close to all the things. I felt well taken care of and appreciated the unique amenities that I haven't seen at other hotels. To my understanding welcome prices are still in effect. Check them out and let me know how you enjoyed your stay!

Lobby Lounge