Simon Wittenberg enjoys a tour of AKA Marylebone, a discrete residence designed for travellers in need of temporary luxurious accommodation in the Capital’s fashionable West End.
Owned and managed by the Korman family, AKA has a total of nine properties, including four in New York, and one in Beverly Hills, where we stayed last year. Two more are set to open in 2016 – Wall Street in the Big Apple, and University City in Philadelphia.
London is home to AKA Marylebone, the only AKA outside of the USA, and is conveniently located within walking distance of Mayfair, Regents Park and some of the area’s most well-known shopping hubs such as Selfridges and the world-famous Oxford Street.
Opened in October 2012, the converted 1920s property, which was once possibly the headquarters of the KGB, attracts corporate clients, those from the Middle East and guests undergoing procedures at clinics on the nearby Harley Street.
The impressive refurbishment transformed the building into nine contemporary AKA suites that embrace the integrity of the original architecture and the spirit of the neighbourhood. Accessed via a spiral staircase or a central circular lift, most occupy their own floor to provide the ultimate luxury of space and anonymity. A studio with its own roof terrace sits at the very top, with two suites in the basement (level -1). These are separated by a patio, but can be joined together to form a larger apartment.
Each suite features bespoke and stylish furniture, gourmet kitchens with grey lacquer cabinetry, charcoal Caesarstone quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Artwork, which is unique to every room, complements the overall design. Full marble baths and pristine walk-in showers are lined with Bvlgari and Asprey toiletries. The pinnacle of AKA London’s offering is the ‘Mews House’, an exclusive two-bedroom, two-bathroom home that includes a study, private garage and a parking space – a rarity for this area.
This two-storey residence is ideal for guests who seek maximum privacy and discretion whilst in the city.
Furthermore, AKA Marylebone residents benefit from UK and US plug sockets, complimentary Sky TV and Wi-Fi, 24-hour concierge services, meticulous housekeeping seven days a week, same-day dry-cleaning and laundry, as well as numerous business amenities. Chauffeured transportation to and from an airport is available upon request.
Catering is not available in-house, but in the vicinity, there are plenty of excellent eateries such as The Ivy Café, which we have tried for brunch, and the 108 Brasserie where we have enjoyed both dinner and afternoon tea on separate occasions.
AKA Marylebone – Where and How?
AKA Marylebone is located at 5 Bentinck Street, London W1U 2EG, United Kingdom.
Rates start at approximately £315 per night for a one-bed suite (subject to a minimum stay of one week) and £790 per night for the Mews House. Rates are based on availability, double occupancy, and do not include tax or service charges. For more information, visit www.stayaka.com.
Read our review of AKA Beverly Hills in the USA here.