Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel

The location on the University of Pennsylvania's campus means that the majority of the guests at Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel are students touring campus or parents visiting students, along with a mix of business travelers using the hotel's conference facilities. The hotel has a typical Sheraton chain hotel feel, with warm and welcoming interiors and a combination of features to encourage a comfortable stay. The lobby is quite spacious with a few sofas and comfortable chairs on a center island with a cozy fireplace. There's a large mural behind the reception desk and a collection of contemporary artwork on the walls. The restaurant, Sang Kee Noodle House, is not owned by the hotel, hence its completely different look and feel: traditional Asian decor complete with traditional Asian warrior statues. There's a buzz about the hotel, with lots of comings and goings among guests -- particularly during graduation time at the university or when there is a conference going on in the hotel.

Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, and adjacent to Drexel University. It's toward the north of Penn's campus and just about everything on campus is within easy walking distance. There are also several restaurants, bars, and shops within a short walk from the property. It's an 11-minute walk to Hamilton Village and a 15-minute walk to the banks of the Schuylkill River. Rittenhouse Square Park, City Hall, the city center, and the Philadelphia Convention Center are all within a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Independence National Historic Park, home to Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, and the Liberty Bell, are a 20-minute drive. There's both a bus stop and a trolley stop within a two-minute walk from the hotel, and the nearest subway station is five minutes on foot. It's a 30-minute drive to Philadelphia International Airport.

The 332 guest rooms and 25 suites at Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel are typical to what you would expect from a mid-range hotel: elegant, though not outstanding. The rooms are steeped in earth tones in the carpeting, textured wallpaper, striped curtains, corner chair, and artwork. The dark wood furniture and crisp white linens bring a sophisticated air to the rooms. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea- and- coffee-making facilities, free bottled water, telephones, desks, safes, iron and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Junior Suites feature a separate dining and lounge area, as well as mini-fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms include a shower/tub combo and come with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and house-brand toiletries. Suites feature large walk-in showers. Bathrobes and slippers are provided. Note that past guests have complained about minor maintenance issues like problems with the air conditioner and bathtub caulking. 

Features at Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel are mostly aimed at business travelers, with little in the way of kid-friendly facilities. Only guests from Club Level and Junior Suites have access to the Club Lounge which serves a free full buffet breakfast during the week and evening hors d'oeuvres from Monday to Saturday. All guests have access to the on-site restaurant, Sang Kee Noodle House, which serves a range of modern Asian cuisines. There's a seasonal outdoor heated swimming pool, with a few surrounding sun loungers and chairs. The 24-hour fitness center includes a range of modern LifeFitness cardio and weight-training equipment. Towels, magazines, and free filtered water are provided. For business travelers, there are several conference and meeting rooms available. Additional fetures include room service, select pet-friendly rooms, on-site parking (for a fee), and dry-cleaning service (for a fee). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.