Residents of AKA Beverly Hills can enjoy the outdoor residents-only lounge, a spacious landscaped terrace with spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills.
Photo ©2014 Eric Staudenmaier.
In these times of social distancing and working from home, any amount of travel feels like an enormous reprieve from the new normal. Those needing or looking for high-end lodging away from home, for work or otherwise, might feel anxious striking out into a new city or living in a safe, clean environment. One brand is offering luxury, semi-permanent rental spaces in cities around the country that feel safe and more than comfortable.
The AKA brand originally formed in 2005 with the idea of recognizing an “unmet need in major cities for luxury extended-stay apartments with hotel services,” according to Elana Friedman, chief marketing officer of AKA. Founder Larry Korman and his family conceptualized furnished apartments that would satisfy residents’ need for flexible living arrangements without sacrificing luxury. Since then, according to Friedman, these innovative ideas have grown to incorporate the best in cuisine, design, wellness and technology in metropolitan locations all over, including London, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
AKA specializes in weekly and monthly stays, therefore creating a “home away from home experience for our residents, no matter where they are traveling from,” Friedman says. She adds that to meet the demand of those who are looking for a self-sufficient living experience, AKA offers luxurious furnished apartments with modern kitchens, spacious floor plans and services as requested, all furnished in a contemporary style by renowned designers.
Each AKA location offers a diverse range of services designed to provide residents with comfort, choice and luxury for any length of stay. All locations provide on-site services such as a 24-hour front desk, dedicated doorman, meticulous housekeeping, valet and laundering, in-suite dining, secure transportation, and more. Private amenity spaces are included as well, from thoughtfully designed fitness centers and lounges, to cafes and cinemas.
With the developing public health crisis, priorities over privacy and cleanliness have grown, as well as a need for safe workspaces. AKA has not only recognized these concerns, but has adapted to remain open and flexible to residents.
“We concepted flexible office suites that will allow a person to book a suite to work, rent as a socially distanced office, or have the bed removed to create a workspace for two employees,” Friedman says. These suites also feature a full kitchen, private bathroom, copier/printer/scanner, complimentary WiFi, and can be booked on a weekly or monthly basis.
Flexible office space at AKA Central Park in New York.
Photo courtesy AKA Hotel Residences.
AKA Beverly Hills offers a contemporary residential oasis boasting suites with custom furnishings, private balconies and more.
Photo ©2018 Eric Staudenmaier
Private workspace at AKA University City.
Photo © Halkin Mason Photography
When it comes to traveling in today’s world, finding a balance between privacy and engaging activities can be difficult and have the potential to change the hospitality industry at its core. However, brands like AKA that are already seeing changes in what was “normal” prior to the pandemic, are finding ways to stay ahead. “People are now and will continue to be more hyper-focused on the cleanliness and safety of their surroundings, and these facets are taking the lead when planning a trip or experience,” Friedman notes. “Given that, we anticipate travelers will look for more extended-stay or serviced residence options coming out of the downturn as a way to have greater control over their accommodations.”
With AKA’s Live It! Program, AKA residents are encouraged to uncover new experiences like a local, while keeping safe in socially distanced settings. “From custom fitness sessions, improv classes, trapeze lessons, cooking classes and more, AKA connects travelers with the fabric of a city,” Friedman says. She adds that another new opportunity exclusive to AKA is an East Coast road trip package that offers travelers a chance to experience New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., all in one trip. With two to three hours of driving between each destination, the getaway gives residents the opportunity to embark on a journey of sightseeing, outdoor activities, photo opportunities, local eateries, history and iconic stops along the way to the next city, all in a custom, outdoor, social-distanced activity itinerary.
For more information on the AKA East Coast Road Trip, visit the link here.
For more information on AKA’s Flexible Office Spaces, visit their website here.
Tired of being cooped up working from home? Work from the beach! Make your summer of 2020 as enjoyable as possible on peaceful Isle of Palms.
Located just a block from the beach, this rental property situated 3005 Cameron Blvd in Isle Of Palms, SC boasts a beautiful private pool and fenced yard outside. Inside, the well-designed open floor plan offers elevator access and large spaces to enjoy inside and out, including the rooftop deck with ocean views, and private yard with plenty of seating to lounge around the pool and enjoy a poolside barbecue.
The well-maintained home is like your own private resort, boasting two master suites with oversized showers and Jacuzzi tubs, four additional bedrooms including a bunk room off the main living space, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout, and elevator for easy access for all guests.
The light-filled great room with exposed beams and a cathedral ceiling is a comfortable place for your whole crew to gather for entertainment around the 60-inch HDTV with surround sound. Some may opt to enjoy the evening breezes and sounds of the ocean from the adjacent covered porch.
When it’s mealtime, preparation is a pleasure with the open kitchen and gas cooktop island where the chef can be in the center of the activity of the group. Large dining table seats 12 with additional options for seating at the breakfast bar, covered porch, or al fresco poolside.
A “reverse floor plan” with the living space above 4 of the 6 bedrooms, the master suite on this floor has a coffered ceiling, walk-in closet, and huge master bath with a double sink vanity, Jacuzzi tub and oversized shower. Just across the hall from the powder room is the bunkroom with two sets of bunk beds and TV.
The floor below has another master suite with the same layout as above, and an additional king-bedded room – each with their own private porch overlooking the pool. There are two more bedrooms with queen beds on this floor, the laundry room, and another covered porch with a row of rocking chairs off of the main entry foyer.
The location is ideal – just a short stroll one block to the beach access path at 30th Avenue to the gorgeous wide stretch of beach that spans the eastern side of the island halfway between the Isle of Palms Connector and the marina. See dolphins play near the shore, and on moonlit walks you will encounter crabs scurrying out of your path and you may even find sea turtles nesting during the summer or their hatchlings racing toward the ocean on warm evenings. Bike for miles on the beach, or tool around the island on a golf cart – rentals available.
Make Admiral’s Roost your summer home this year!
For more information contact Michele Miller, Realtor®
Charleston Realty Services – eXp Realty LLC
843-388-4693 mobile
michelemiller.realtor@gmail.com
Greystone Development, a New York-based real estate development company, has commenced leasing at No. 223, located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with leasing and marketing handled by MNS.
Situated near the Union Street MTA station, above Starbucks and next door to Blink fitness, this modern, 13-story building adds 63 meticulously designed rental units, from studios to two bedrooms, to this vibrant neighborhood.
Daniel Goldner Architects, an award-winning firm based in Chelsea, New York, envisioned this truly unique property, one that celebrates the existing red brick architecture in the neighborhood by incorporating the material into a contemporary context. This same consideration to detail is further demonstrated within the property.
The layouts are carefully crafted to optimize light and air. The upper levels of the building are partially set back to create terraces and dual exposures in the living rooms and master bedrooms and introduce a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. The well-planned layouts also maximize usable square footage, allowing for the inclusion of in-home washers and dryers and ample storage including walk-in closets in most units. With an abundance of building amenities, residents may find themselves not wanting to leave home. Building features include: virtual doorman, part-time attended lobby, a double-height resident’s lounge with a designated chef’s kitchen, landscaped roof deck, and bicycle storage.
“This project has been an incredibly fulfilling process from the start,” said Thomas Ryan, Head of Greystone Development. “Our goal was to give this community a residential development that complements the adjacent landmark and contributes to this area’s vibrancy and activity. We are thrilled to see our vision come to fruition.”
Residents of No. 223 will enjoy, on average, 900 square feet in each unit, and approximate rents starting at net effective $2,315. No.223 is centrally located by many popular restaurants and businesses including Whole Foods, Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, Brooklyn Boulders, Pig Beach, Blink Fitness, Dinosaur BBQ, and 5th Avenue boutiques.
Photos courtesy of Paperfarm