The Dorchester is great value for the money but the quality can be highly variable based on the unit because they are individually owned. Either way it is an old building, so while some units do have new fixtures, you get some things like pipe noise and lots of outside noise.

Very safe and great location. Old building.

The Dorchester has be great - all utilities are included which is nice, it has on-premises parking, and the management company is incredible. It's an older building so try to get a renovated unit

Very social building with many students living here. Management is sometimes difficult to deal with, especially the package center. Packages are not always processed the day it is delivered, and is only open until 6:30pm. All maintenance fixes have been addressed promptly. I feel very safe in the building and located near bars/coffee shops popular among Wharton students.

Overall, I have been very disappointed with my experience at the Dorchester. To start, this building offers the worst value that I have seen as compared to all of my peers. Prices are on the high end, and you get little in return for your money (my unit has no washer/dryer, no dishwasher, and extremely old appliances). The entire building is in desperate need of a major renovation. At the same time, the building is run like a strict, uptight country club. The key fob system in the elevators is a huge pain, and management is entirely inflexible on a wide range of issues. I would strongly recommend you look elsewhere.

Overall great apartments but the building has many maintenance issues. Individual apartments differ greatly as well as many are condos and only some of them have been upgraded

Not many amenities but has all the basics in a great location. I wish you could sublet over the summer but other than that I have no issues.

If you're living at the Dorchester, you're paying for location. The building is located right on the square and offers great access to both Penn's campus (~30m walk), the Rittenhouse bar and restaurant area, and Old City. When the weather is nice you can walk downstairs and be in Rittenhouse Park, which is a nice perk. Studios and 1 beds vary by apartment but the building itself is on the older side. Tons of Penn students in the building but it's not as social as others in area (e.g. Wanamaker). A good choice for someone who wants to be close to the action but not in a party zone all the time.

The Dorchester is right on the beautiful Rittenhouse Square. Many of its apartments are privately owned, as is the case of the apartment I'm renting. My landlord is incredibly sweet and responsive to any issues that may arise. My only problem with the building is that they are deliberately exclusive even within its internal community. They charge you $15 per month to use the gym, $30 to use the pool from Monday through Thursday, and over $200 if you want pool access during the weekends. I haven't heard of another building that charges residents to use their amenities, especially such a high price for the pool! The management is also very strict about little things (e.g. no pets allowed, nothing heavy on balconies, no decoration on your front door, no walking your bike through the lobby, etc.). I know first hand many owners and renters who have left this building because of how exaggeratedly nagging the administration can be. It's an apartment building, not a college dorm!

Rooftop pool during the summer with great views. Two doormen and a mailroom attendant. Gym is only $15 per month. Cable (inc HBO) and unlimited internet is only $20 per month. Amenities in my unit are slightly dated but units vary. Management/maintenance are very responsive and helpful. Building staff are very friendly. My unit was 1 bed + 1 bath + balcony.

Only downside is that my unit overlooks the loading dock so there is lots of morning noise.