AKA Central Park

"Why book? Designed for stays of a week or more, this upscale long-stay property blends the atmosphere (and some of the services) of a hotel with contemporary, apartment-style suites larger than many Manhattan pads. Set the scene: At first glance this feels like a regular hotel, with its uniformed bellman, front desk staff, and departing guests asking to store their bags for a bit, but it soon becomes clear that for many guests, this is a second home. Part of the AKA brand, which specializes in longer stays, this Central Park location caters to guests who are in town for a while or who are in need of more space—which means families, business travelers, people in town for medical or family reasons, those relocating for work, tourists doing a NYC deep-dive, or even locals who are in between apartments. AKA Central Park will also undergo a cosmetic design renovation next year. The backstory The AKA brand has 15 hotels and hotel residences across the U.S. and London, and four properties are in NYC. The Manhattan locations range from touristy Times Square to the more residential Sutton Place, so there should be one that’s suited to whatever you need to do in town. AKA is also opening Hotel AKA NoMad in early 2023. The rooms: Your home base choices range from one-room, 300-square-foot Studios to suites with furnished outdoor space and Penthouses with useful extras like DVR-equipped TVs and a dining table that seats six; the largest options run close to 1,500-square feet. Most popular are the one- and two-bedroom suites, which have full kitchens stocked with fridges, stoves, ovens, dishwashers, cookware, tableware, and even dishwashing supplies, plus large living rooms with space to work and comfortable beds. (Studios have smaller kitchenettes, but they also come with most everything you might need.) Some of the bathrooms are on the small side, but many have been lined in marble and upgraded with high-pressure shower heads. (They also come with small bottles of bath products, but most guests here are likely to have brought their own.) Suites are typically serviced by housekeeping once a week, but arrangements can be made for more frequent attention. Food and drink: If you don’t feel like cooking for yourself, there’s a lobby level café and espresso bar serving breakfast and lunch items, and a cushy, fireplace-equipped residents-only lounge for cocktails, natural wines and microbrews, plus the occasional live music set. The property also provides a list of area restaurants that will deliver to your suite.  The spa: There’s a 24-hour fitness center with plenty of equipment and a massage room for treatments (the front desk can help book that with an outside service). The neighborhood/area: Central Park is just a block away, and it’s also a short walk to Columbus Circle, the designer shopping on Fifth Avenue and some of the Broadway theaters. There are a couple delis and drug stores in the general area but it’s mainly the domain of high-end hotels and restaurants. There’s a subway stop half a block away. The service: The service is friendly and accommodating, with staff at the ready to help with any requests. They will also help you reserve the on-site 11-seat screening room for a movie night (it’s equipped with streaming capabilities) or the conference/board room. Guests also have complimentary use of the business center, which has a couple Macs and printers, and the laundry room, which is even stocked with detergent. (Same-day dry cleaning and laundry services are also available for a fee.) Accessibility: Accessible rooms are available upon request. Anything left to mention? While you might not find all the perks of a full-service, five-star hotel, AKA’s amenities, friendly atmosphere, and true luxury of space will quickly make you feel at home." - Sandra Ramani