Hotel AKA Back Bay

Hotel AKA Back Bay, located at 154 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116, USA, presents a distinctive option for local users searching within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category. The hotel can be reached at (617) 266-7200 or +1 617-266-7200. Reimagined in 2024 by award-winning Selldorf Architects, this property blends its storied past as the Boston Police Department Headquarters with contemporary sophistication, offering a unique "hotel residence" concept that combines the comforts of home with the services of a luxury hotel.

Hotel AKA Back Bay is nestled in the vibrant and historically rich Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. This area is renowned for its picturesque Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to some of the city's most iconic landmarks and attractions. The hotel's address on Berkeley Street places it strategically, offering excellent walkability to a wealth of experiences.

Guests are just a short walk from the upscale shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options along Newbury Street. Copley Square, with its architectural marvels like the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church, is a mere six-minute walk away. Other notable sites within easy reach include the Prudential Center, Boston Common, and the Public Garden, providing both cultural immersion and green spaces for relaxation. The building itself, a former police headquarters, boasts Beaux-Arts architectural details, adding a layer of historic charm to its modern interiors. While the reviews mention the building's age and potential for noise, its prime location largely compensates, offering immediate access to the cosmopolitan culture and energy of Back Bay. The area is well-served by public transportation, making it convenient to explore other parts of Boston.

Hotel AKA Back Bay emphasizes a guest-centric approach, aiming to provide intuitive services that elevate the stay, particularly for those seeking a "home away from home" feel.

Key services include:

• Dedicated Guest Services Team: Staff are available 24/7 to assist with various needs, from personalized recommendations for exploring Boston to support with in-room requests. One reviewer specifically lauded an Assistant Manager for genuinely caring for both staff and guests, highlighting the personalized attention.
• In-Room Dining: Available from The Berkeley, the hotel's on-site French bistro. This offers convenience for guests who prefer to dine in their rooms.
• On-site Dining: The Berkeley is an indoor/outdoor French bistro serving sophisticated cuisine. Additionally, there's a.lounge+library, a refined space for relaxation and connection, and a sophisticated lobby bar.
• Wellness Amenities: The hotel features a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness center, open 24 hours a day, fully equipped with cardio machines, weights, and yoga/fitness mats. Guests can also access certified personal trainers from HealthWorks Boston and receive exclusive discounts at Release Well-being Center (a short walk away) for spa and wellness treatments including saunas and cold plunge tubs.
• Pet-Friendly: Hotel AKA Back Bay welcomes dogs, providing luxury pet amenities, though a fee applies.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is available throughout the property, ensuring seamless connectivity.
• Business Center: A 24-hour business center with MAC PCs, internet access, and printing/faxing capabilities is available.
• Valet Parking: Valet parking is offered for a fee, a valuable convenience in urban Boston, with in/out privileges.

However, it's important to acknowledge a significant concern raised in a customer review. One guest reported a distressing experience where hotel housekeeping accidentally disposed of their car keys and a bag they were storing with the hotel, mistaking them for trash. The management's response, claiming this was a "normal occurrence" and not their responsibility, caused considerable disappointment and inconvenience, including a $650 cost for new car keys and lost work hours. This review highlights a critical service issue regarding handling guest belongings and accountability that potential guests should be aware of. While another review praised the "incredible service" and "friendly" staff, this specific incident suggests an inconsistency in service execution or a policy that could significantly impact a guest's experience.

Hotel AKA Back Bay's recent reimagining in 2024 by Selldorf Architects has transformed its spaces, emphasizing "understated elegance" and "warm, residential touches." The hotel aims to blend the "comforts of home" with "thoughtful hotel luxuries."

Key features include:

• Reimagined Guestrooms and Suites: The accommodations feature designer furnishings, with some suites offering separate living areas and kitchens, catering to both short and extended stays. Rooms boast features like full room light control from various points (bed, door, bathroom), "outlets everywhere," and showers with separate controls for water flow and temperature. Premium guestrooms are newly redesigned.
• Luxurious In-Room Amenities: These include plush robes, luxe bath products from KOS Paris and Apothecary Co., fully stocked mini-bars, pillowtop beds with down comforters and Egyptian cotton sheets, iPod docking stations, and satellite programming on flat-screen TVs. Some rooms even have microwaves and refrigerators.
• a.lounge+library: This central gathering space is designed as an extension of the guestroom, offering a refined ambiance for work or socializing.
• The Berkeley: The hotel's new French bistro, offering a sophisticated dining experience with indoor and outdoor terraces.
• State-of-the-art Technogym Fitness Center: Equipped with cutting-edge machines for comprehensive workouts.
• Business Center: Providing essential services for guests on business.
• Historic Building: Housed in a landmark 1925 building that was formerly the Boston Police Department Headquarters, the hotel offers a unique blend of classic urban charm and modern amenities.
• Customizable Comforts: The hotel offers a "no-install web app" that allows guests to request specific pillow types, aromatherapy, and weighted blankets, enhancing the personalized comfort.

While a positive review highlighted the "excellent ease of use features" in the rooms and found them "lovely, clean and cozy," the negative review regarding room service and housekeeping suggests that while the features are well-designed, operational consistency is crucial. The room sizes can also vary, and in one instance, a guest found their room "very cramped" with "very little natural light."

Hotel AKA Back Bay often provides a range of exclusive offers and packages to attract guests, making it an appealing choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category. It's highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly for the most current promotions.

• Grand Welcome Offer: This may include savings on newly reimagined guestrooms and suites, complimentary Wi-Fi, and access to premier on-site amenities like the Technogym Fitness Center. An offer of "up to 10% savings when you book two nights" and a "$50 Dining Credit to The Berkeley" was recently available.
• Extended Stay Savings: For longer visits, the hotel often has "Stay 3 Nights & Save" promotions, such as 50% off the third night, encouraging guests to extend their time to explore Boston.
• Two Suite Nights: An offer that provides 30% off the second night when staying in a Signature Suite or Penthouse Suite, ideal for those seeking elevated comfort and space.
• Wellness and Sleep Experiences: The hotel actively promotes offers like "The Sleep Experience," which can include a welcome amenity, a sleep mask, sleep-support menus with pillow selection, essential oil diffusers, sound machines, and exclusive discounts at Release Well-being Center.
• Breakfast Credit Packages: Some promotions may include a daily credit for breakfast at their on-site restaurant.
• Welcome to Boston Gift: Certain packages include a welcome gift, a dedicated Guest Services Team for personalized recommendations, and a map/guide to the city's top attractions.
• Group Offers: For corporate groups or events, the hotel provides promotional rates for bookings within specific date ranges.

These promotions, combined with the hotel's prime location, reimagined spaces, and commitment to service, aim to provide a luxurious and comfortable stay in Boston. However, potential guests should also consider the noted incidents regarding housekeeping and management's response, as these could significantly impact the overall guest experience.