AKA University City: A Detailed Look at this Philadelphia-Area Residence
This review examines AKA University City, a serviced apartment property located at 2929 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA (listed under the city of Cherry Hill on the platform). It offers studio-like and one- and two-bedroom units aimed at students, professionals, or families needing medium-to-long-term stays near the University City area. Based on available data (source: amber, retrieved 2026-07), this residence stands out for its amenities and central location but comes with a price point significantly above the Cherry Hill market average.
Who this residence suits
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Visitors to the University City area – Multiple guest reviews highlight the walking distance to major institutions (e.g., Drexel, University of Pennsylvania). If you need a temporary home close to campus, this property is convenient.
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Travellers who value in-room kitchen facilities – Units come with fully equipped kitchens, including dishes and utensils. This is ideal for those who prefer to cook their own meals rather than eat out every day.
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Guests who want on-site amenities – The property offers a gym, swimming pool, indoor golf simulator, cinema, and lounge-level coffee machines. One reviewer, “I Do”, mentioned “Gym, swimming pool, golf (indoor), cinema, all available during your stay.” The 28th floor amenities are also noted as “beautiful” by another guest.
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Those who appreciate small luxury touches – The residence provides Nespresso machines in rooms, a high-end coffee machine in the lounge, and upgraded bath products. Several positive reviews mention these details as highlights.
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Short‑term or extended‑stay guests – The unit types (1b, 2b) are designed for stays longer than a typical hotel visit, though exact minimum lease terms are not provided in the available data — confirm with the operator.
Who might want to look elsewhere
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Budget‑conscious renters – The minimum monthly price is USD 2,746; the maximum is USD 5,038. This is dramatically higher than the Cherry Hill city from‑price of USD 479 (indicative — confirm with the operator). While the city from‑price reflects a broad market (including shared rooms or smaller units), AKA University City clearly targets a premium segment. If your monthly housing budget is under USD 2,500, this property will likely not be affordable.
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Guests who need reliable lost‑property handling – A one‑star review from “Bhoomi Parikh” describes a disappointing experience: after checking out they left a blanket behind, were told it would be held, but when they returned there was no record of it, and follow‑up calls and emails went unanswered. The review text cuts off, but the core complaint is about lost item retrieval. If you are concerned about item security, this may be a consideration.
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Anyone seeking a traditional apartment lease – AKA University City is marketed as a serviced apartment / hotel‑residence, not a standard student housing block. It may not suit those looking for a full-year academic rental with a typical student housing contract.
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People who prefer a quiet, no‑frills setting – The residence includes a cinema, pool, and multiple common areas. If you want a minimalist, apartment‑only living environment, the amenities (and the associated activity) might be more than needed.
What residents actually say — a look at the reviews
The property has a Google rating of 4.1 based on 312 reviews. Three reviews are available for analysis:
Positive experiences
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Angela Hunt (5/5): “I had a wonderful stay. The 2 bedroom was roomy and clean . The staff was friendly and service oriented, and 28th floor amenities beautiful. Loved the Nespresso machine, tea and upgraded bath products! Would definitely visit again!”
This review underscores spaciousness, cleanliness, and staff responsiveness. The 28th‑floor amenities appear to be a highlight. -
I Do (5/5): “If you are visiting Drexel or U Penn, it’s walking distance. It’s an apartment so you have access to fully equipped kitchen including dishes and utensils. Great coffees!!!!!! Nespresso in the room and a fancy coffee machine in the lounge level. Gym, swimming pool, golf (indoor), cinema, all available during your stay.”
This guest emphasises location and the all‑in‑one amenity package. Note the multiple exclamation marks in the original — the reviewer was clearly enthusiastic about the coffee.
Negative experience
- Bhoomi Parikh (1/5): “We had a very disappointing experience with AKA Hotel. After checking out, we realized our daughter’s blanket was left behind and immediately called the hotel. We were told it would be held, but when we returned, there was no record of it. Multiple follow-ups, calls, and even an email went unanswered. The lack of commu…” (text truncated).
The core issue is a failure to secure a lost item, which can happen at any property but here resulted in a low rating. It suggests that front‑desk procedures for lost property might be inconsistent.
Overall, the positive reviews highlight cleanliness, amenities, and location. The negative review indicates a potential weakness in post‑check‑out service.
Price positioning vs the Cherry Hill market
The city of Cherry Hill has 28 listed properties on the platform, with a from‑price of USD 479 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). This from‑price likely refers to the cheapest available room (e.g., a private room in a shared apartment or a small studio). AKA University City’s minimum price of USD 2,746 is roughly 5.7 times that baseline. Its maximum of USD 5,038 is about 10.5 times the city from‑price.
This places AKA University City clearly in the high‑end segment of the market. The property is not a typical student budget option; it targets guests who are willing to pay for a fully‑serviced experience with premium amenities and a prime location near the University City institutions.
If you are on a standard student budget, you will likely find far more affordable options elsewhere in Cherry Hill or even in parts of Philadelphia. For example, the city from‑price of USD 479 suggests that basic shared accommodations or smaller studios exist at a fraction of AKA’s rates.
Room‑type guidance
The available unit types are:
- 1‑bedroom (1b) – likely priced towards the lower end of the monthly range, depending on floor and amenities.
- 2‑bedroom (2b) – as noted in Angela Hunt’s review, the two‑bedroom is “roomy and clean”. It will be closer to the upper price bound.
All units are described as serviced apartments with fully equipped kitchens, which is a plus for longer stays. Bills are included (as indicated by the “bills_included” tag), along with WiFi and gym access. This means the monthly price covers utilities and internet — no separate bills to arrange.
If you are travelling alone or as a couple, a 1‑bedroom may suffice. For a family or two roommates, the 2‑bedroom offers separate sleeping spaces. Confirm exact layouts and pricing with the operator when you inquire — room configurations and rates can vary.
Booking timing
- Availability – The data does not specify an “available from” date, meaning units may be offered on a rolling basis. For the best chance of securing a room, start looking at least 2–3 months before your intended move‑in date.
- Seasonal demand – Given the proximity to universities, August and September (start of the academic year) are likely high‑demand periods. Booking well in advance during those months is wise.
- Cancellation and deposit – Deposit information is not provided in the data. Make sure to ask about refund policies, especially if your plans are uncertain.
Since the property operates like a hotel‑residence, you may be able to book for shorter stays (e.g., a few weeks) as well as monthly. Check directly whether daily or weekly rates are available — the monthly range given is indicative and confirm with the operator.
FAQ
How does AKA University City compare to other student accommodations in Cherry Hill?
The residence is priced far above the city’s from‑price of USD 479 (indicative — confirm with the operator). It is not a typical student budget option. It suits those who prioritise a premium, all‑inclusive experience with extensive amenities over cost savings. If your budget is tight, consider other listings on the platform that start closer to the city baseline.
What amenities are included in the monthly rent?
Based on the tags and reviews: gym, WiFi, bills included (utilities likely electricity, water, gas), Nespresso machine in room, upgraded bath products, access to a cinema, indoor golf simulator, swimming pool, and a lounge with a high‑end coffee machine. The 28th‑floor amenities area is also open to guests. Note that some facilities (e.g., pool) may have seasonal or operational hours — confirm with the operator.
Is AKA University City suitable for families with children?
Yes, the two‑bedroom unit can accommodate a family. The fully equipped kitchen makes it easier to prepare meals. However, the negative review about a lost blanket suggests that lost‑item procedures could be a weak point, so keep an eye on all belongings. If you need a quiet environment for children, you might want to ask about floor level and noise insulation.
Sources & data date
Data sourced from the independent student‑housing platform (raw data provided, 2026-07). Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Google rating and reviews as of data retrieval date.
For live availability and exact pricing, you can use the on‑site assistant at the top or bottom of this page to check current unit options.
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