AKA Rittenhouse Offers A World Of Comfort To Global Visitors

Layla El Tannir, for GPA -- AKA combines the best in service and aesthetic found in intimate hotels with the grand appointments of an elegant luxury apartment. Designed as “long-stay” residences, AKA’s collection of owner-operated properties emphasize exclusive locations and contemporary design with exceptional business, fitness and lifestyle services.

With only one international property in London, AKA staff go the extra mile to ensure that the domestic locations are in tune with the global hospitality scene. The AKA team prides itself on working with employees, clients and companies that have a global reach on multiple levels.

At the Rittenhouse Square location (135 S. 18th St.), AKA amenities include international products such as Bulgari bath amenities, an Italian line of hotel products. There are international members of staff there who speak multiple languages, as there are at all AKA locations. Additionally, it houses international residents who are in Philadelphia for different reasons. Some are relocating to the area, others strictly on business. Residents also tend to stay for a long duration if they are visiting Philadelphia for medical purposes. At times, celebrities are known to stay as they shoot scenes for a film or promote their work.

AKA’s Rittenhouse property also serves as a global meeting space for Philadelphia. A value added component to their service is the Resident’s Reception, an opportunity for AKA neighbors at the property to meet each other, network and build a relationship within the AKA community. Management provides food and drink and the reception takes place in one of the suites, keeping it exclusive to residents of the property. At times, global clients from around the city will be invited to attend a "Resident’s Reception," usually upon request of a resident but occasionally vice versa.

Philadelphia is recognized as a culinary mecca and the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood is surrounded by some of the finest dining in the city. AKA’s critically acclaimed Rittenhouse Square restaurants, a.kitchen and a.bar, make formidable contributions to the area's breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings.

“A.kitchen and a.bar contribute to the global appeal of AKA Rittenhouse because good food is a global concept,” said Ellen Yin, the proprieter of tandem restaurants Fork and High Street on Market who has worked with AKA. “People from all around the world come together to enjoy a great meal whether it is with family, friends or business associates.”

While a.kitchen and a.bar are contemporary American concepts, the menu at a.kitchen is focused on the cooking technique of grilling on natural hardwood charcoal, a method popular in Japan. The menu was designed to give guests the option to create a unique experience, sharing tastes from small bites to larger shareable dishes like a 31 oz. dry-aged strip steak or whole Dover sole.

A.bar is a modern raw bar with globally inspired crudo, a typical German-Chilean dish similar to steak tartare. Every culture has their own version of raw fish. Chef Eli Kulp was inspired by the many manipulations of raw fish found worldwide to create different ceviches, crudo and tiraditos, a Peruvian dish of raw fish similar to sashimi and carpaccio in a spicy sauce. There are also shareable snacks, classic salads, sandwiches and grilled whole fish for residents and guests who might not be as keen on exploring these innovative creations. The wine list is terroir-driven, focused on old world style wines with minimal intervention. Most of the wines are sustainably grown, organic, biodynamic or natural. Beers and cocktails follow the same basic concept and represent artisan producers throughout the world.

AKA will soon be opening a property at 30th and Walnut Streets. With 268 apartments set to takeover the top 27 floors of the forthcoming FMC Tower, there will be a huge opportunity for the business to expand as a global portal for Philadelphia.

Image courtesy of AKA.