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celebrating our second century
Hotel AKA Alexandria

Design Vision

Piero Lissoni has created an architectural gem that effortlessly blends modern design with the charming brick-lined setting of Old Town, Alexandria. Lissoni's team has given a new identity to the property, surrounded by lush gardens and serene public spaces, and was awarded “Best Domestic Hotel Transformation” by Interior Design Magazine, in recognition of his exceptional work on the transformation of Hotel AKA Alexandria.

The sleek lines, dark tones, and rich materials of the common areas evoke Japanese minimalism and a reinterpretation of colonial styling. Throughout the guestrooms and common areas, guests will find chic furnishings sourced from the world's leading artisans, including Lema, Living Divani, Lualdi, and Porro, as well as intricate lighting that conveys a welcoming and relaxing environment.

The centerpiece of the lobby is a dramatic floating staircase — a signature feature of Lissoni's — that accentuates the transformative experience of moving throughout the property.

Mamacloud, designed by Frank Gehry, floats above our a.lounge bar. Produced by Belux with Kreon Lighting, Mamacloud brings the unpredictable nature of a natural cloud into an architectural environment.

"Love Nest"

Inspired by the historic value that exists in Old Town Alexandria, and combined with the sophisticated lines of Italian design, the art in the hotel combines history with a hint of humor, with modern abstract forms in muted, sophisticated colors. Just as old mansions were adorned with art on their walls, the public spaces of the hotel are embedded with a large selection of unique art pieces that combine history with Italian sophistication.

Sabine Pigalle, the artist whose work is seen at the reception, creates digital collages, in which she recycles historical portraits, adding animals and other elements. This piece called ‘Love Nest’ is part of a series produced during the lockdown, where the masks became part of the image, and as a ‘homage’ to our friends from the animal kingdom.

"The Orange Pencil"

Many of the other art pieces were chosen to create a smile, with the intention of creating a balance in the visual experience throughout the hotel, as we have in daily life.

Mineheart is a company based in London, UK, and their art shown in the hotel is based on the quote, "Don't take life too seriously".

Artist Brendan Young of the Mineheart collective shared this quote about the piece "The Orange Pencil": "Inspired by a psychological study on the 'facial feedback' theory of emotion, whereby people were asked the same questions with a pencil under their nose and without it, and then asked how they felt. They were happier using their facial muscles as, by smiling and practicing certain facial expressions, you can actually feel happier". 

Angela Rossi + Mineheart

The animal portraits seen across the lobby and a.lounge are a collaboration between artist Angela Rossi and Mineheart. Angela Rossi works with recycled, abused, broken, and forgotten items. Her mixed media portraits in the family gallery of quirky gents bring a piece of humor into our lives, and a smile to our faces.

Antonio Murado

Antonio Murado, the artist who created the beautiful dividing screens in a.lounge, was inspired by Japanese gardens of gravel and stones, as well as the Zen aesthetic of immediacy, austerity, and identification. The linen panels of the screens were prepared lying flat, like the surface of a field. Oil was poured over white gesso and distributed with one stroke of a long spatula knife. The liquid paint filters through, revealing the imperfect nature of its hand brush work and the natural texture of the raw linen.

Formworks

The abstract works of Formworks are chosen to create a visual balance to the more ornate portraits and still life paintings. The shapes and colors used have a perfect balance with Piero Lissoni's design.

Formworks studio, based in Wales, UK, was founded by Jon Llewlyn. His inspiration is drawn from the bold and geometric styles found in midcentury architecture and furniture design. The Bauhaus movement also became a large influence in his work while studying typographic design in London.