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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
#4 of 97 hotels in Philadelphia
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
AKA University City's ultra-luxury hotel residences, featuring Philadelphia's highest and most spectacular residential views, are available by the day, month or year. Sophisticated amenities include an entire 28th floor dedicated to resident wellness, relaxation and enjoyment; Cira Green, a visionary, one-acre landscaped oasis 90 feet above street level; and Walnut Street Cafe, a world-class, seasonally-inspired restaurant.
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Property amenities
Car park
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Wifi
Pool with view
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Meeting rooms
24-hour security
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Clothes dryer
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Additional bathroom
Safe
Iron
Kitchenette
Dishwasher
Microwave
Flatscreen TV
Refrigerator
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Great View
Location
81Good for walkers
Grade: 81 out of 100
28Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
8Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
2929 Walnut St Cira Centre South, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5054
Getting there
30th StSEPTA4 min
30th StSEPTA4 min
Car HireSee all Philadelphia car hire
310Reviews9Q+A52Room tips
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We received rockstar treatment from the front desk staff. The most friendly, attentive and helpful people . They went out of their way to make our stay most memorable. Kudos to Kamila and Amber especially. The suite was roomy, minimalist furnishing and full of sunlight. Complete kitchen and nice frig. Our view was out over the Schuylkill River and South Philly - lovely sunsets. (Not sure why the hotel picture accompanying this space is of the so-so restaurant off the lobby - doesn't give you any idea of the accommodations.) Looking forward to our next time staying there.
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Date of stay: February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from aka universitycity, Guest Services / Front Office at AKA University City
Responded 5 days ago
Dear ANASTASIALYMAN, Thank you for sharing your experience at AKA University City. We are very happy to see that you enjoyed your stay with us. Also we happy to hear that are team was able to accommodate you and we enjoyed having you here with us. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, Kamilah Short Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel's Favourite
Piero Lissoni's architecture studio designed this property, and it is out of this world. I would literally never stay anywhere else. All the lighting and furniture in the guestrooms is original and high quality - it feels like a real (high end) home, and having a full kitchen just makes it all the better. The 28th floor is the amenities space, and the indoor pool is gorgeous. Every time I stay I can't wait to come back.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from Michael Weaver, Guest Services / Front Office at AKA University City
Responded 17 Dec 2021
Greetings, thank you so much for the review! I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, and week look forward to hosting you again. Come back soon!- Tony D'Erasmo Assistant Front Office Manager.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We desperately wanted to live here, but there weren't any 2 bd available; however Carla the property manager did everything possible to find a way for us to make it work, and we are now so happy living here. Great views, most accommodating staff, great location, and amazing amenities. Love it here!
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Date of stay: February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the AKA University City. A sleek, modern, and immaculate hotel which is perfect for a weekend getaway or long-term stay. The hotel staff was fabulous and quickly worked to meet our needs. The rooms are generously sized wi the all the amenities you could need. They had some of the largest and softest towels I have come across. The pool and amenities space on the 28th floor is not to be missed. I wish the lounge on 28 was open earlier on the weekend. Highly recommend taking a visit to the AKA
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Bring your workout gear and take advantage of the nearby river Trail
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Visiting for a trip to CHOP. Kamilla was so patient and answered all of my questions! She was so helpful and kind. We arrived to our room being upgraded after a long drive- such a nice surprise! Our room is great the pool was great and the views are even better! 10/10 would recommend
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I moved in to a 1bhk luxury apartment in October. So far having a great experience, the property and the staff are very nice. The process of moving in and getting settled was smooth thanks to Carla and Jennifer and would recommend the place!
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I don’t typically review hotels as rarely do I have an unexpected experience. Good hotels are usually good and not so good ones are usually, well not so good. The AKA University City itself is impressive. However, staff here is plain terrible. Doorman doesn’t open door and says “what up” upon entering. No umbrellas during rainstorm. Front desk response to questions about the pool is “i don’t know” and then quickly hangs up. Overall, 2/5 considering the price and quality the AKA brand has come to maintain. Likely wouldn’t stay here again and will caution others against it. Be warned.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We had a large, clean, 1-br apartment in the university district of Philadelphia. The city view was tremendous. The king-size bed was firm but incredibly comfortable - as good as any bed I've slept on. The living room also had a long, comfortable couch, that our 6-foot-tall son had no trouble sleeping on. There was also a private "den" with its own comfortable couch and desk. The 72-foot-long penthouse pool was clean, safe, well-maintained, and kept at a perfect lap-swimming temperature (slightly too cool for little kids, perhaps, but great for serious swimmers). The gym was well equipped with free weights and yoga mats, as well as treadmills, ergs, and other training equipment, and neither the pool nor the gym was ever too crowded. We did not try the hotel restaurant, but Lemon Grass Thai (probably the best Thai restaurant in Philadelphia) is only a 5-minute walk away. AKA University City is not in the tourist area - it's a mile from most of Philadelphia's tourist sites, but the walk is pleasant, and public transportation is excellent. We used the parking lot facing the hotel, but there is also unrestricted, free on-street parking just one mile from the hotel, in the middle of the Drexel campus (which may be every bit as safe as the pricy lot, for all we know).…
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Date of stay: December 2022
Location
Service
Room Tip: Great views in any direction - south-facing windows bring in tons of sunlight.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Samantha C wrote a review Jan 2023
In Philly to celebrate our daughter's birthday and couldn't recommend enough! Close to everything and the pool, golf, and restaurant were an added bonus. We definitely plan to stay there again if we're ever back in the area!
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Date of stay: January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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This is a beautiful residence - hotel located 2 hours from NY offering more space and amenities that most hotel at ideal price point. Our one bedroom suite with library, allowed more than enough space to have private space to work within the residence, snd not having to use the business center, which is also comfortable and perfect for readers / workers seeking a good space to function. The apartment style set up is perfect for those traveling with small family (child(ren). The kitchen has enough to make it convenience for eating. Favorite part is the pool, which situated on 28th floor, where the bar (floor) is also located. They have a great outdoor “rooftop” like section with fire pit. Ms. Meg. paid attention to detail and ensured I was comfortable and taken care of on the 28th floor. Mr. Charles (front desk) was a great host, provided excellent hospitality with his genuinely warm personality and infectious smile and laugh! Thank you team! Surely to visit again! …
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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PRICE RANGE
US$355 - US$428 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United StatesPennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUniversity City
NUMBER OF ROOMS
268
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Claim Your ListingAKA UNIVERSITY CITY: UPDATED 2023 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 264 Photos (Philadelphia, PA) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about AKA University City
Which popular attractions are close to AKA University City?
Nearby attractions include Schuylkill River Trail (0.3 km), University of Pennsylvania (0.2 km), and 30th Street Station (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at AKA University City?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at AKA University City?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at AKA University City?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at AKA University City?
Yes, a parking garage is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to AKA University City?
Conveniently located restaurants include Shake Shack, Bistro St. Tropez, and Jersey Mike's Subs.
Are there opportunities to exercise at AKA University City?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at AKA University City?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does AKA University City offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and conference facilities.
Are there any historical sites close to AKA University City?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (1.3 km), Battleship New Jersey (4.7 km), and Independence National Historical Park (3.2 km).
Is AKA University City accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.