Aka Debuts in Boston With The Opening of Hotel Aka Back Bay

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USA, Boston, Massachusetts. September 19, 2022

AKA, global leader in luxury hospitality, continues its strategic growth with the announcement of Hotel AKA Back Bayn Boston, MA. Previously the Loews Boston Hotel, the 225-room property will undergo a design refresh, all while open for stays, to ensure facets of AKA are infused into the hotel. Hotel AKA Back Bay will offer a sophisticated design, lifestyle amenities and accommodations with the sense of home in mind. It will serve as the perfect destination to meet the trend of the "bleisure" traveler who is visiting for a business meeting and has the desire to extend their trip for a few extra days to experience the city's fine offerings.

"As we continue our ambitious yet thoughtful growth strategy, we remain dedicated in our commitment to developing the AKA brand in the country's most culturally significant destinations," says Larry Korman, CEO of AKA. "Boston has long been a city of interest and we are delighted to introduce the bespoke AKA experience to Boston's discerning visitors. Rich with history, bustling with business and educational institutions, as well as architecture and design reminiscent of an English city, Boston is a gateway into New England for the brand."

The acquisition of the property is a result of Electra America Hospitality Group (EAHG), a joint venture between AKA and Electra America, and marks EAHG's sixth property since the joint venture launched in early 2021. EAHG is dedicating $20 Million in capital for the design upgrades and renovations to Hotel AKA Back Bay.

"This was an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-maintained, upper upscale hotel in the capital of New England, where several prestigious academic institutions, iconic cultural destinations, and the nation's largest life science/biotech cluster are generating strong demand," says Russ Urban, CEO of EAHG. "While Boston's hotel recovery has trailed some markets, it's poised for a strong rebound once business and group travel returns in earnest."

Located at 154 Berkeley Street, in Boston's affluent shopping and dining district, Hotel AKA Back Bay will offer unparalleled access to a myriad of Boston's cultural attractions, walking distance to Boston Commons, Boston Public Library and Copley Square. Young professionals and families with ties to Boston's more than 40 colleges and universities will also pose as a key guest segment for the hotel. Hotel AKA Back Bay is near Berklee College of Music, Boston College, Boston University, Emerson, Harvard, MIT, Northeastern University, and Tufts Medical School. The new hotel will also attract many business travelers visiting the city's technology, start-up and life sciences companies, key industries that have grown in Boston due to its plethora of higher education institutions and their talents.

As the capital of New England, Boston is filled with many historically significant buildings, including Hotel AKA Back Bay. Originally, the headquarters of The Boston Police Department from 1926 through 1990, the hotel will have nodes to the property's past, following its design renovation. Renovations to the public spaces include updates to the restaurant and bar, Precinct Kitchen+Bar, serving classic American dishes and New England seafood. Precinct Kitchen+Bar will be home to a whiskey cellar and wine tasting room for guests and events. A new private dining room with a spiral staircase as a focal point will become the go-to spot for meetings and celebrations in Back Bay. The hotel's lobby will feature a library with an intimate seating area to enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea and evening cocktails amongst live music. Additional enhancements under renovation include a large, second floor fitness center; tranquil spa; theater; and a newly reimagined rooftop. The 222 guestrooms, two suites and one expansive, one-of-a-kind penthouse suite will undergo a soft design update.