AKA University City

Cira Centre South, 2929 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Philadelphia, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.1 / 5

Overview

AKA University City is an upscale apartment hotel occupying the top 18 floors of a modern high-rise in Philadelphia's University City district, overlooking the Schuylkill River. Rated 4 stars with a 4.1 average from 328 reviews, it blends extended-stay style residences with hotel-level services and skyline views. Its setting places guests among university campuses and neighborhood bars, just two blocks from a subway station.

Rooms & Suites

Chic studios feature panoramic city views, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes and flat-screen TVs, suited to both short and extended stays. One- and two-bedroom apartments expand on this with separate living areas, and guest feedback notes full kitchens plus in-unit washer and dryer in the larger layouts.

Amenities & Recreation

On-site recreation includes an indoor pool with skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows, a fitness center, an indoor golf simulator, and a private screening room. A terrace with fire pits and a lounge provide additional social and relaxation space, while a hip on-site cafe covers casual dining and coffee needs.

Location

The hotel sits at Cira Centre South within University City, close to the Penn and Drexel campuses, and about two blocks from a subway station for easy access into central Philadelphia. Nearby points of interest include the Mütter Museum (625m), Penn Museum (738m), the Academy of Natural Sciences (1.2km), the Barnes Foundation (1.3km), and the Franklin Institute (1.1km), with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market, and the Liberty Bell all within roughly 2-3 km.

Best for

This property suits extended-stay travelers, academics, and visiting professionals who want apartment-style living with hotel amenities, thanks to full kitchens, in-unit laundry in larger units, and a location near university campuses. It also appeals to leisure travelers who want easy access to Philadelphia's museum corridor, with the Penn Museum, Mütter Museum, and Barnes Foundation all within a mile.

Travel tips

The hotel is about two blocks from a subway station, making it convenient to reach central Philadelphia and Independence Hall-area sites (roughly 3 miles away) without a car. Many top museums, including the Franklin Institute, Barnes Foundation, and Penn Museum, are within a 15-20 minute walk, so comfortable shoes are worth packing. Guests should note past reports of intermittent elevator key issues, so allow a little extra time when heading out during busy periods.

What guests say

Guests frequently praise the top-tier service, location, and amenities, singling out staff members by name for making stays memorable, and highlighting the value of full kitchens and in-unit laundry in the one-bedroom apartments. Some reviewers reported occasional maintenance or access issues, including elevator key cards not working reliably. A less common complaint mentioned unpleasant odors in a second bedroom of one unit. Despite these isolated issues, overall sentiment leans strongly positive, with several guests describing their stay as excellent or perfect.

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