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AKA University City

4.0 star property
Hotel with an indoor pool, steps from University of Pennsylvania
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for AKA University City

Exterior
Flat-screen TV
Restaurant
Indoor pool
Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
2929 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
  • Place, University of Pennsylvania
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Drexel University
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.)
    ‪14 min drive‬
VIP Access
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Room options

View all photos for Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 715 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom (with Den)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Suite, 1 Bedroom (with Den)

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • 835 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, 1 Bedroom (with Den)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Penthouse, 1 Bedroom (with Den)

  • 835 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, 1 Bedroom (with Library)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Penthouse, 1 Bedroom (with Library)

  • 962 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom (with Library)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Suite, 1 Bedroom (with Library)

  • 963 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Premium Penthouse, 1 Bedroom

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Premium Penthouse, 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 715 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Penthouse (Studio)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Penthouse (Studio)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 520 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Studio

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • 520 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms (Skyline)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms (Skyline)

  • 1022 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms (Sunset)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms (Sunset)

  • 1022 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Bedrooms (Skyline)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Room, 2 Bedrooms (Skyline)

  • 1022 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Bedrooms (Sunset)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Room, 2 Bedrooms (Sunset)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1022 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

View all photos for Studio, Accessible

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Studio, Accessible

  • 520 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Penthouse, 1 Bedroom, Accessible

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Premium Penthouse, 1 Bedroom, Accessible

  • 715 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom, Accessible

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Premium Suite, 1 Bedroom, Accessible

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms, Accessible (Sunset)

Premium bedding, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Penthouse, 2 Bedrooms, Accessible (Sunset)

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 King Beds

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8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 1,010 reviews
$215 nightly
The price is $250
Jan 18 - Jan 19, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Philadelphia

Located in University City, AKA University City is adjacent to University of Pennsylvania and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like Drexel University. This 133-room, 4-star hotel welcomes guests with a restaurant, an indoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • University of Pennsylvania - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Drexel University - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Franklin Field - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Rittenhouse Square - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • 30th St. Station - 6 min walk
  • 30th St Station - 7 min walk
  • Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪World Cafe Live - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Maison Sweet - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Walnut Street Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Rosy's Taco Bar - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Top Hat Coffee Lounge - ‬4 min walk

About this property

AKA University City

Hotel with an indoor pool, steps from University of Pennsylvania
Guests staying at AKA University City enjoy an indoor pool, a gym, and free WiFi in public areas. Self parking is offered for USD 35.00 per day. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day to help with concierge services and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include a business center, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi and wired Internet. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and beds are dressed in premium bedding. Kitchens, washers/dryers, and refrigerators are also standard. Weekly housekeeping is available.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool and a health club.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Self parking on site (USD 35 per day)
  • Limited onsite self parking

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Fitness classes
  • Games
  • Health club
  • Indoor pool
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • In-room washer/dryer
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (on request)

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator (42 inch wide door)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Built in 2017
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Rooftop garden
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laundry detergent
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Washer/dryer
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 200 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Dogs and cats only
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per day

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: USD 29.09 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Self parking fee: USD 35.00 per day
  • Pet fee: USD 200 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply), along with a car charging station.
Property Registration Number 864141

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Long-term renters welcome.

Property is 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

Is a free cancellation option available at AKA University City?

AKA University City provides free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at AKA University City?

As of Dec 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at AKA University City on Jan 7, 2026 start from $230.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do near AKA University City?

This hotel is situated in University City, just steps from Walnut Street, and within a 10-minute walk of Franklin Field and The Palestra. You'll also find Rittenhouse Square and Philadelphia Museum of Art within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at AKA University City?

Yes, parking is offered for USD 35.00 per day. Electric car charging and bicycle parking are also available.

Does AKA University City include a casino?

No, AKA University City doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at AKA University City?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at AKA University City?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including an indoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Are there hot tubs at AKA University City?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does AKA University City feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, AKA University City doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does AKA University City allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, cats and dogs are welcome at AKA University City for a fee of USD 200 per accommodation, per stay.

Does AKA University City have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Where is the closest airport to AKA University City?

The closest major airport to AKA University City is Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL), which is 9.5 mi away (14 minutes by car). Another top airport is Philadelphia, PA (PNE-Northeast Philadelphia), which is located 15.6 mi away (21-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at AKA University City?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at AKA University City.

AKA University City Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 547 out of 710 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 89 out of 710 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 32 out of 710 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 710 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 710 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Deniz, Maple Grove

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious and comfortable room; excellent customer service; easy parking; easy to walk to restaurants; safe.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Aka Great place to stay while in Philadelphia

The rooms at AKA are perfect. The only hotel I’ve stayed in that comes close, in my opinion, is Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City — though AKA has a slight edge, thanks to its separate bathroom and kitchen setup. The television setup takes a bit of getting used to. It’s not the standard system most are familiar with. I even downloaded a $6.99 app called Screen Mirroring in an attempt to watch the shows I normally enjoy, but I wouldn’t recommend it — it didn’t work and felt like a waste of money. The most memorable part of my stay was the 28th floor, which we started calling the “Paradise Floor.” It features a fantastic pool (though it could use a jacuzzi), a business center, and a ton of amenities — but the real standout for me was the cinema room. You need to contact the person managing the floor to book a time slot. For me, that was Hailey, who went above and beyond — truly a gracious and helpful host. The cinema experience was definitely the highlight of my stay. Overall, AKA is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a relaxing escape from your usual routine. It offers everything you need to unwind without ever needing to leave the hotel — but without making you feel confined to your room either.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renaud

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tala

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcus

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Colleen

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property. Close to work and amenities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Young Ju

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Aka didn't supply any hotel daily-service. They never cleaned our room during my stay. Theny didn't refill coffee canpsules, and didn't change towels. Door-knobs were so weird, so we couldn't lock the doors of bathrooms. It's very difficult to open and close doors... Floors were sticky. The carpet was dirty and hairs of carpet flew. Why were Aka's amenities and room conditions so different from explnation of Expedia and Aka's home page? I was really disappointed and very uncomfortable during my stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Mercedes, elmont

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I think the property is great in many ways but dropped the ball in a few ways like the key cards taking forever to open a door or the door to my apartment taking forever to close and lock (safety wise it’s a problem).
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

HONG

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Camille

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chanel

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adriana

Great place
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Shawn

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terrell

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

NICOLAS

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
I arrived to the hotel a little earlier than check in time and needed a place to change for an event and they were not accommodating at all.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chanel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
always a pleasure when i stay at the AKA
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ambher

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Extremely disappointed in the cleanliness and response to my concerns. The day before check out, i did speak with the Assistant Director of Housekeeping who was sweet and helpful but this was the day before checkout so she couldn’t do much about my issues.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Gyasi

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

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