AKA has unveiled the redesign of Hotel AKA Boston Common, a 190-room property that underwent a transformation led by New York-based Rafael de Cárdenas (public spaces) and Studio NA.GI (guestrooms).
The arrival experience
The refreshed interiors draw inspiration from the character of the downtown Boston Common neighborhood. In the reception area, a muted palette fosters a tranquil atmosphere, accented by plush purple stools and Urn, striking green artwork by Bjorn Wallander.
Throughout the lobby and public spaces, checkerboard ceppo di gré floors, stately stone, and steel elements balance elegance with playful geometry, while subtle lilac undertones soften the palette.
The hotel’s a.bar, located adjacent to the lobby, features a striking wall with figured sycamore wood paneling and ceiling-mounted fixtures that cast an ambient glow across a custom-painted ceiling.
Lighting designers Studio Atomic worked closely with Rafael de Cárdenas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws guests into the hotel and its public spaces.
“We referenced postmodern design tropes and distilled these into a contemporary effect with a nod to 1980s hospitality culture,” says Rafael de Cárdenas. “We introduced slightly torqued walls, which suggest a dreamlike atmosphere.”
Guestrooms at Hotel AKA Boston Common
Guestrooms take cues from Scandinavian and midcentury influences, with a neutral palette of white, taupe, and wood, punctuated by deep blue accents.
The Skyline View guestrooms offer panoramic vistas of the city, the Charles River, and Boston Common, while the 1,065-square-foot Penthouse Suite features custom furnishings and curated artwork.
“Designing the guestroom experience for Hotel AKA Boston Common has been a seamless experience with the brand, sharing the same design principles as timelessness, quality for materials, attention to details, 2and love for curated simplicity,” says Stefania Natali, cofounder and principal of Studio NA.GI. n
Dining and amenities
Other highlights include the Bosworth—a dining concept with sleek tables and a warm color palette—as well as Après AKA, a curated retail boutique. The hotel also features 2,400 square feet of modern event space and a fitness center.
Hotel AKA Boston Common is one of the brand’s 16 properties, and one of its two Boston locations, alongside Hotel AKA Back Bay.
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