AKA Virginia Square

AKA has closed and is being turned into condominiums!

My husband and I work for the federal government, and we recently stayed at AKA Virginia Square for four months after returning to the area from various overseas assignments. I can’t say enough good things about the staff. They really go out of their way to make you feel at home. They learned all of our names (including kid and dog) and took every opportunity to ask us how we were doing, if we needed anything, etc. Guests actually enjoy hanging out and chatting at the front desk because the staff, to a person, takes a genuine personal interest in each guest. They really do treat you like friends and family. We didn’t really have any issues, but if we ever needed anything (e.g., a lamp or blender), our request was handled immediately, cheerfully, and without question. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a place where every single person was so nice and helpful, so the company either got extremely lucky or the management really knows what they’re doing. I wish I could remember everyone by name, but Nafeesa, Sufian, Sabena, Rosemary and the whole crew are just wonderful. Also, Eric, the maintenance manager, and his team are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. The facilities are clean, spacious, and modern and have everything you need for a short-​term stay. Beds are very comfortable, and the linens are good quality (Frette). Our unit even had two large balconies (although the view of a major construction project next door wasn’t great). Housekeeping comes once a week, and the staff are courteous, unobtrusive and flexible if you need to reschedule. Breakfast during the week is included — yogurt, pastries, coffee, juice. Underground parking is convenient and plentiful. The gym is small but has all the basics (treadmills, ellipticals, bike, weight machines). The location can’t be beat — a few minutes walk to either Virginia Square or Clarendon metro stations, and tons of restaurants, bars, stores, etc. within walking distance. There was a little bit of road noise that could be disturbing if you’re a light sleeper or late riser, but it wasn’t enough to request a room change. The lighting in our living room could have been better, but they did give us a floor lamp. All in all, we enjoyed our stay immensely. In the midst of a difficult transition with school and job changes and a house renovation, we really came to appreciate the «little» things people do to make your life easier — a friendly hello, a pet of the dog, a «yes» attitude. You might find other hotels/​apartments in the area with the same amenities, but I guarantee you won’t find better staff. Thanks AKA!

I stayed at AKA Virginia Square for six months in 2011. Bar far the friendliest and most helpful staff of any hotel that I have ever stayed at. The room was great and decently furnished. I had a two bedroom suite with a patio, full kitchen, and washer dryer. The only bad thing about the inside of the apartment was the hard as a rock couch. Looks euro and trendy and feels like sitting on cardboard. Other than that everything was superb. They even replaced (upgraded) the flat screen in my room because the older one did not have good enough HDMI for me to do P90 on my PS3.
The location is a short walk to Ballston Mall and 5 min from orange line. Also the small restaurant directly behind the hotel has some killer chicken. I really enjoyed my stay and I would highly recommend it. If you decide to stay make sure to say hello to Carol and Elena if they do not do it first.

i really recommand that hotel, very clean and convenience for my job, its only walking disance, i will really recommande that place to every bady

Think twice before booking here.
My friend and I booked two rooms here, weeks in advance of our trip. Just a few days before the trip, the hotel called and told us they had to cancel our reservation because some of their current customers decided to extend their stay! That has never happened to me before, and I travel quite extensively. Instead of saying no to their current customers, they cancel your reservation instead. They did offer to find us a room at their other location in DC, but that’s nowhere close! We ended up having to find last minute rooms at much higher costs.
I would not make a reservation at any hotel where I know they won’t hold my reservation, like this one, again.

I love this hotel, the location isn’t ideal but it was ideal for my job, 3 minute walk from it. It is considered an extended stay hotel, so it’s meant for people who are planning on staying a week or longer. I loved my room, I had a two bedroom suite, a beautiful bathroom with a huge Jacuzzi bathtub, washer and dryer, a huge kitchen and lots of sun shining in! I wish I lived in a place like this! The service was excellent too, always had someone with a smile at the front or in the morning when I went upstairs for my continental breakfast. Though the location is in Arlington it is very close to the Virginia Square metro so as long as you don’t mind taking the transit, it can work out if you love spending time in DC like I do. Also, it is an easy walk from a mall and restaurants. I would definitely recommend it for people who are staying in the area for work.