by Will McGough
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Tue January 30, 2018
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.
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.
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.
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