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.