AKA Rittenhouse Square

Hotels
9 (314 reviews)
135 South 18th Street , Philadelphia , us

Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Exceptional staff
Cons:
Small bathrooms
Delayed elevator service

Categories

Cleanliness
8.25
Bathroom size was small and not very functional.
Service
10
Wister provided thoughtful and caring service, turning a terrible day around.
Location
10
Perfect location in Rittenhouse Square, convenient to major attractions.
Room Quality
8.75
Rooms are generally lovely, but some issues were noted with initial room quality.
Amenities
8.75
Generous with towels and water, but limited elevator access.
Value for Money
7.75
Not worth the money given the issues compared to alternative properties.
Food and Beverage
9.75
Food and bar are some of the best in Philadelphia.
Overall Experience
8.75
A mixture of excellent services overshadowed by some drawbacks.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 05:58

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
AKA Rittenhouse Square, located on the corner of 18th and Walnut Streets, offers fully furnished accommodations with spacious bedrooms and full kitchens. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a home away from home.

Top-Notch Amenities
Guests have access to an on-site fitness center and complimentary entry to The Sporting Club at The Bellevue. Stay connected with complimentary en-suite Wi-Fi in all rooms. Indulge in delicious meals and drinks at a.kitchen and a.bar, the on-site restaurant and bar.

Concierge Services
Situated in a residential neighborhood near the Philadelphia business district, AKA Rittenhouse Square provides 24-hour concierge services. Let us assist you in exploring shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the area.

Experience luxury and convenience at AKA Rittenhouse Square. Book your stay now for an unforgettable experience!

Important information:

Please be aware that credit card will be charged at time of check-in.

Cash is not accepted as payment at the hotel.

Housekeeping service is provided once per week for stays of 5 nights or more. Additional housekeeping services are available for a fee.

Please note that charges apply for rooms vacated before your scheduled check-out date.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: PHL

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and charges may be applicable.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for US$35 per person per night when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for US$35 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 314 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.25
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 8.75
Amenities: 8.75
Value for Money: 7.75
Food and Beverage: 9.75
Overall Experience: 8.75
3
355shilpat Business
10
Warm staff, great location and rooms!
Pros:

Great location. Super comfy and clean accommodation. Front desk is so warm and welcoming, Wister was really friendly and helpful! Will stay here again for sure!

2026-02-18 via Tripadvisor
N
Neen_12 Business Tampa, Florida
10
AKA Rittenhouse - Exceptional Urban Luxury
Pros:

From the moment I arrived, the AKA Rittenhouse delivered the kind of attentive, personalised service that truly sets a property apart. Wister at the front desk and Bianca, who heads up front office, exemplify what welcoming hospitality should be - warm, professional, and genuinely caring about every guest's experience.
As someone who's been championing the AKA brand for years, this property continues to exceed expectations. The location simply couldn't be better - perched right on Rittenhouse Square, you're surrounded by gorgeous boutiques and some of Philadelphia's finest dining. A leisurely lunch at Parc watching the square come alive, or evening cocktails at Rouge are absolute musts.

The hotel's amenities are thoughtfully curated, too. The gym is well-equipped, and the small conference room on Level 2 is perfect for intimate meetings or for getting work done in a professional setting.

What truly makes AKA Rittenhouse shine is the team - their attentiveness and genuine warmth create that rare combination of luxury and a sense of genuine welcome. This is what exceptional experiences are built on.

Highly recommend for both business and leisure stays in Philadelphia.

2026-02-16 via Tripadvisor
S
SiscJ Friends getaway Woodbridge, Prince William County, Virginia
10
aka: Home, wherever life takes you.
Pros:

★★★★★

AKA Rittenhouse Square exceeded every expectation. The room was gorgeous and incredibly spacious, with a beautiful kitchen and breakfast nook that made it feel like a true home rather than a hotel. The views overlooking Rittenhouse Square were stunning and added such a special touch to the stay.

The staff were professional, kind, and attentive throughout, making everything seamless from arrival to departure. Every detail was thoughtfully maintained, and the overall experience was comfortable, elegant, and welcoming. I would absolutely stay here again. Thanks all!

2026-02-14 via Tripadvisor
B
Barbara solo_traveller us
7
Good location, no nonsense hotel, good restaurant.
Pros:

Staff was wonderful and the room was large.

Cons:

The coffee machine was a mystery. I've never been defeated by a coffee maker anywhere in the world so either it was not working or it is not user friendly at all. The room's seating was uninvitingly firm. The restaurant staff was terrific and desserts were great but I think some type of bread product could be offered with the omelet, considering the price. Also, the room was 86 degrees when I arrived. It was no trouble to lower the temperatuire but that demand asked a lot of the system!

2026-02-12 via Nuitee
J
Jill family_with_children us
10
Wonderful location, helpful staff and comfortable condo for enjoying Rittenhouse Square
Pros:

The front office staff was friendly and helpful, manager Bianca went out of her way to make my Mom's 90th birthday special with balloons in our unit. So very thoughtful!

Cons:

Our 2 bedroom unit was a little cold due to a thermostat problem but maintenance repaired while we were out the next day. While the bedroom windows were sound proof, the master bath was not, so we did hear quite a bit of noise as the party vans regularly drove up 18th st. on the weekend. Closing door helped.

2026-02-09 via Nuitee
M
Meander27373791767 Solo travel Saint Simons Island, Golden Isles of Georgia, Georgia
10
Terrific staff
Pros:

Yes, the hotel is located in a perfect location right on Rittenhouse Square. And yes, the rooms are great for an extended stay (think AirBnB meets elegant hotel). But I want to give a shout out to the team --- in particular Sinhaja and Ellisha. My initial room had some issues that frustrated me. They turned a "lemon" into "lemonade" ---- appreciated my concerns and got me into a different, magnificent room.

2026-02-07 via Tripadvisor
U
U973QRjaneto Family
10
Great Hotel
Pros:

We had a great time in AKA. The double rooms were awesome. So much space for us. Wister was great at the front desk when we had questions.

2026-01-31 via Tripadvisor
L
Leighton2510 Family Moss Bluff, Louisiana
10
Great stay
Pros:

Very friendly and helpful staff! Wister was very professional and accommodating! Room service was quick and very good

2026-01-26 via Tripadvisor
E
Elizabeth couple us
9
2026-01-20 via Nuitee
D
DJ family_with_children us
5
Miss the mark
Pros:

The location is excellent. You're right on Rittenhouse Square. Parc Restaurant nearby is one of the best restaurants you'll find in the city.

Cons:

Unfortunately there are several detractors that make this hotel a no-go for me in the future. For the price, the first room they gave me was unacceptable. After some haggling, to their credit, they upgraded me to a much nicer suite. However, the real amenity I needed was a later checkout. I begged when I booked and I begged when I checked in and the best they could do was an additional charge of $150 until 1 or 2 pm! The bathrooms are small and not very functional. Even after the upgrade, the bathroom toilet, when in use, means your knees are touching the cabinet. The lobby is small, dark and cold. ONLY ONE ELEVATOR! Each time I needed to use the elevator, I had to wait and watch it stop at several floors before it arrived, only to be full and start the waiting process all over again.
I understand some of these things are "life in the big city" but for the price they charge, there are better and plentiful properties that do a better job because they are trying harder.
Bottom line... It's not worth the money.

2026-01-02 via Nuitee
V
V8278OFmichaele Solo travel
10
Perfect stay from front desk to Comfy room.
Pros:

Perfect location in Rittenhouse square. Rooms are always lovely and the secure WiFi is a great perk.
Wister (from desk concierge) turned around a terrible day with his thoughtful and caring service.
Food and bar are some of the best in Philadelphia.

2025-12-31 via Tripadvisor
1
115marisad Family
10
Perfect stay on Rittenhouse with exceptional staff
Pros:

Great location! Spacious and large rooms, very well-thought out layout. Wister was wonderful at front desk!
Perfectly walkable to major attractions.

2025-12-27 via Tripadvisor
S
Safari59262677845 Family
10
Great Property with Great Service
Pros:

We had a wonderful visit to AKA Rittenhouse, and it began with above and beyond service from Wister, who made us feel like welcome guests. We hope Wister takes care of us during our next stay.

2025-12-22 via Tripadvisor
R
Rizadoro Couples Boston, Massachusetts
8
Urban Stay
Pros:

We didn't know until we checked in that the hotel is also an apartment building. The location is great--close to many restaurants and stores, across the street from Rittenhouse Square, a public park, and convenient to public transportation. The hotel is generous with towels and water. Wister at the front desk was very welcoming and pleasant and very helpful with suggestions about restaurants. The hotel is also an apartment building and there are washers and dryers for use downstairs. The negatives are the street noises and the very small bathroom.

2025-12-14 via Tripadvisor
D
danaF4456JU Family Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10
AKA Rittenhouse Square: Our Philly Love Affair (And Why We Never Leave!)
Pros:

** Full disclosure: I asked Gemini AI to reformat my boring review into something more fun and readable. Same content! **

My wife and I are, shall we say, *veteran* travelers. We've stayed in more hotels than a globe-trotting rock band, but when we come to Philadelphia (which is often!), we check in, and we don't check out—at least not from the AKA Rittenhouse. It's our exclusive Philly HQ and Home-Away-From-Home!

Why we love it (besides the fact that the staff hasn't kicked us out yet):

* The Location is Boss:* Seriously, right on Rittenhouse Square. Parking garages (you pay) are "around the corner," which is code for "conveniently close enough that we don't have to walk far with our luggage."
*A Suite Fit for Royalty:* The rooms are ridiculously spacious, perpetually spotless, quite, and the lighting is so good, it makes the Philly skyline look jealous. The kitchenettes are fully kitted out with all the grown-up appliances—stoves, dishwashers, and a Keurig coffeemaker (praise be to the coffee gods!).
*Home Away From... Home?:* With the on-site cinema, fitness center, meeting rooms, and laundry, we often forget we have an actual house. Each room has its own dedicated router/wifi. This isn't a hotel; it's a second life!
*The Staff (The Real MVPs):* These professionals are not only friendly and responsive, but they remember us! A massive, 10-star shoutout to **Bianca, Wister, Juliette, and Tony**. They truly go above and beyond and are a huge reason we keep coming back.
*Bonus Round: Food!:* The attached "a.kitchen" is, in my highly respected opinion (and the New York Times', I guess), one of the best restaurants in the city. Chefs from other restaurants eat here afterhours. They even do room service! It's dangerous—we never have to put on pants.

We adore this place so much that we host a small, multi-room family reunion here for Christmas. If Trip Advisor allowed **10 stars and a Michelin Star**, this AKA would have them both! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️

2025-12-12 via Tripadvisor
L
loricA7820MM Friends getaway Alexandria, Virginia
10
Would come again Higly recommend AKA
Pros:

Service was outstanding! Every request quickly and pleasantly fulfilled. 2 bedrooms suite was spacious and comfortable!! Great location! Manager Bianca was so professional. Restaurant at hotel I woukd skip. Much better restaurant in the area

2025-12-07 via Tripadvisor
A
Adina couple nz
10
Excellent stay in a chic hotel in an excellent part of Philadelphia
Pros:

Staff were excellent and went above and beyond to make us comfortable when our flight was cancelled

Cons:

Nothing

2025-12-07 via Nuitee
D
Drew family_with_children us
9
Our family had a great time and enjoyed our spacious room, along with the incredible in-house restaurant.
Pros:

Prime location in a beautiful area of Philadelphia.

Cons:

Very difficult to load and unload street side.

2025-12-03 via Nuitee
B
bohmaa01 Family New York City, New York
10
Like your own apartment in Philly
Pros:

Great room space in a great location. You give up the doorman, bellman type services, in exchange for friendly, well run, better value per square foot.
Shout out to Wister at the front desk.

2025-12-01 via Tripadvisor
G
Guide02425838599 Family
10
Weekend trip
Pros:

Stayed at AKA Rittenhouse over the weekend for the Philly marathon. Place was great, a home away from home and Wister was super friendly and professional!

2025-11-25 via Tripadvisor