The Hotel Guru
Best Hotels in University City

Best Hotels in University City

University City makes a great base for exploring the rest of the city, being just a 5-minute subway ride from Philadelphia's historic centre. It's also a destination in its own right, particularly for art-lovers and history-fans. There are amazing art galleries, like the Institute of Contemporary Art, with works by only the most cutting-edge artists. If you prefer history, head to the Penn Museum for their fascinating collection of ancient artefacts. It's a rather grand area too, full of historic architecture and wide open green spaces like Clark Park. Unsurprisingly, our Gurus selected some historic stays in this list of the best hotels in University City — both full of antiques and bags of charm. But there's a touch of the contemporary too, with a stylish luxury apartment.

For historic charm

Cornerstone B&B has bags of charm, an elegant B&B on a quiet, leafy street that's ideally suited for sightseeing forays into the historic centre. After all, these beautiful rooms — full of antiques and historic artworks — are just a 10-minute walk fromthe subway, and opposite a bus stop. With its extensive tea selection, whirlpool tubs, and fresh pastries, you'll be pampered senseless with this pretty slice of old school luxury!
Akwaaba Philadelphia is another charming, boutique-y option, a small, family-owned hotel set in a late 19th-century mansion in the heart of University City. It's great for sightseeing forays into the historic centre too, seeing as it's a short walk from the Amtrak 30th Street Station — just a 5-minute ride! The rooms and suites still have their historic charm,with their antiques and sash windows. A beautiful stay full of historic elegance!

For a stylish city-break

For a slicker, more stylish stay, take a look at Aka University City — a collection of sleek, luxury apartments with stunning views and choc-a-bloc with all sorts of amenities: a cinema room, a world-class restaurant, and a whole floor dedicated to wellness. Perfect for a stylish city-break — utter luxury!

Still not sure?

Check out our Philadelphia neighbourhood guide
Expand your search to include ALL the best hotels in Philadelphia
Or contact one of our Gurus for bespoke advice.
- Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast Philadelphia (University City) 6 rooms from £125
  
  See more photos
  
  Local exploring  -  The B&B is just steps from Centre City on the Banks of the Schuylkill River, making it the perfect base for discovering the city
  Sights nearby  -  Discover and learn all about the animals at Philadelphia Zoo
  Local markets  -  Find local produce at the Reading Terminal Market
  Restrictions on children  -  Children over the age of 12 are welcome
  
  A charming and historic B&B in the heart of Philadelphia. Elegant, traditional, rooms feature antique furnishings, historic artworks and modern bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. Delicious gourmet breakfast includes fresh pastries and juices. A perfect base for exploring the city's sights and nature. See More
  
  Check Availability
- Akwaaba Philadelphia Philadelphia (University City) 6 rooms from £152
  
  See more photos
  
  Local exploring - Well located with the city's major universities nearby as well as the city centre with its galleries, museums, and restaurants
  Self catering - All rooms have a full kitchen or a kitchenette
  Traditional
  
  A charming small hotel set in the University City area. Rooms and suites are individually styled but each has hardwood floors, antiques, and sash windows. Breakfast and afternoon refreshments are offered. However, each room has a kitchen or kitchenette making it ideal for independent travellers. See More
  
  Check Availability
- aka University City Philadelphia (University City) 133 rooms from £176
  
  See more photos
  
  City Style  -  With sleek contemporary design and luxury touches including an indoor pool and lively bar, this is a stylish city base
  Groups  -  Spacious two bedroom apartments, complete with space for hosting, are a good option for small groups or families
  Self catering  -  All apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen, giving the opportunity for self catering if you wish
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A sleek modern building offering a collection of luxury apartments. Unit sizes vary but each has epic views from the swathes of glass, crisp modern design, luxury bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. With a pool, cinema room, and atmospheric bar and restaurant — you'll want for nothing here. See More
  
  Check Availability