Sandy and I recently spent a weekend in West Palm Beach, and we were so excited to finally experience an AKA Hotel Residence. While AKA is known for catering to guests who stay for weeks, months, or even longer, we were curious to see how their extended-stay concept would translate to our quick two-night escape. Spoiler alert: We felt completely at home and honestly could have moved in.
And if you don’t know Nola — she’s one of my three rescue dogs and a bit of a social-media celebrity (@noseynola on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook). So naturally, any trip I take, I can’t help but notice how dog-friendly a destination is — and West Palm Beach passed the test with flying colors.
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The AKA Difference
For over a century, the Korman family has been redefining what it means to have a home away from home. AKA Hotel Residences were born from recognizing that travelers need flexible living arrangements without sacrificing luxury. With locations across the U.S. and even one in London, AKA has perfected the art of making you feel like a local, no matter how long you’re staying.
Location, Location, Location
The AKA West Palm Beach couldn’t be better situated. We could walk to practically everything, and we were just two blocks from the stunning water views and the bridge to Palm Island. The entire area is incredibly walkable, which made exploring feel effortless. And here’s something we absolutely loved: West Palm Beach is SO dog-friendly. Seriously, it was almost strange if a bar or restaurant didn’t have dogs inside. We even went to watch the Bills-Chiefs game at a bar that night and there was both a dog and a cat hanging out.
The AKA embraces this vibe completely and is very pet-friendly — a huge bonus for anyone traveling with a furry friend. From pet amenities to welcoming staff, they make it easy to bring your dog along without stress.
Oh, and we have to mention The Blind Monk, one of the area’s best cocktail spots, is located right under the AKA. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open during our visit, but it’s definitely on our list for next time.
Our Queen Studio: Small Space, Big Impact
Our queen studio was the perfect size for a two-night stay, but honestly, we could see ourselves living there. I even joked about where I would put my Christmas Tree! The room was incredibly spacious and thoughtfully designed with everything you’d need for an extended stay:
- Full kitchen with a fridge and dishwasher
- In-unit washer and dryer (a game-changer!)
- Cozy robes
- A roomy bathroom
- Dedicated workspace
- Private balcony with water views
That balcony view, though. Waking up to see the water made the whole experience feel elevated. The entire space just had this relaxing, lived-in atmosphere that made it easy to unwind.
The a.market: Your New Favorite Spot
One of our favorite discoveries was the a.market, open daily from 7am to 7pm. We were genuinely surprised by how much they offered. This isn’t just a place to grab coffee — it’s a full-service market with everything from groceries and laundry detergent to frozen meals, fresh flowers, candles, and upscale wines. They even have a dog menu because, of course, they do.
We fueled up here multiple times during our stay. For breakfast, we tried the breakfast quesadillas, an egg avocado sandwich, and plenty of coffee and tea. The night before, we grabbed their regular quesadillas, which were so tasty. Having this convenience right in the hotel made our mornings effortless and gave us more time to enjoy West Palm.
The a.lounge & 4th Floor Amenities
The fourth floor is where AKA really shines. The gym and pool area are beautifully maintained, but what impressed us most was the a.lounge. This multi-functional space is designed for both work and play. You can relax on plush couches and chairs, take advantage of the conference room or private office space, or head out to the balcony for more seating and private meeting areas.
The a.lounge also features an indoor/outdoor bar where you can order food and drinks. We ordered a flatbread margherita pizza, a Palm Beach mule, and an Aperol spritz — all of which hit the spot. The setup is genius because you can see the pool from inside, or sit right outside while still feeling sheltered. There’s also a dedicated workspace next to the pool and plenty of lounge chairs for soaking up the Florida sun.
Thoughtful Touches & Amenities
From the moment we arrived and were greeted with margaritas, we knew AKA was going to be special. The level of service and attention to detail was evident throughout our stay. Here’s what else made our experience so seamless:
- Electric circuit car: Complimentary rides to wherever we wanted to go in the area
- Bikes: Available if you want to explore on two wheels
- Pet spa: Because your furry friends deserve pampering too
- Med spa: For ultimate relaxation
- Exceptional staff: Everyone was welcoming, responsive, and genuinely attentive to our needs. They even gave me a complimentary margarita when I arrived!
Why AKA Works for Any Length of Stay
While AKA Hotel Residences are designed with long-term guests in mind, our weekend stay proved that their model works beautifully for shorter trips too. The combination of hotel services with the comfort and convenience of an apartment creates an experience that’s hard to beat. We felt taken care of but also independent — pampered but also at home.
Whether you’re relocating for work, exploring a new city for a few months, or just want a weekend getaway (especially if you’re bringing your dog), AKA delivers. The West Palm Beach location captured everything we love about both the brand and the destination, and we’re already planning our return.
Final Thoughts on a Stay at AKA West Palm Beach
Our stay at AKA West Palm Beach exceeded our expectations in every way. From the spacious studio to the convenience of the a.market, the beautiful fourth-floor amenities, and the unbeatable location, everything came together to create a memorable weekend. The entire staff made us feel welcome and valued, and the dog-friendly atmosphere was the cherry on top — from the pet spa to the a.market’s dog menu, it’s clear AKA welcomes four-legged guests as warmly as their humans (and I absolutely love that).
If you’re heading to West Palm Beach or exploring any of AKA’s other locations, we can’t recommend them enough. This is what a home away from home should feel like.
Have you stayed at any AKA locations? What did you love most about your experience? Let us know in the comments!
