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US: Luxury hotel and furnished residence brand AKA has completed renovations on two of its Boston properties.
Hotel AKA Back Bay, a 225-room property housed in a historic 1926 building that once served as the Boston Police Department headquarters, has been reimagined by Selldorf Architects.
The redesign blends the building’s heritage with modern style. Notable features include a light-filled lobby with a hand-blown Murano glass chandelier, a custom Corian check-in desk, and a central gathering space called a.lounge+library.
Guest rooms and suites include custom furniture designed by Selldorf Architects, creating a residential feel.
A new French-inspired bistro, The Berkeley, has also debuted under the direction of Atelier AKA F+B. The restaurant offers classic French dishes with a New England twist, alongside a curated wine list and creative cocktails.
Hotel AKA Back Bay also offers 4,800 square feet of event space, and a 24-hour Technogym fitness centre.
Annabelle Selldorf, principal of Selldorf Architects, said: “When we set out to reimagine Hotel AKA Back Bay, our goal was to create a blend of comfort and sophistication that would resonate with visitors from around the world, while also offering a welcoming retreat for the local community.
“We aimed to honour the city’s rich architectural history, blending it with modern design and reflecting a cultural shift in the hospitality sector toward a more residential experience for guests. The result is not a traditional hotel but a space that offers a true sense of belonging,” she added.
The redesign of Hotel AKA Boston Common has been led by Rafael de Cárdenas. The reception and bar areas feature custom-design furniture and in the bar specifically, lighting by Studio Atomic can be programmed to change colour temperature.
“We referenced postmodern design tropes and distilled these into a contemporary effect with a nod to 1980’s hospitality culture,” said Rafael de Cárdenas. “We introduced slightly torqued walls, which suggest a dreamlike atmosphere.”
Hotel AKA Boston Common also offers the first dedicated physical space to Après AKA, the company’s merchandise brand. Within the hotel, guests can buy gifts such as AKA’s signature robe, room-scented mist, essential oils, and candles.
The redesign underscores AKA’s commitment to redefining luxury hospitality, combining history, modern design, and residential comfort.
Larry Korman, CEO of AKA, said: “With its stunning design transformation, Hotel AKA Boston Common emerges as a beacon of modernity amidst the historic charm of the Boston Common area. Every detail of the renovation speaks to the vibrant energy and cultural richness of the iconic neighborhood, offering guests an immersive experience that celebrates the essence of Boston.
“Set apart from its Back Bay sister property, Hotel AKA Boston Common stands as a unique fusion of chic elegance near Boston Common. We are also proud to have one of our first Après AKA boutiques in this location,” he added.
