The Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, a Penn-owned location, announced the completion of its $60 million renovation earlier this month.
The transformation, which began in April 2025, involved updates to the hotel’s 332 guest rooms as well as its bathrooms, communal spaces, dining, and infrastructure. In March 2024, the University Board of Trustees approved a resolution to allocate funds for the renovations and electrical and plumbing system upgrades.
In a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian, a spokesperson for Penn’s Business Services Division wrote that the Sheraton “has long served Penn families, alumni, conference attendees, and visitors to University City.”
According to a press release announcing the project’s completion, the renovation aimed to modernize the property through choices that capture the environment of Penn’s campus, reflecting “the hotel’s longstanding role as a gateway to the University of Pennsylvania and West Philadelphia.”
“This renovation is part of Penn’s ongoing stewardship of the property and is focused on improving the guest experience, renewing important building systems, and maintaining a high-quality lodging option close to campus,” the spokesperson wrote.
As part of the renovation, the hotel introduced the &More Café — a Sheraton brand that offers morning coffee, evening cocktails, and light meals. In addition, the hotel now features a multi-use outdoor terrace and infrastructure improvements, including mechanical, facade, and garage repairs.
The release highlighted the University’s contribution to the project, stating that Penn’s funding “supports the continued growth of the area as a destination for academic, medical, and corporate travel.”
Vice President of Business Services Michael Scales wrote in the release that the University’s investment in the Sheraton, which he characterized as a “key asset,” will enhance economic activity in West Philadelphia.
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The University first purchased the Sheraton — located between 34th and 36th streets on Chestnut Street — in 1996. According to the Board of Trustees resolution approving the renovation, the project was “funded by Sheraton reserves and an internal capital loan.”
Penn organizations have used the hotel as a venue to host events and conferences. In February, the Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club hosted the nation’s largest undergraduate health care conference at the hotel.
Students displaced by issues with on-campus housing — such as fires and floods — have temporarily lived in the Sheraton.
In December 2024, a fire broke out at the hotel. No injuries were reported.
The Hilton Inn at Penn, another hotel affiliated with Business Services, is currently completing a $43.4 million renovation of its guest rooms, hallways, lobby, and meeting rooms.
