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4-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

AKA University City

Stay at AKA University City, a chic extended stay hotel in Philadelphia featuring studios, indoor pool, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, and close to top attractions.

Cira Centre South, 2929 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 299 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Indoor pool Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stays with excellent service and great city views

Guests appreciate the modern, well-maintained studios and apartments, attentive staff, and convenient location near transit and cultural attractions. While most experiences are positive, some mention minor issues with shower water pressure and pool temperature.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff providing exceptional customer service
  • Clean, modern rooms with comfortable beds and attractive city or skyline views
  • Well-equipped amenities including a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site dining options
  • Convenient location near public transit and university campuses
  • Quiet, safe environment suitable for longer stays and families

Worth knowing

  • Some guests would prefer stronger shower water pressure for improved comfort
  • The indoor pool water may feel cooler than expected, though the surrounding areas are warm
  • Not all rooms have kitchens, so confirm if this amenity is needed before booking
  • On-site parking is available and free but check for specific accessibility needs

Best for

  • Extended stays or travelers seeking apartment-style accommodations with hotel services
  • Visitors wanting proximity to universities, public transit, and cultural landmarks
  • Families, including those visiting nearby hospitals, needing spacious suites and kid-friendly features
  • Guests who appreciate fitness facilities and a pool during their stay
  • Travelers looking for a polished, contemporary environment with diverse dining nearby
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About this property

Welcome to AKA University City

Located in the vibrant University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, AKA University City offers a blend of chic studios and apartments within a polished extended stay hotel setting. Guests can enjoy well-appointed accommodations that often include kitchen facilities, making it suited for longer visits or those seeking the convenience of home-like amenities. The property features attractive city views and a range of on-site facilities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, and business center.

The hotel's setting places it close to notable cultural landmarks including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the historic Eastern State Penitentiary, as well as easy access to the nearby Institute of Contemporary Art. Its location near major transit options and just minutes from Philadelphia International Airport adds to the convenience for both leisure and business travelers. The lively university area is known for its diverse dining options and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a broad range of guests.

Guest feedback highlights the property's comfortable and modern rooms, praised for cleanliness and impressive views. While praise is commonly directed at the friendly and accommodating staff, some guests note minor areas for improvement such as shower water pressure. Facilities like the pool and gym receive positive attention, and families or pet owners will find the pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies welcoming. Overall, the hotel meets the needs of travelers looking for a practical yet stylish place to stay during extended visits.

Nearby accommodations range from boutique hotels to well-established chains, placing AKA University City within a competitive and vibrant local hotel scene. With its smoke-free environment, free parking, and free Wi-Fi, it addresses essential traveler needs without unnecessary frills, making it a solid choice for those planning longer stays in Philadelphia's university district.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Indoor pool
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Kitchens in some rooms
Fitness center
Golf course
Bar
Smoke-free
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

TH
Tamara Hamed Apr 18, 2026
10

We had a 3-night stay and it was a delightful experience. Everything was well-organized, and our stay was very comfortable. The staff were friendly and welcoming, and the location was convenient. The rooms were clean and well-maintained, and the hotel facilities met all our needs. Overall, it was a great stay, and we will definitely consider coming back. Highly recommended!

DR
Danny Rivera Mar 29, 2026
10

A nice spot just down the street from the 30th St Station and the SEPTA L train line. Inside what appears to be parts of Penn and Drexel campuses. Room and hotel was great. Only real complaint was maybe improving the shower water pressure a bit. Will definitely be at the top of my list of hotel stays when I go back to visit family in Philly.

JCN
John C newman Mar 25, 2026
10

I enjoyed doing a massage event here. If you would like my services. Contact me on Instagram and Facebook at Komal Haath Massage Works. Great host and hope to do more events there soon.

KS
katherine solomon Mar 16, 2026
10

Had an incredible stay at AKA University City. The views from the rooms and sky lounge are unreal—definitely one of the best in Philly. The suite felt super modern and comfortable, like having your own apartment in the sky. Loved the gym and pool, and the staff was friendly and helpful the whole time. Great spot for a longer stay or a treat-yourself weekend.

JP
Jody Polleck Feb 18, 2026
10

I can’t say enough good things about the team at AKA University Hotel. I had to make a last-minute cancellation due to an unexpected emergency, and Nekayah was absolutely lovely—so kind, understanding, and accommodating. Rick was equally gracious and made the entire process seamless during what was a stressful moment. I was truly looking forward to staying here, and the level of care and service I experienced—even without checking in—spoke volumes about this hotel. Exceptional customer service like this is rare, and I will absolutely be staying here in the future. Thank you again to Nekayah and Rick for going above and beyond!

LM
Luca Marabella Feb 03, 2026
10

This is a wonderful place to stay. I love the rooms, views, and amenities. We rented out the cinema and the pool was beautiful. The gym was lovely with lots of equipment.

VS
Valerie Smith Jan 22, 2026
10

From the time I arrived I was greeted with excellent customer service. I felt such warmth and that I was a valued customer. Every staff member I encountered knew how to make a customer feel special. I was impressed that I never had to adjust the temperature in my room it was so comfortable the entire stay. The bed slept great the bathroom was lovely. I believe this is a family owned company, I felt that family vibe throughout. Thanks AKA for a wonderful stay. I will be back!

BR
Becky Raz Jan 12, 2026
10

My husband, 2.5 y/o daughter and I stayed for 3 nights due to a hospital visit at CHOP. We were very pleased with our stay. We splurged a bit to stay in a 1 bedroom suite with a den and it was so nice to be able to spread out. The unit was clean, had a wonderful view and was mostly quiet. We were able to dine at the walnut cafe, swim in the pool (water was a little chilly, but the air was warm). We felt very safe and well taken care of (pack n play quickly delivered to our room, requests taken care of and recommendations given). Overall we would absolutely return.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find AKA University City

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Lively, diverse university area with international dining & the Institute of Contemporary Art.

  • William H. Gray III 30th Street 8 min Walk
  • 30th St 6 min Walk
  • Drexel Station at 30th St 5 min Walk
  • Philadelphia International Airport 15 min Car · 31 min Transit
  • Lehigh Valley International Airport 1 hr 10 Car · 2 hr 29 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Pennsylvania. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Philadelphia Museum of Art 23,055 reviews

Philadelphia Museum of Art

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States

4.8 · Art Museum
Liberty Bell 1 reviews

Liberty Bell

526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States

4.6 · Historical Landmark
Eastern State Penitentiary 2,302 reviews

Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States

4.7 · History Museum
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