Philly's Best Views at the New AKA Hotel

Philly has a new hotel—the AKA University City— which opened last fall as a multi-use property.

In total, it has 268 rooms that are split between permanent residences and hotel rooms, the latter having the look and feel of the former.

You might recognize the name from its sister property, the AKA Rittenhouse Square. It’s the brand’s second property in Philly, though it’s far from secondary. In fact, the AKA University City has separated itself from other hotels in the city with its unique, inescapable views and stunning interior.

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Rooms

Traditional “studio” rooms are available, but the main draws here are the one and two-bedroom suites. These have an apartment-style layout, with full kitchens and living rooms. The designs are very modern and minimal, with sleek furniture, sprawling counter space and open floor plans.

Views

The rooms facing east showcase the AKA’s most-distinguishing attribute: Its views. While most city hotels in Philly are tucked away in Old City, Rittenhouse Square and Center City, the AKA’s position on the edge of University City—just across the river from Center City and Rittenhouse—allows its views to look back on the entire Philly skyline.

Location

The location of the hotel on the west bank of the Schuylkill River offers its guests the best of both worlds—far enough away to feel at home, yet close enough to jump in on the action.

When you’re in the rooms looking at the skyline view, you feel removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Yet, step outside and you’re less than a mile walk from Rittenhouse Square.

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Level 28

One of the highlights of the property is Level 28. It spans an entire floor (the 28^th floor), encompassing 25,000 square feet of space. Dubbed as a “luxury lifestyle club” for residents of the building, hotel guests have complete access to Level 28 during their stay. Here is where you will find the fitness center, pool, business center, movie theater, massage treatment rooms, golf simulator, lounge and outdoor terrace.

This is not your average health club.

The fitness room looks directly out over the city skyline, and the rest of the floor tends to have a knack for the dramatic. The indoor pool is 70 feet long and sits 400 feet above street level, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing views over West Philadelphia. Sounds of running water, smooth tile floors and plenty of external light set the mood for a spa-like atmosphere.

Down the hall, Level 28’s main lounge comes with a lot of potential.

With its open platform, floor-to-ceiling windows and large wine rack, the hotel said it is mulling the idea of installing a permanent bar to serve drinks. (As of now, it remains a good place to bring your own.)

READ MORE: Tapping Into the Heart of Philadelphia on a Beer Tour

The Verdict

Even if the rooms were forgettable (they are not), the views would make a visit worth it. The fact that the hotel’s sense of style and attention to detail inside the building rival what you see outside only further seals the deal.

The AKA University City stands tall and proud as an exciting, chic option in the City of Brotherly Love.