The Posh Hotel AKA Alexandria Exemplifies Contemporary East Coast Style

The property opened in the spring of 2023, boasting luxurious accommodations designed by talented architect Piero Lissoni, whose firm is known for its work on New York’s High Lines and the Dorothea Hotel in Budapest, Hungary. One of the first design details guests will see upon entering the building is the floating staircase (a Lissoni signature) which leads from the lobby area up to the sizable outdoor terrace space serving as a gathering area for visitors and guests. The property’s common spaces feel rich and minimalistic while paying homage to the traditional colonial styling of this historic region.

Rooms are bright and welcoming — feeling like a more refined version of home, for those accustomed to the design styles of D.C., where you can relax and settle in. The rooms and suites themselves have a residential-style level of comfort, with upscale amenities and furnishings from some of the world’s most prominent artisans. It is a great spot for travelers on a business trip or working remotely, as well as for those in town seeking a relaxing weekend getaway.

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Room types at the Hotel AKA Alexandria

Guests can choose between multiple types of rooms and suites. These rooms are larger than most rooms I’ve stayed in while visiting Alexandria (larger than most hotel rooms in the Northeast region, particularly those found in major hubs like Washington, D.C., and New York) and quieter and more modern. The interior decor feels sleek, and is said to have taken inspiration from soothing Japanese and Scandinavian design — resulting in a vibe that expertly balances a clean and tasteful aesthetic with an element of comfort.

Choose between room options like Premium King, Platinum King with Balcony, Zen King, or Deluxe Two Queen, which offers all the space and comfort of a Premium King — with two beds. For suite-style accommodations, guests can choose between a One Bedroom Suite, a Premium One Bedroom Suite with Balcony, or a Premium One Bedroom Suite one-bedroom suite. There are virtual tours of each room style available on the property’s website.

I stayed in a one-bedroom suite which felt large and peaceful. It had two separate rooms — a bedroom and a living room-wet bar and kitchen space. It also had a private balcony. I loved that I could make my own food right in the room with the microwave oven. I also appreciated having my own Nespresso machine. These creature comforts added an extra touch of relief for a travel writer so frequently on the road.

Sitting on the comfortable couch in front of the enormous HDTV, outfitted with standard streaming services, felt to me like a perfect way to get cozy and relax after a day of working remotely from the room and exploring Old Town.

Another detail I loved about my room was the enormous windows in the bedroom space which let in plenty of natural light (but of course was equipped with strong blackout curtain!). It made the room feel bright. And of course, the bed was extremely comfortable.

On-site amenities at the Hotel AKA Alexandria

While visiting Hotel AKA Alexandria, guests are referred to as “residents,” as opposed to visitors — since the accommodations provide everything needed to feel like (a nicer version of) home.

There’s a 24-hour front desk, and immediately when I checked in I felt well taken care of by the dedicated “Resident Services Team,” which offered recommendations for local restaurants and attractions. They can also assist with special requests like making reservations at local hotspots, which I found helpful.

A range of amenities present themselves in the hotel’s common areas — including a luxurious on-site cinema with plush chairs and a large movie display, screening a pre-scheduled lineup of films — and an expansive fitness center with all the latest workout technology.

On the a.terrace, guests can get some fresh air while sinking into one of the comfortable outdoor couches and gathering around one of the cozy fire pits with a cocktail in hand from the seasonal bar. This vast patio’s lush greenery and elegant decor feel like a great spot to settle in amongst the company of friends and family during the warmer months.

Or, check out a.cinema any time of year to feel as if you’re sitting in someone’s own at-home private theater. In fact, this room can be reserved in advance for screenings or business presentations. Check out the regular schedule of hand-picked films, which are open to all residents to watch in the ultimate comfort, without having to leave the property.

Exercise fanatics will not be disappointed with a.fitness — the hotel’s comprehensive workout center – which boasts a range of high-quality Technogym and weights equipment. The property also partners with several local businesses to host seasonal outdoor fitness classes like yoga and meditation on the “a. terrace” space — a complimentary amenity for all guests. In the Summer 2024, the property plans to also unveil “‘Roots” — a reformer and mat-based pilates studio right on-site.

Personally, I need to exercise while I’m traveling to keep to my routine each morning, and oftentimes I get anxious about whether I’ll be sparring someone for the single elliptical in the gym or worried that the equipment I’ll be using will be tired and dirty — but neither was the case here. This equipment is sleek and housed in a large, open studio space gleaming with clean, well-spaced-out Technogym fitness cardio equipment. There’s also a large, separate area with weights and other workout tools — and the plants that are sprinkled around the space add a touch of life and freshness without being over the top.

On-site dining at the Hotel AKA Alexandria

Guests will not go hungry here. The hotel offers two unique dining spots — a full-service restaurant, a.lounge, and the French-inspired, casual a.cafe.

a.lounge feels like a refined lounge and bar space where someone can spend time relaxing and indulging in a glass of classy wine while catching up with a friend, or hosting a formal business meeting over an indulgent round of drinks and dinner.

The decor feels modern and stylish with posh but welcoming furnishings (think, deep blue velvet chairs and a large lighting installation that mimics the appearance of a large, warmly glowing cloud). There’s an eccentric collection of wall art that stimulates the mind and inspires the senses. It felt like I was exploring an art museum just by walking down the hallway to dinner.

Choose from a menu of classic bites and signature cocktails as well as more satisfying, traditional dinner dishes. I started dinner with an order of the Planche Cheese dish, which came with a generous portion of four different cheeses — perfect for a group gathering. I also ordered the heavenly Burrata, and for a Main, I got the Roasted Salmon which was delicious and came with a tasty side salad.

At a.cafe, which feels like a sophisticated, French patisserie and coffee shop, guests can dine on a spread of fresh breakfast and lunch choices like steaming hot lattes and teas, sandwiches, and salads. I began each day of my visit with a trip to a.cafe, a convenient and quick way to grab a latte and pastry on the go, or a cozy spot to dine in if time allowed for a sit-down breakfast.

When the weather is warm, a.cafe’s spacious patio which overlooks the local neighborhood sights can be a great place to soak up the sun and relax.

Amenities for businesses and conferences

Those seeking somewhere to host a conference or grab a comfortable meeting space just a short ride away from Washington, D.C., can use this property as an upscale and accessible setting for business meetings and intimate celebrations. In the bright, light-filled executive boardroom, dubbed a.conference, there’s 1,200 square feet of space including a lush, landscaped terrace with extra seating.

An impending expansion on-site will add another 3,000 square feet of space in an on-site ballroom, and two 600 square foot breakout rooms, (collectively offering over 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space). There’s a dedicated event team to assist with vendors and scheduling, including on-site catering and audio and visual equipment setup.

Pet-friendly parameters and on-site services

Travelers with furry family members shouldn’t fret — this property is pet-friendly for a $125 non-refundable fee, per suite or room. The maximum number of pets per room is two, and each pet can weigh up to 50 pounds.

Everyone I encountered on-site from start to finish was very helpful and friendly. As soon as I stepped inside, someone helped me with my baggage and I didn’t feel like a burden. When I departed, someone from the hotel’s team waited outside for my rideshare to arrive, since it was pouring, and they didn’t want me to stand out in the rain.

Exploring Alexandria’s local hot spots

Hotel AKA Alexandria is in the “Old Town North” neighborhood, which is a quickly up-and-coming district of Old Town featuring walkable access to many new shopping and dining. Check out Jula’s on the Potomac, which features stunning waterfront views from its fourth-floor perch and is within walking distance of the hotel. The area is a hub of arts and culture, with The Art League school, MetroStage, and Alexandria Symphony Orchestra all headquartered in the neighborhood.

When the weather is warm, riverside greenspaces including Oronoco Bay Park and the Mount Vernon Trail (which travels into North D.C. at Montgomery Park) are popular spots to get some fresh air. There’s also a seasonal, Thursday evening Old Town North Farmers’ Market with a myriad of opportunities to enjoy fresh produce in an al fresco vendors market. This hotel can be a great place to set as a home base with easy access to attractions across Old Town Alexandria — in a setting with a relaxing but upscale ambiance.

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