Hotel AKA Boston Common

The rooms are on the small side, but they’re nicely decorated and thoughtfully laid out. There was a little confusion getting into ours, though the staff gave us a gift to make up for the trouble. The real highlight was the staff. Nabil, the Bell Hop, was accommodating, and Binod managed breakfast service and bartending while making a mean Bloody Mary. Rebecca behind the main bar was fantastic. She made great drinks, kept us entertained every night, knew her spirits, and was happy to put together cocktail recommendations. The AKA staff are what make this one of Boston’s best hotels. It’s right in the middle of everything: about a 15-minute walk to the North End and a stroll through the Commons to BackBay. 10/10 stay.

The hotel was lovely and well placed, and a few hiccups came up during my stay. Max, Sherley, and Nate went above and beyond, and the staff were kind and worked hard to make things right. I appreciated their professionalism and effort. Their customer service made a real difference and left me feeling positive about the experience.

I stay in Boston around 40 nights a year and have tried maybe 10 places near downtown crossing. Aka is easily my favorite, with good value, welcoming people, and a consistently solid stay. Rebecca at the bar and Peters at the entrances are especially hospitable and fun to talk with. They bring the kind of energy you’re glad to see before or after a long day. The rooms are neat, very clean, and quiet, with no noisy elevators or other sounds keeping you up. I also like the in-room nespresso machine. The location puts you close to lots of good restaurants, shopping, and tourist spots.

Nate, Daniel, and the rest of the team took wonderful care of us during our stay. We also loved the tea selection, especially Palais de The, my absolute favorite tea brand, along with the coffee options. Hotel aka is conveniently close to the park, major attractions, and great restaurants. We had an incredible stay and highly recommend it!