Words: Jessica Henley
‘Not Times Square!’ was the first thing that my friends said when I told them I’d checked into a hotel in the heart of Manhattan, where it never gets dark due to the neon glow and the streets are interspersed with an ever-bustling mix of tourists and traffic.
However, AKA Sutton Place, nestled in one of Manhattan’s most coveted enclaves serves up a serious slice of cool, calm and tranquility in the city that never sleeps. Just steps from the city’s best shopping on Madison and Fifth Avenues, fine dining and architectural landmarks; life in Sutton Place retains both the bustling vitality of the world’s greatest city and the lovely charm of a welcoming old-world village.
Following an incredibly smooth and swift check-in by the 24-hour concierge team, I whooshed up the lift to my room on the 4th floor. The balance of style and hospitality at AKA Sutton Place is perfectly paired – ideal for short and long-term stays. Set in a gracious pre-war building, each of the 76-superbly designed one and two-bedroom suites provide the privacy of an appointed residence, paired with the amenities and services of a luxury hotel.
My wonderfully spacious one-bedroom suite was decked out with modern, yet timeless style. The sophisticated mahogany hardwood floors were paired with solid wood doors, and large mirrors at every corner – cleverly making the suite appear even larger. The king size bed was invitingly snug, with floor to ceiling wardrobes, ideal to store my New York purchases! The pièce de résistance had to be the mammoth marble bathroom, finished with a glass enclosed shower and luxurious bath amenities.
AKA Sutton Place specialises in accommodating business and leisure travelers, who are away for weeks and months at a time, so my suite was also complimented with a full kitchen and private terrace which overlooked the yellow cabs zooming along on one of the city’s main avenues below. And if the beautiful suite wasn’t enough, AKA Sutton Place hosts some seriously impressive amenities. Their 55-foot heated indoor swimming pool and a Fitness Centre that overlooks outdoor tranquility garden, providing the perfect escape to transport you out of the city and into a calm oasis.
If you’re looking for a quiet night in, the super chic A. Lounge with open fireplace and marble bar designed by Meyer Davis Studio, provides the perfect place to while away an evening – as well resting those tired feet after a busy day. You can then cruise on over to the intimate 8 seat A.Cinema with reclining seats to sink into an evening of relaxation.
AKA Sutton Place also provides a 24-hour front desk, for all of your New York queries, and the resident services team provide suggestions and recommendations for restaurants and site-seeing. Everything you need to enjoy your stay is right here – and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect base for my New York adventure.
In a Nutshell
From its perfect location to its excellent amenities and services, AKA Sutton Place has got it all, and is a must for first-timers in New York who want to feel at home. Great for both short term luxury holidaymakers as well as long term stays, it’s all you could want from a stay in the city.
Address: 330 East 56th St. New York, NY 10022 888.AKA.0140
Telephone: 212.752.8888
