AKA University City, 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
All you need to know
AKA University City is situated across the Schuylkill River, adjacent to downtown Philadelphia in proximity to the University City District. It’s nestled within a dual-tower “vertical community” known as Cira Centre South. Being situated on floors 29-46 of one of these skyscrapers, the hotel offers breathtaking views.
This boutique-style hotel provides guests with a choice between one- or two-bedroom suites, each equipped with a fully functional kitchen and spa bath featuring Bulgari products.
To facilitate exploration, the hotel operates a shuttle service to Center City and University City. It also boasts a gym and a swimming pool that offer awe-inspiring views.
The unique blend of apartment-style living, stunning views, and strategic location has been lauded by visitors.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
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Location
Recent guest reviews
14 June 2023
Great place
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1 June 2023
My stay, was perfect for the occasion.👗👗
perfect location to observe the Philadelphia, Sky Line. BEAUTIFUL 😎❤️.
25 May 2023
clean, safe and relaxing
the property was gorgeous! exceeded our expectations. The pool was so relaxing and much needed for us. the only weird thing was the elevator access keys. they basically work when they want. but the people also staying in the building would help me get to my floor when the faulty key would not work. it did not ruin our stay just something they should upgrade or something. we enjoyed the on site restaurant and all staff we interacted with were helpful and nice. we will definitely return.
elevator keys to floor were faulty
27 March 2023
Very good
Beautiful property, clean, wonderful view of the city
Staff were very rude and impolite.
20 February 2023
Fabulous
the property is great and the staff brings you whatever you need. Also they have great amenities.
I didn’t like that the simulator room was not working.
11 February 2023
Good aprtment hotel, if you need to stay at the area
We stayed here for about a week The apartment we took was good, with all facilities needed for our stay, there is a swimming pool you can use and a small lounge It is located near the river across the bridge from the center, it takes about 30 minutes to walk downtown and has a nice view of the city
The air conditioner was "'whistling" and it took a few nights to get used to it It would be nice if there were some basic cooking ingredients (salt pepper, cooking oil, etc...), as there often have in other apartment hotels, it feels like a waste to buy everything just that it will be thrown up after a few days We need to ask a couple of times for a dishwasher capsule and other room amenities
25 January 2023
wonderful
all side
The machine that swipes the card in the elevator
30 December 2022
A treat
The check in team were great. The suite was well appointed. The swimming pool was wonderful.
27 December 2022
A Holiday Haven Away from Home
This is where we celebrate our family Christmas. We have stayed at the AKA for 6 years now because of the facilities and the warm welcome. Kitchen, pool, theatre, the ⛳ and the view are why we return. Most of the staff are exceptional and helpful: Ryan the new front desk manager, Charles, Abu, Kamilla are all standouts. Newbie Ivan in guest services also was helpful. Ryan arranged a tree for us and it makes a huge difference! Welcoming chocolates, comfy big bed, crisp sheets, the awesome empty pool, fitness room and a great view are always the draw.
Diminished amenities and upkeep. This is a luxury hotel/residence, and upkeep is everything. Over the 6 years we have been coming, things have changed. Our suite was not as clean as prior. Skuff marks on the floor and dusty surfaces and always having to ask for laundry soap and dish soap gets old. We requested dining chairs that never came. Calling the front desk during daytime it goes to vm. I got a text reply. This hampers communication. We only requested maid service for the 25th it seemed to be a stretch, and the maid did the minimum. No airport shuttle. No holiday decorations in the level 28 lounge. It was sad. The golf room was shut down really early. Last year we went after dinner to put, it was fun. We missed that. It was only 830 when we went to play. No more hotel-arranged holiday movie screening in the theatre. Now its a bring your own movie deal and it was fully booked for private screenings. Gone are the little breakfast snacks, elegantly served freshly brewed coffee. Etc. Level 28 fruit and breakfast bars in the morning were an amenity we enjoyed for years. Now its just a machine. The coffee is ok but it's not luxury, its what you'd find at a Holiday Inn. There used to be open screening of Christmas movies in the little theatre. A shared cinema. Now its a booked out private scenario. Not OK for we who want to see something joyful on a big screen. In the room there is no Netflix, Hulu or HBO included as before. In the rental rooms this should be included. I have personal subscriptions but l don't want to look for my PW and then have to remember to eliminate it on check out. The little touches, the luxurious Boucheron soap and shower gel are sadly missing. The light on the bathroom mirror wasn't working. There is no toilet brush. I know its not aesthetically lovely but the alternative is far worse. It was a cold weekend and it used to be great getting help at the door.
23 December 2022
great!
views cleanliness amenities
parking was a bit hard
4 December 2022
perfect weekend spot, great staff, great facilities
We were visiting our son at Drexel so great location. v spacious apartment. Cafe downstairs perfect for breakfast.
Dodgy shower curtain
8 November 2022
stellar service and a phenomenal staff that never seems to disappoint! The AKA always feels like home and I greatly appr
Staff and location.
None
18 October 2022
Perfect location and the room and amenities supplied everything I needed.
The room layout with a kitchen and having everything needed to make food was very nice. the amenities were very nice as well.
Key card was glitchy in the elevator and had a few eyebrow raising instances of it going to a floor that we didn’t choose. Used the stairs a few times for that reason but it was something that is being worked on.
15 October 2022
friendly attentive staff and a definitely superior service all round
reception staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly, when I called ahead, when I arrived, and during my stay. Faultless.
28 September 2022
Very comfortable unit with spectacular views over Philadelphia.
Location and facilities are excellent.
Room for improvement with cleanliness of the unit and staff engagement with guests.
9 August 2022
Magnificent
Everthing
I love everything
21 July 2022
Fabulous
View, pool, room.
There should be a vending machine available for guests (especially for bottled water, which wasn't available when I asked).
23 June 2022
Convenient for the most part, as I had meetings next door
Amenities, room size, room coffee
I checked out at 5pm on day 2 but the hotel did not offer partial room rate, therefore charged a full night stay for late check out.. I wish there was an option, like at Marriott properties, to pay for later check out or 1/2 day
12 June 2022
Fabulous
Room amenities were well maintained and more than adequate. So easy to relax in. Great location, near to train and bus station.
Nil
18 May 2022
amazing property - went above and beyond our expectations. definitely will use AKA again.
the property was spacious and amenities of pool and spa.
nothing to say. great location
19 April 2022
My Stay Was Exceptional Despite The Rude Attendant On The 28th Floor Other Than That I Absolutely LOVED it!!
the property was very very well PERFECT!
The Lady That Staffs The 28th Floor Is VERY like VERY RUDE!!!!! She Would Make You Give This Place 1 Star!!!
11 April 2022
Fantastic
Amazing view Great staff Awesome experience :)
NA
25 March 2022
GREAT STAY IN THE AKA
EVERYTHING
24 March 2022
There was so much to love about AKA University, that we are already planning our next stay.
The staff was very nice & helpful, especially Christos & EJ and we enjoyed the movie theater and the pool. The room was great and the views incredibly beautiful.
We would prefer a regular coffee pot in the room and more places to eat nearby. We ubered to various restaurants and ate at the Walnut St. cafe. Their service is not good and I’m still waiting for resolution from the last night when they charged another table to my credit card. The 2nd charge should have been removed by now.
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
- - Swimming Pool
Reception services
- - Invoice provided
Miscellaneous
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available
19 June 2023
Worked perfectly for my needs.
Size of suite was ideal and the location was perfect for my needs.
No issues, I was happy with everything.