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The Study at University City

Philadelphia • University City • OPTIMIZE

avg. $263 / night

Includes $14 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

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Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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At a glance

A University City hotel designed as a cabinet of curiosities, with walnut bookshelves, writing desks, and charcoal brick architecture.

Best for: Academics, researchers, and intellectually curious travelers

Highlights:

  • Lobby with floor-to-ceiling walnut bookshelves and natural history displays
  • 212 rooms with dedicated writing desks and slate bathrooms
  • Charcoal brick facade echoes Penn and Drexel's masonry traditions
Scholarly-refinedcontemplative

PB hotel design editorial

Positioning a hotel directly within the gravitational pull of Penn and Drexel's campuses posed a specific challenge: how do you serve the academic world without becoming a conference-centre cliché? The Study at University City, which opened in 2017 on Chestnut Street with architecture by Cope Linder Architects and interiors by Gulla Jonsdottir, answers that question by treating intellectual curiosity as a genuine design language rather than a branding exercise. The eleven-storey tower's facade of charcoal grey brick, visible in the exterior images, carries a textured, almost geological quality — the material chosen to ground the building in the masonry traditions of the surrounding university precincts rather than reaching for glass-curtain anonymity. Inside, the lobby unfolds as a kind of cabinet of curiosities: illuminated display cases set into the millwork hold botanical specimens and natural history objects, bookshelves run floor to ceiling in warm walnut, and floor-to-ceiling windows framed in honey-toned timber flood the seating area with light. Herringbone oak flooring gives way beneath navy sofas, leather ottomans, and wingback chairs arranged in the rhythm of a well-curated reading room. The 212 guestrooms maintain the same studied restraint — light oak headboards, slate-tiled bathrooms with open vanity stands, striped carpet in muted earth tones, and a proper writing desk positioned to face the city. The bar leans darker, with barrel-back leather banquettes, marble-topped side tables, and sculptural metal reed screens dividing the room.

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About

The Study at University City is a sophisticated, design-driven hotel located in the heart of Philadelphia’s dynamic University City neighborhood. Positioned steps from the campuses of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for visiting scholars, families, and professionals. Featuring thoughtfully designed guest rooms with expansive campus views, The Study blends comfort and functionality to create a refined, yet welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s Living Room serves as a central gathering space, inviting guests to relax, work, or connect over a curated selection of books and artwork. With its prime location, inviting communal spaces, and a deep connection to the university community, The Study at University City is an ideal destination for those seeking an inspiring and seamless stay in Philadelphia.

Amenities

Internet

Suites

Room service

Free Internet

Wheelchair Access

Restaurant

Bar/Lounge

Pets Allowed

Wifi

Public Wifi

The Study at University City Reviews

447 reviews

"We enjoyed our stay at this property. Conveniently located in University City, near Drexel and U Penn. Very safe area, many women walking alone at night, The area is filled with students. The lobby is large, airy, and nicely decorated. Most of the staff were very helpful and friendly. We received a nice room on a high floor, as requested. There was no ice machine on the floors, nor filtered water dispenser. However, front desk generously provided bottled water as needed without charge, and the restaurant bar staff provided ice whenever we asked. The room was very clean and everything was in working order. Everything seemed well maintained. Convenient shades that blocked light well, night light in bathroom, housekeeping items provided quickly when requested. One inconvenience was the fact that there were not enough outlets in the room, and they were not conveniently located. there were no outlets next to the night stand, so charging of devices was inconvenient. Also, no counter space in the bathroom, which was highly inconvenient. It was impossible to charge our electric toothbrush hear the sink. We did in-room dining for breakfast each morning, and found the food to be of high quality, though the coffee was not very good. Overall, it was a good stay, would recommend, and would stay again."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 16, 2026

"Very comfortable hotel in the middle of Drexel and UPenn campuses. Rooms are clean, well sized and beds are comfortable. Quality products in the bathroom. I had a couple of special requests that the team accommodated kindly and efficiently. This is the second time I've stayed at this hotel. Easy to get Lyfts/Ubers quickly. The onsite restaurant is good and there is a small supermarket one block away. Multiple fast casual restaurants and coffee shops in the area. Street life was minimal so no issue with street noise heard in the room."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 13, 2026

"Spent over a week here and had a fantastic experience. The rooms are average, but the service was incredible. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate my specific requests without hesitation, which I deeply appreciated. The hotel is also in a perfect location and within walking distance to multiple hotspots. I loved that there were also multiple food options nearby. Highly recommend!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jun 05, 2026

"Roaches roaches roaches and the staff were not concerned as if it was a known issue"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jun 02, 2026

"This hotel, in the center of Philadelphia, on a Sunday morning at 9:30am, RAN OUT OF COFFEE. It was utterly astonishing that no one went out to GET SOME BEANS. Someone should lose their job over it. Hospitality industry?? WTFF?."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 24, 2026

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