PHILADELPHIA, PA. – May 24, 2016 – AKA, Philadelphia-based global brand of luxury serviced residences, has announced that it will now offer nightly stays at its iconic AKA Rittenhouse Square property- making it Philadelphia’s newest luxury hotel residence.
Ideally situated across the formal entrance of Philadelphia’s jewel Rittenhouse Square Park, the twelve-story historic landmark has been serving as an exclusive luxury extended stay residential property for the past ten years. Intentionally discreet, yet unmistakably distinguished – AKA Rittenhouse Square is best known as the preferred home-away-from-home among many actors and high-profile celebrities while staying in Philadelphia. Now the property will officially broaden its offerings to become Philadelphia’s most extraordinary new luxury hotel residence by providing nightly stays for the first time. With 78 exquisite suites and penthouses – as well as unmatched amenities – AKA Rittenhouse Square offers the privacy of a luxury residence integrated with hotel services and amenities.
The transition comes after the departure of the iconic Four Seasons Hotel, and in response to Philadelphia’s booming tourism and traveler needs, which—according to a Visit Philly report— recorded over 3.1 million overnight hotel stays in 2014.
“AKA Rittenhouse Square is the first Philadelphia property in our portfolio to venture from our signature luxury long stay business model and offer nightly stays,” said Larry Korman, President of AKA. “Because the property was designed to cater to the needs of long-term visitors seeking a peaceful respite away from home, hotel guests will be treated to a wealth of amenities typically associated with high-end condominium living. Our hometown city of Philadelphia is more vibrant than ever before and with so much exciting growth, we feel it is the perfect time to enhance our offerings to accommodate all visitors’ unique desires.”
The residential hotel’s coveted Rittenhouse Square location towers above bustling Walnut Street, lively with high-end retail shops and critically acclaimed restaurants. The property is also steps away from the city’s vibrant theatre and performing arts district, Avenue of the Arts. The property looks directly onto Rittenhouse Square– a 7-acre, open-space park planned by William Penn and widely considered one of the finest urban public spaces in the United States. Guests are invited to walk the tree lined paths, gaze onto the many charming fountains and admire remarkable sculptures by historic artists from the likes of Antoine Louis Barye and Cornelia Chapin. Suite windows open directly onto the scenic historic space, allowing residents to gaze above the landscape.
All suites within the property will still also be offered as luxury long stay residences, the company’s defining hospitality model. Korman Communities, founded in 1914, was the first company to offer apartment-style guest rooms for extended periods of time. This approach accommodates a wide range of lifestyle and travel needs.
AKA has invested over $20 million in the AKA Rittenhouse Square property over the last 10 years. Updated renovations and décor are among the most recent enhancements, with each room meticulously tailored to the modern traveler. The new collection of suites- designed by Edward Asfour and Nicholas Cardone- include design elements that align textures and colors with the natural light of the city, evoking a tranquil ambiance. Other upgrades include custom-made furniture upholstered in luxurious natural fabrics, stunning wire-brushed hardwood floors, lighting from Vibia and Spain’s Santa & Cole, and Apple TVs with media streaming capability on 55 inch HDTVs.
The property features all of the AKA brand standards and amenities including in-suite dining from the acclaimed a.bar and a.kitchen, which has been named one of America’s Best Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast- located on-site (18th street entrance). Other luxuries include a Technogym fitness center; a full-service business hub with meeting space and complimentary high-speed Internet access; same-day, valet dry-cleaning and laundry service; 24-hour front desk assistance; a dedicated doorman and resident services team for on-site management and maintenance. All suites include top-of the-line kitchens; contemporary furnishings; luxurious bathrooms with Bulgari amenities; optional housekeeping; and complimentary extended digital cable with HBO and Wi-Fi access.
This comes at an exciting time for the AKA brand, with the AKA Washington Square property now offering curated live music in their a.lounge and cocktail bar from Philadelphia music legend Eddie Bruce. Afternoon high tea is served on the Lincoln terrace, and coming this summer, award-winning chef Anthony Marini will be opening “The Rarist.” AKA University City at Cira Centre South is expected to open in Early Autumn 2016.
For additional information on AKA Rittenhouse Square, or for reservations visit www.stayaka.com. Phone: 215.825.7000. Address: Corner of 18th and Walnut Streets (135 S.18th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103).
