By Ilona Kauremszky
In the middle of New York City’s building boom a refreshing calm is evident in one of the ritziest, busiest, wealthiest hoods to hit this side of lower Manhattan.
Located in the heart of FiDi amid the swirl of building cranes and large scale development projects guests staying at one chic zip code are getting the VIP treatment.
The AKA Wall Street, a new 132 spacious suites apartment-style hotel is the neighborhood’s first luxury all-residential hotel that makes a fabulous alternative to Airbnb experiences. You have a doorman, a dedicated resident service team, same day valet dry cleaning and laundering service only a few of the many specialties. There are more.
A walk to only the city’s biggest development projects like the Fulton Street Area, Greenwich Street South, the World Trade Center and the New York Stock Exchange – discover how a new New York is ready for exploring from this posh sleep pad.
Luxury seeking guests at the AKA Wall Street get VIP valet treatment, many arriving anonymously by private chauffeur like some of the hotel brand’s other guests staying at the flagship property by AKA Central Park.
But if you’re like most, get out there and explore NYC by foot.
A cool way to get the vibe of the city is to hang with a local. The Big Apple Greeter Program, a free welcome-visitor service from NYC volunteers, assigns a local to show you around your favorite district. AKA Wall Street is only steps from the revitalized South Street Seaport District with its re-imagined Pier 17 by uber developer the Howard Hughes Corporation.
The South Street Seaport district lays claim to the city’s oldest intact buildings with some of them open to the public in fascinating period memorablia.
With the renaissance of FiDi, AKA Wall Street is superbly located on a prime corner in the heart of New York City’s Financial District in lower Manhattan. To boot, the average stay here is 10-14 days.
What are you waiting for?
The AKA Wall Street Highlights
AKA Wall Street is strategically across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and only steps from the New York Stock Exchange. Housed in a historic building originally the Royal Insurance Company, the spacious halls lead to even more spacious apartment-style suites that boast high ceilings with incredible natural sunlight streaming in from the large sound-proof windows.
Perched on the rooftop level, head to the a.lounge for complimentary coffee and tea service scheduled daily breakfast and afternoon.
Acclaimed fitness guru Amie Hoff whose made appearances on Dr. Oz and Shark Tank for her FitKit, which are portable fitness products, is AKA’s award-winning fitness consultant. She helps residents achieve personal long-term fitness strategies. The gym is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
Suite Pluses
Incredible high-end luxury but not overly done, the suite interiors emit that ‘home away from home’ ambiance. The furnishings are well appointed for people on the go. It’s intended for busy people in need of space who like to spread out and make the place their own. The suites sizes are from 362 square feet to 1,103 square feet.
Depending on room configurations, all suites whether studio to 2-bedrooms, have a gourmet kitchen, a living room, ample closet space and complimentary high-speed WiFi. Kitchen aficionados will recognize the stainless-steel Celador countertops, custom-made Italian cabinetry and Fisher Paykel cooktops, ovens, microwaves and half-size refrigerators for groceries, snacks and food prep.
Expect amazing sleeps with the custom-made a.sleep mattress from Sealy Posturepedic. These mattresses have higher density foams than standard brands including a built-in memory foam accommodating every twist and turn so jump into bed for fab sleeps.
Hotel Stay Perks
The amenities at AKA Wall Street include a spectacular rooftop with outdoor space and the a.terrace, which is a chic, glass-enclosed, four-season lounge. For entertainment, AKA has its exclusive outdoor a.cinema, which is a branded, state-of-the-art cinematic experience with views of 1 World Trade Center and the city as a backdrop.
Guests can reserve a.cinema for screenings plus enjoy AKA’s film series and its movie library. Cinema is a big deal, thanks to owner Larry Korman whose active in the film community (he’s produced two acclaimed documentaries) and is a supporter of the Tribeca Film Festival.
Guests also have complimentary use of AKA Wall Street’s conference room.
Diversions
By day hang out in Lower Manhattan with a Big Apple Greeter and by night head to Pier 61 Chelsea Piers for a dinner cruise with The Spirit of New York cruise. The cruise company sails the New York Harbor offering a fabulous view of the jewel box of Pier 17 all aglitter in vibrant Techni-colors. Broadway’s glitter never disappoints. Order an Uber, hail a NYC yellow cab or head to Times Square via subway to see a Broadway Collection musical performance. The local theater consortium gets you tickets to see productions like the venerable Cher Show.
Dining
So many restaurants readily at your finger tips, if you’re in NYC during Restaurant Week, be sure to make dining reservations. Thankfully, AKA Wall Street has partnered with Blue Ribbon Restaurants and has the 98-seat Blue Ribbon Federal Grill on the ground level.
For local treats, Made Fresh Daily is easy, breezy and affordable for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pier 17 is home to the hotly anticipated Jean-Georges coming soon. Lovers of fashion and design can indulge in great eats at 10 Corso Como, an avante-garde resto-boutique concept shop in the revived Fulton Market building.
Overall impression
In the City That Never Sleeps good sleeps are to be had at this #feelthecalm pied a terre for the extended stay folks and for those of us who prefer upscale Manhattan apartment-style living accommodations.
#Feelthecalm and #stayaka
Booking
You can make your reservations at AKA Wall Street. For winter season rates, studio suites start at $200 a night (not including tax) based on a stay of 5+ nights. Rates vary by season, suite type and length of stay. Look for deals at Booking.com or Expedia,other booking sites.
Photography by Ilona Kauremszky and supplied.
Ilona Kauremszky was a guest of AKA Wall Street and NYC and Company. Neither approved this editorial.
