AKA, Hotel of the Future in 2014
Having SPAGO as a backyard neighbor, perfect for in suite dining or private access to the restaurant with preferred seating, is only one of the long list of amenities offered to residents at the futuristic AKA Beverly Hills at155 North Crescent Drive near Wilshire Boulevard. Within walking distance of the Beverly Hills Golden Triangle, AKA also makes bikes available.
So why would anyone want to leave their short-term residence in the 88-unit?
As of this month, a partnership between AKA and Airstream makes possible a short, curated road trip up the California coast behind the steering wheel of a sleek, top-of-the-line Airstream from Airstream 2 Go, specifically a premium GMC Yukon Denali.
AKA Mobile Suites include AKA’s plush linens, luxurious towels, bathrobes, bathroom and shower with Bulgari bath amenities. The airstream has a fully equipped kitchen with Nespresso machine, flat-panel TV/DVD selection from AKA Beverly Hills’ private cinema and Ipod interface.
It features two nights on Sunstone Vineyards grounds with sweeping views of the Santa Ynez Valley and the organic winery. (www.sunstonewinery.com). 
The Tuscan-inspired Villa at Sunstone is made from reclaimed limestone and artifacts from France.
Sunstone’s tasting room is reminiscent of some of the small wineries in the Provencal French countryside. Outside, wines are experienced in glorious, natural courtyards and picnic grounds, surrounded by vineyards.
Two nights are spent overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the luxurious Ocean Mesa Campground with access to a spa, botanical hikes, bike paths, yoga, stargazing and canyon concerts. This area specializes in surfing, ocean kayaking, whale watching activities, and wine tastings on Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail.
Designer Trina Turk’s “What to Pack” list and a wardrobe for the ultimate California road trip also await each traveler.
A dedicated AKA Mobile Suite Concierge will assist with booking AKA Beverly Hills reservations, as well as connecting guests with Airstream 2 Go’s Mobile Suite expert at www. [email protected].
Okay. So “this is not your father’s coastal trip” – unless you are in the family of the extremely dedicated airstream owners we met at the lively party to introduce the AKA-Airstream launch in Beverly Hills.
And this way, the lavish AKA-Airstream trip ends in luxe Beverly Hills . The E-shaped building provides every room with a relaxing view of a garden, as congenial General Manager Noel Hernandez, pointed out. And the grassy, serene landscaped terrace outdoors has fire pits, lounging areas and views of the Hollywood Hills.
Just go to the lobby downstairs for coffee and tea service in the morning and cocktails in the evening. There is a private cinema; high-tech Beverly Hills Fitness Center with yoga area, plus a business center and private boardroom.
AKA is perfect for extended stays of one week or longer, Mr. Hernandez explained, ideal for business travelers, surgical patients during recovery and even local residents who are having work done on their homes.
AKA boasts ten stylish AKA properties, nine in the United States, one in London. (www.stayaka.com)