AKA Times Square

Co-CEO’s of the AKA brand, Larry and Brad Korman, hand select architecturally-significant buildings in NYC, Philly, DC, LA, and London to install modern apartment units for short and long-term stays. In keeping with this trend, this property looks historic from the entrance -- it is indeed a landmark building -- but the clear AKA signage and glass doors leading to a narrow lobby will let incoming guests know that decor is completely modern on the inside. Low-lighting, two avant-garde chairs, three large flat-screen TVs showing city scenes, and music playing in the background all make the property feel classy and cool, and yet totally approachable. The small but helpful staff -- usually just a front-desk attendant and doorman -- assist with luggage, check-in, and attraction and restaurant suggestions. It is not unusual to overhear them speaking several languages, as AKA attracts guests from all over the world.

Other than this small lobby area, there's nothing more for guests on the first floor, except two elevators rising thirteen floors. Guests will want to check out Floor 12, which holds the entrance to the main communal area called "a.lounge" with the brand's iconic sleek and contemporary decor: pale hardwood floors and large-scale photography that show off angled ceilings. This is the space that has a 24-hour fitness center, Mac computer and printer, two bathrooms, separate seating areas, and windows that look out onto 44th Street. A noticeable staircase leads to yet another wow-factor area called "a.13" with floor-to-ceiling windows, a countertop, a dining table and several low tables for working or intimate conversation. There's a display of the small-batch vodka called "a.vod" here -- another passion of the owners' -- but it's not for sale. The gem of the hotel during warmer months is the rooftop terrace that is surrounded by office buildings and a water tower, lending it a true urban feel. In the morning, guests can bring their laptops and enjoy a cup of free coffee or tea. In the evening, guests can opt instead to bring up wine and cheese from the rooms and enjoy with some friends. Since this entire area is only open until midnight, it is not a party scene. Overall, it's rare to see fellow guests just about anywhere, and mostly they will comprise of a near even mix of leisure and corporate travelers.

There are four AKA properties in Manhattan and a fifth one on the way (a Wall Street hotel is set to open in 2015). The Times Square location is situated on a nice section of 44th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, that contains a mix of historical and modern architecture. This is a key section of Midtown -- close to Grand Central Station, restaurants, and notable hotels like the Algonquin, which is a great place for a drinks. Tourists will enjoy being able to get to the MoMA, Radio City Music Hall, Fifth Avenue shopping, the theater district, and Bryant Park in a cinch. Corporate travelers choose the location for close access to several office buildings in the area.

Nearly all NYC subway stations are located within blocks of the property, providing easy access to other parts of the city. For convenience sake, a grocery store is nearby to stock the Sub Zero fridges, as is a Walgreens and Duane Reade. Though coffee and tea is served in the mornings for free, Gregory’s Coffee is located a block away, as well as several restaurants ranging from casual to bistro to high-end, like Mario Batali's Esca. The 24-hour front desk attendant and doorman are available to arrange private transportation and offer nearby suggestions.

The Times Square AKA location has 106 apartment-style units in three sizes. Most are studios and one-bedrooms, but there are 20 two-bedrooms for families and larger groups. Because this historic building had smaller windows, some of the rooms lack natural light, especially the units facing the rear (away from 44th Street). The plus side to this is that these units will be more quiet. In other words, the brightest rooms are front-facing rooms, but the quietest ones face the rear. Most bathrooms have large walk-in showers and rain showerheads, but only one floor in the building has tub/shower combos –- these units can be requested in advance. Upon arrival, there will be Bulgari bath toiletries, but these will not be restocked until the next weekly cleaning, much like the two Voss bottled waters that are in the kitchen upon arrival. Guests can pay a fee for additional cleanings.

All units come with living and dining areas furnishings by Design Within Reach, and fully-equipped kitchens with Sub Zero refrigerators, stainless steel appliances, quartz zodiac countertops, and complete cooking and dining sets. There's Bosch washer and dryer units hidden in closets. Flat-screen TVs (one in each bedroom and one in each living room) offer cable television with HBO channels. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.

The standout feature of the property is the a.lounge area, which is open from early in the morning until midnight every day. The two-story contemporary space -- complete with two floors of lounge space and a large rooftop terrace -- was designed by Piero Lissoni and has a number of chairs, sofas ,and tables for reading, working, and entertaining. Guests are welcome to bring beverages and snacks here, but smoking is not allowed. Free coffee and tea are offered every morning, making it a great place to work with a laptop -- Wi-Fi is free throughout.

For those who don’t have their own laptop, there’s a Mac station with printing and scanning. Though the actual lounge is open until midnight every night, the fitness center that is in a separate room off the lounge entrance is 24-hour and has equipment from Technogym, including treadmills, rowing machines, and exercise bikes. Personal trainers can be booked through the front desk.

The front desk staff are able to assist with arrangements and suggestions. Valet dry cleaning service is also available. There's no on-site restaurant or spa.