AKA University City, Philadelphia
AKA University City is a sophisticated “vertical neighborhood” perched high atop the FMC Tower in Philadelphia. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the building serves as a striking landmark at the edge of the Schuylkill River. The property is widely celebrated for offering some of the highest and most expansive panoramic views of the city, perfectly blending the services of a luxury hotel with the comfort of upscale, modern residential living.
The interiors, curated by renowned designer Piero Lissoni, focus on minimalist Italian elegance. The suites feature high-end kitchens, wide-plank floors, and bespoke furniture, creating a serene, polished atmosphere. A standout feature is “Level28,” an entire floor dedicated to guest wellness and leisure, which boasts a stunning 72-foot aerial stainless steel swimming pool that feels as if it is floating above the city skyline.
Just steps from the building, guests have easy access to Cira Green, a unique one-acre elevated park that sits 90 feet above the ground. It is the perfect spot to enjoy cultural events or simply soak in the dramatic views of the skyline. The hotel’s prime location also means you are minutes away from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania and the historic 30th Street Station.
Whether you are looking to explore local museums like the Penn Museum or wanting a convenient base near the city’s major medical centers, this property offers a refined escape. With its combination of minimalist design, “sky-high” amenities, and central placement, it provides a truly elevated way to experience Philadelphia.
Expert reviews
“All of the rental units on the upper 18 floors of Cira Centre South have spectacular views. However it’s the sophisticated looks inside that will capture your attention. Rooms are spacious, contemporary and equipped with full kitchens.”
“AKA University City is Philadelphia’s premier ultra-luxury hotel and apartment residences. Located on the top 18 floors of Brandywine Realty Trusts’ FMC Tower at Cira Centre South – “Philadelphia’s first vertical neighborhood” – AKA University City has 268 luxury hotel and apartment residences.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Swimming pool
- Comfortable beds
- Friendly staff
- Free Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
24 November 2024
Fantastic place to stay
Everything. Incredible view, comfortable, spacious, friendly staff.
5 November 2024
Have stayed many times and I will be back.
Great apartment with incredible views located close to UPenn and easy access to downtown Philadelphia. Washer/dryer in the room is a big plus.
3 November 2024
It was a peaceful experience.
Spectacular views
No comment at this time.
28 October 2024
Fabulous. What an amazing place. Everything was superb and I'm quite miserable when writing reviews.
Views, space in rooms, well - equipped kitchen, communal bar.
All good.
26 October 2024
A beautiful space with helpful friendly people.
The views and the amenities on the 28th floor. Amber is awesome!
I reserved a space for a meeting that was double booked & had to meet in our unit. It worked out okay.
4 October 2024
Great location and nice suite
The location was great, just outside university city and next to Philly downtown. The suite was spacious with 2 bedrooms, all very nice.
It also had a nice indoor pool, new fitness center, cinema, lounge &bar and a business center.
The view is amazing, you have a great city view.
Nothing, only no room cleaning if you stay less than a week.
24 September 2024
A beautiful, spacious apartment with lovely people and great amenities.
The amenities are great and the staff are friendly and helpful. We love having the space.
We couldn’t get anyone to fix our bedroom tv; we couldn’t change the channel.
23 September 2024
College move in
This is our second stay here and we will be back. The space is comfortable- the amenities are over the top and it is in a great location. Beautiful Roof top space for our family to relax together. The bonus for us is the ease of a secure parking garage right next door- which is worth the slightly extra cost to stay here as we usually have a car load for college move in!
Because it is an "aparthotel" type concept- I would have to ask for extra coffee pods. This was a very minor inconvenience as they respond ASAP for every and any request!
23 September 2024
I love staying here and keep coming back.
The spacious room and living room, the skyline view, location, the modern, clean design.
Helpful staff at reception.
Arriving with a lot of luggage, nobody to help open the door or get large amounts of luggage to the room.
Don't like shower in the bathtub which some rooms have, but very happy in room with shower only.
17 July 2024
Loved the view!!
View of the city and rivers from our room was spectacular. Also loved the amenities on the 28th floor. While we didn't have the chance to use the pool or the fitness room, they both looked beautiful with views of the city. Did enjoy a glass of wine on the garden terrace. Beautiful
Would have enjoyed some toiletries in the bathroom- body lotion would have been appreciated.
19 June 2024
College Student Move out and weekend in Philly
spacious apartment, great view- beautiful amenities!
Maybe black out curtains as option for bedroom? Bright ligght very early in a.m. :)
3 June 2024
Great hotel location and features for a weekend stay while attending The Roots Picnic.
We absolutely loved the proximity, ambiance and amenities of the hotel.
Parking. There’s a parking garage adjacent to the hotel and while the proximity is great, the price wasn’t. We were charged $35 for each overnight that our vehicle was parked in the garage. Off-street and valet parking isn’t offered, so the garage is the only option (unless you use a ride-share or public transportation).
30 May 2024
Had an amazing time
Everything
Pool area needs to be updated
15 May 2024
Some disappointments but overall had an excellent time anyway.
Beautiful building. Friendly staff.
Door and pass keys were hard to use and required that I went back to the reception desk several times. The hotel had special events which meant several amenities were not available to guests as I had expected.
13 April 2024
Good location, nice space
The apartment was great; very cute and roomy. The views were nice. The place was clean and very comfortable. Overall it provided all the amenities and the location was great.
The staff was not at all friendly or helpful. The view of the city was nice except for the electronic billboards that were lit up 24/7. They did have good screens, but some of the light still shone through.
13 March 2024
This was a beautiful place to stay!
Clean, amenities
I didn’t get my complimentary drinks and my amenity’s in room did not work, the price was a little too high
23 January 2024
A AKA IS MY HOME TO STAY!
Overall, the hospitality, convenience and cleanliness. I will continue being the AKA guest.
N/A
4 December 2023
Great place ! I’ll return for sure .
Location
Gym
Clean
Spacious
Na
12 November 2023
Fantastic facilities in a spacious appartment near PennU
The appartment was spacious and well-equipped
The sport facilities were excellent and above expectations: the swimming pool has an epic view but also a 25m length, the fitness is well-equipped with technogym
THe wifi in the lobby and common rooms were not easily available only the room-wifi
THe distance from pensylvenia convention center and the centre of pHilladelphia is 25 min walk
3 November 2023
Excellent apartment with fab views
Fabulous apartment with great views of the city. Excellent facilities in the apartment and in the floor below
Nothing
6 September 2023
This was an absolutely impeccable property and experience.
I have to say this might have been the best place I've ever stayed. The staff were wonderful as you arrived. The lobby was impeccable. The location was outstanding. And then the room was stunning. 32nd floor, amazing view, but also roomy, comfortable and spotless. This was tip top in every aspect. There was great pride in this property and it showed in every aspect.
That I only stayed one night. But I had friends come up to see the room and they were equally impressed. I hope my travels take me to other AKA cities.
28 August 2023
Great but with some attention to detail could be excellent.
Location is great. Apartment style perfect when visiting with students as there is room to hang out and visit.
Small things like the amount of dirt in the elevator and that the keycards didn’t work very well. Otherwise it’s a very nice place.
9 August 2023
Would stay again for that view
Room. View. Comfort. Easy walkway to PennMed and downtown Rittenhouse.
Location is fine. Fridge needs to be cleaned better, or add a deodorizer, smelled rough. Everything else was very clean and great space.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
Services
- - Room service
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Shared lounge/TV area
- - Grocery deliveries (additional charge)
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Games room
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
- - Outdoor fireplace
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Pool and wellness
- - Pool with view
- - Heated pool
- - Shallow end
- - Swimming pool
Reception services
- - Invoice provided
Miscellaneous
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

17 January 2025
It was very great