The hype
Travelers love the 'impeccable' cleanliness and the cool factor of the old police building, but almost everyone mentions the noise.
Hotel Aka Back Bay
$180-350/ night
Book this if You want to sleep in a chic, converted police headquarters steps from Copley Square without the $500+ price tag of the Fairmont.
Why People Love It
- Historic architecture (former Boston Police HQ)
- Prime Back Bay location near Newbury Street shopping
- The Berkeley bistro's French-inspired menu
Quick Take: A stylish, history-rich building that nails the vibe but struggles with street noise due to single-pane windows.
Reviewed by @anahysramos: I stayed here for a quick business trip and fell in love. The lobby fireplace made working late actually enjoyable, and my room felt like a high-end apartment, not just a hotel. It was the perfect home base for exploring Back Bay in the winter.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'state-of-the-art' gym is functional but small, and the heating/cooling can be finicky in some rooms.
- You appreciate historic adaptive reuse architecture
- You want to be walking distance to Copley, Prudential, and the Public Garden
- You travel with pets (very pet-friendly policy)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily service is consistent and praised for thoroughness.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. High marks for shower cleanliness and fresh towels.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though some wear and tear on carpets in hallways is occasionally noted.
- Linens & towels: Premium Frette linens and plush towels feel luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh; no lingering smoke or musty smells reported.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street traffic and sirens (Berkeley & Stuart Streets)
- Single-pane historic windows
- Interior hallway noise in some sections
Before you book
Good to know
- A daily 'Urban Fee' (~$35) is added, covering wifi and a $15 dining credit.
- The hotel offers a complimentary umbrella lending service for rainy Boston days.
- Coffee and tea are complimentary in the Apothecary Lounge each morning.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
- Walking shoes for the cobblestones of nearby Acorn Street
- Smart casual attire for dinner at The Berkeley
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premium Corner King for the best city views (if you bring earplugs)
- Higher floor rooms (7th floor and up) to minimize street noise
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing Berkeley Street (busier traffic)
- Rooms near the elevator banks
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on the highest possible floor, ideally facing away from the main intersection of Berkeley and Stuart Streets.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No, there is no swimming pool at this property.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is approximately $65-$68 per night with in/out privileges. Self-parking is not available on-site.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are welcome for a non-refundable fee of roughly $65 per stay.
What is the restaurant called?
The on-site restaurant is 'The Berkeley', a French bistro. The space was formerly known as Precinct Kitchen + Bar.
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes.
How far is it from the train station?
Back Bay Station (Amtrak/Commuter Rail/Orange Line) is just a 5-minute walk away.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use your $15 daily dining credit at The Berkeley or for in-room dining—it doesn't roll over.
- ✨
The 'Apothecary Lounge' in the lobby is a great quiet spot for remote work during the day.
- ✨
Ask the concierge for a running map; the Charles River Esplanade is a perfect 3-4 mile loop from the hotel.
5 things to know before you go
💡The building was the Boston Police HQ from 1926 to 1997.
💡Some rooms still have quirks from the original layout, like odd pillars or nooks.
💡The elevators can be slow during peak morning checkout times.
💡The 'city view' often just means looking at the John Hancock tower or other buildings.
💡Toilet seats in some bathrooms have been reported as surprisingly cold (no heated seats here).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel Aka Back Bay is located and what's nearby.