Hotel AKA NoMad

Between insects in two rooms, missed cleaning, and frustrating service, this was one of my most disappointing hotel stays. At this price, the standards should be much higher. The staff didn’t seem very bothered about the insects, and there was no sense of urgency. My first room was extremely small, smelled strongly of fast food, and looked straight into a shop window and office where people could see into the room. I asked to move. In the second room, I found a cockroach. The hotel then moved me again and upgraded me to a suite, where I soon spotted a woodlouse crawling across the floor. I asked for a deep clean while I was out, but when I returned, there were tissues on the floor, the dressing gown hadn’t been hung up, water and glasses hadn’t been restocked, and dust around the minibar snacks lifted into the air when I picked things up. Ordering room service was a hassle. You had to use a specific app, but it didn’t accept international phone numbers. It took roughly 45 minutes of being passed between staff before someone could take my order. The food was poor too: the guacamole and chips tasted sour and inedible, the pasta was strangely sweet, and the chicken seemed processed rather than freshly prepared. I’d strongly advise other travelers to consider another hotel.

I picked this hotel because the weekend rates were excellent and I could book a small suite, which was a nice place to unwind at the end of the day. The location also worked well for getting around Manhattan and into Brooklyn. The team were kind, helpful, informative, and very attentive. They made a work trip feel more relaxing than usual, and I appreciated that.

The price felt reasonable for two nights in NYC in December, $730, and the stay was mostly neither special nor bad. Service was okay, maybe closer to a forced 3-star level. Some fees felt like classic NYC tourist traps. Valet parking was $70 per 24 hours, which is normal for NYC, but they didn’t clearly mention the additional $40 destination fee. When parking was explained, I was told two days would be $140 and agreed. The bill came to $220, or $80 extra. They brought the car in and out, but you’re expected to tip $20 each time, which adds up fast. The dim lighting gave the hotel an interesting atmosphere, but made the dust everywhere, especially around the lamps, very noticeable and annoying. I also found hair under the duvet. More transparency about fees and better attention to cleanliness would improve the experience.

The bathroom layout and design were modern, spacious, and thoughtfully done, and I found the room very comfortable. At the AKA Hotel bar, Heather was fantastic, friendly and attentive, with truly great service. She made me the best Old Fashioned I’ve had in a long time, perfectly balanced, smooth, and clearly crafted with care.