Located near Rittenhouse Square and the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, AKA University City offers a warm welcome with yoga classes, a coffee shop/cafe, and an indoor pool. Relax by the firepit or stroll through the garden; previous guests have praised the helpful staff.
Pennsylvania Convention Center - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
Getting around
Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL) - 14 min drive
Philadelphia, PA (PNE-Northeast Philadelphia) - 21 min drive
Blue Bell, PA (BBX-Wings Field) - 34 min drive
Trenton–Mercer Airport (TTN) - 44 min drive
30th St Station - 7 min walk
Philadelphia, PA (ZFV-30th Street Rail Station) - 7 min walk
Philadelphia University City Station - 12 min walk
30th St. Station - 6 min walk
33rd St Station - 10 min walk
Penn Medicine Station - 12 min walk
Restaurants
World Cafe Live - 2 min walk
Top Hat Coffee Lounge - 4 min walk
Rosy's Taco Bar - 7 min walk
Walnut Street Cafe - 1 min walk
Maison Sweet - 2 min walk
About this property
AKA University City
AKA University City offers a fantastic location, putting you just a 5-minute walk from University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. You can splash around at the indoor pool, grab a bite to eat at the coffee shop/cafe, or unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. A health club and a fitness center are offered, and in-room conveniences include washers/dryers and refrigerators. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff. Public transportation is just a short walk: 30th St. Station is 6 minutes and 33rd St Station is 10 minutes.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
133 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
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Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 21
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Pets
Pets allowed (dogs and cats only)*
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Onsite self parking (USD 35.00 per day)
Electric vehicle charging point on site
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Coffee shop
Water dispenser
What to do
Fitness classes
Yoga classes
Bicycle rentals nearby
Working away
Business center
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 2017
Rooftop garden
Garden
Terrace
Health club
An indoor pool
Bicycle parking
Double-glazed windows
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Firepit
Outdoor furniture
Accessibility
Elevator
Elevator door width (inches): 42
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
Wheelchair-accessible business center
Wheelchair-accessible lounge
Well-lit path to entrance
Stair-free path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Premium cable channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Iron/ironing board
Washer and dryer
Laundry detergent
Sleep well
Premium bedding
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Shower only
Eco-friendly toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi and wired internet
Phone
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Kitchen
Stovetop
Oven
Toaster
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
Dishwasher
More
Weekly housekeeping
In-room safe
Eco-friendly toiletries
Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
Energy-saving switches
LED light bulbs
Water-efficient showers only
Water-efficient toilets only
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Destination fee: USD 29.09 per accommodation, per night
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for USD 25.0 per day
Pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 200 per accommodation (may vary based on length of stay)
Parking
Self parking costs USD 35.00 per day
Policies
Long-term renters welcome.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Cashless transactions are available.
Property Registration Number 864141
Also known as
AKA University City Hotel
AKA Hotel
AKA University City Hotel
AKA University City Philadelphia
AKA University City Hotel Philadelphia
Frequently asked questions
Does AKA University City offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, AKA University City does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at AKA University City?
Yes, there's an indoor pool.
Are pets allowed at AKA University City?
Yes, cats and dogs are welcome. There's a charge of USD 200 per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Is parking offered on site at AKA University City?
Yes. Self parking costs USD 35.00 per day. Electric vehicle charging is available.
What are the check-in and check-out times at AKA University City?
You can check in starting at 3 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-out is available.
Is there an onsite casino at AKA University City?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Rivers Casino (6-min drive) and Philadelphia Live! Casino and Hotel (8-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at AKA University City and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as cycling. Additional recreation onsite includes fitness classes and yoga. Enjoy a swim in the indoor pool or use the hotel's other amenities, which include a health club and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near AKA University City?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
Does AKA University City have self-catered rooms fitted with kitchens or kitchenettes?
Yes, a kitchen is available in every room, and also includes a coffee maker, a toaster, and cookware.
What's the area around AKA University City like?
AKA University City is a short 6-minute walk from 30th St. Station and 11 minutes' walk from Rittenhouse Square.
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AKA University City Reviews
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Staff & service
9.4/10
Amenities
9.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.2/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
View
Service staff
Amenities
Location
Kitchen
Gyms (public)
Trip
Parking
Bedrooms
What guests liked
Breakfast at the nearby cafe was delicious and the service was friendly. (3 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 2, 2025
Beautiful place would recommend to everyone
Edward
Edward, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 19, 2025
A very clean and spacious two bedroom apartment with a lovely panoramic view of the city. There’s only maid service if you stay 7 days tho. The breakfast at the cafe was delicious and service was friendly rho.
Duncan
Duncan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 4, 2025
Fabulous place!
Jennifer
Jennifer, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 21, 2025
always an amazing stay at the AKA
Chanel
Chanel, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
Apr 4, 2025
Hotel was clean with nice views of the city
Danielle
Danielle, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 1, 2025
Honestly the best view of the city. breathtaking!
TERRELL
TERRELL, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 13, 2025
Absolutely loved this propert as well as the staff.
Connor
Connor, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Feb 16, 2025
I enjoyed my stay.
Janae
Janae, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 16, 2025
The place was spectacular. Views were great. Pool was awesome
William
William, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 26, 2025
Great hotel, clean and nice facilities. Room had amazing view!
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 23, 2025
awesome
Chanel
Chanel, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 27, 2025
Clean. Safe area.
Susan M.
Susan M., 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 8, 2024
Excellent room and accommodations
Susan
Susan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 14, 2025
Overall it was convenient with a roof top bar and a pool for the family.
Kevin W
Kevin W, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Apr 21, 2025
Love everything, comes with full kitchen.
Deandrea
Deandrea, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
May 4, 2025
The property is very clean and well appointed. I appreciate the safety of secure elevators requiring a room key.
Parking is expensive and the hotel.should consider validation. We enjoyed our short stay. We would consider this hotel again based on proximity to the university.
myla
myla, 2-night trip
4/10 Fair
Jun 30, 2025
Run down apartment/hotel concept. Dirty floors. Dirty furniture. No amenities. Not great.
Creede
Creede, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 29, 2025
Wonderful Family Staycation
I booked an overnight staycation with my family. I’ve been to this University City location before, but it’s been a couple years since I’ve been back. I had an amazing experience, we loved our room, the views from our floor were spectacular, and the staff was so welcoming. I think the front desk ladies were Sophia and Quinn. Wonderful ladies, so pleasant and helpful. I’m already looking forward to coming back again for another staycation.
Karen
Karen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 11, 2024
Excellent Property, Staff, and Location!
Johnny
Johnny, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 23, 2025
nice view!!
Esther
Esther, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jun 2, 2025
Check in was 3 pm. We arrived at 4 but they did not check us in until 5pm. The front desk was not friendly or attentive as we waited. Our room was spacious, clean and well decorated. The views were amazing!
Cazembe
Cazembe, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 15, 2025
Everyone was pleasant.
Raeneera
Raeneera, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 25, 2025
Love it here
Aliyah
Aliyah, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 2, 2025
Charming place with a lot of the same folks staying in short and long term apartment like rooms. Great view of Philadelphia, and comfortable bed and couch. Loved the espresso machine in the room and the fully equipped kitchen. Almost made me wish I could have stayed another night.
Aleksandra
Aleksandra, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 16, 2025
Loved it, it would be nice if it had a jacuzzi in the pool area.