Known as “Philly,” Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1682, it played an essential role in the founding of the United States of America. This history can still be seen today through many historic buildings, districts, and monuments like the Liberty Bell.
Today, Philadelphia is a buzzing metropolis, home to many universities and parks. It is known for its arts and culture. Attracting around 42 million domestic tourists each year, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in the city, many mixing the modern with the historic. Here are some of the very best hotels in Philadelphia to help you hone in on your choice.
1.The Rittenhouse Hotel
Source: booking.comThe Rittenhouse Hotel is undoubtedly a stylish option when it comes to hotels in Philadelphia. With elegant interiors, this hotel is home to an award-winning restaurant that serves up international cuisine, as well as a British tearoom that spills out into a courtyard garden.
The guest rooms here gleam with golden hues for a subtle touch of glamour, boasting huge, comfortable beds, separate seating areas, and fantastic city views. There’s also a swimming pool, fitness centre, and a full spa for guests to enjoy.
Location: Just over a mile away from Philadelphia’s historic Old Town, the location is also great because of how close it is to top museums, high-end shopping, and excellent restaurants.
2. Lokal Hotel Old City
Source: booking.comWith an urban, contemporary flair, rooms at this cool Philadelphia hotel appear as if straight out of the pages of a design magazine. The small hotel is boutique style and retains the historic elements of the property in which it’s situated, including exposed brick walls, tiled entranceway, and large windows.
Each room is equipped with a seating area, where you can relax with a coffee made from the machine in your room (featuring locally roasted coffee beans). These are hip spaces that feel like your own apartment in the city. You won’t ever want to leave!
Location: Right in the middle of the historic Old Town, this is an excellent spot for exploring the neighbourhood. Landmarks such as the Betsy Ross House and the Benjamin Franklin Museum are just metres from here.
3. The DWIGHT Boutique Hotel
Source: booking.comThis small but stylish hotel is set in a historic building and boasts rooms that have maintained the original features of the house — think sash windows, fireplaces and high ceilings. Some even feature balconies overlooking the street below.
Each room here differs. Some come with kitchens and separate seating areas, and others have more bijoux design flair. The property also features a cosy restaurant and garden, and there’s convenient free parking for guests.
Location: Situated close to the Old Town, the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square, and the Mutter Museum are all within easy walking distance of the hotel.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
Source: booking.comThe Four Seasons is easily one of the swankiest hotels in Philadelphia. A gleaming, modern hotel occupying the top floors of a 60-storey building, this hotel is certainly bold when it comes to its decor. The rooms are eye-catching and feature eye-catching views of the city.
There are some incredible amenities here. For example, there’s the 57th-floor spa sanctuary, including an infinity pool and fitness centre. To top it all off, the hotel’s restaurant is impressively Michelin-starred.
Location: A mile from the historic city centre, there are many museums in the vicinity, including the Mutter Museum, the Franklin Institute of Science Museum, and the Art Institute of Philadelphia — not to mention all the bars and restaurants practically on the doorstep.
5. The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
Source: booking.comThe Inn at Penn is replete with a classic, relaxing atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and decked out with clean lines, soft colours, comfortable beds, and seating areas. Each room has cable television and a minibar.
Guests have the option of dining at the hotel restaurant for some American-French fusion and going for an evening drink at the bar. There’s a fitness centre and a library, and the staff at this top Philadelphia hotel are top-notch.
Location: Just yards from the University of Pennsylvania, this hotel is very close to the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Penn Museum (not a Pen Museum).
6. Chestnut Hill Hotel
Source: booking.comHoused inside a historic building, the Chestnut Hill Hotel is a charming, friendly place to stay in Philadelphia. Inside this old building, rooms have been decorated in eclectic styles, with ornate, regal wallpapers and large beds for a boutique feel.
The hotel serves up international food at Chestnut Grill, where you can dine on the streetside terrace; there’s also Asian cuisine on offer in another eatery, and Paris cuisine in an onsite bistro. There’s a lot packed into this heritage building.
Location: Situated along Germantown Avenue, public transport options are nearby. While attractions such as the Morris Arboretum may be close, too, this area is charming enough to simply wander and discover for yourself.
7. The Notary Hotel Autograph Collection
Source: booking.comOccupying a historic old-school skyscraper (actually listed on the National Register for Historic Places), The Notary really provides the wow factor for your Philadelphia trip. From the moment you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be welcomed by the chic, grand lobby, with its chandeliers, corniced ceilings and polished floors.
The rooms are decorated in smart navy and white, completing the tasteful style throughout the hotel. After your busy day exploring the city, return to the hotel and enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant and bar with its glittering atmosphere and style.
Location: Because of its central location, it’s easy to reach places like Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Convention Centre, and travel around on public transport (thanks to all those metro stops nearby).
8. Rittenhouse 1715
Source: booking.comAn excellent option for people who’d like to stay in a historic building, Rittenhouse 1715 has a homely atmosphere and traditional decor to match. The antique furnishings, classic artworks, and open fireplaces are sure to charm any visitor.
Guest rooms at this Philadelphia hotel feel like a real slice of old-world luxury, and the shared spaces include an outdoor courtyard to kick back in. Refreshments are served daily in the hotel’s lounge, with nightly wine receptions livening things up in the evening.
Location: Close to Locust Train Station, this hotel is just one mile from Thomas Jefferson University and the Benjamin Franklin House, as well as the infamous Liberty Bell.
9. Aloft Philadelphia Downtown
Source: booking.comAloft Philadelphia Downtown is set in the Liberty Title building dating back to the 1920s. Throughout the hotel, the history of the building has been effortlessly combined with modern décor and features high ceilings, panelled windows and spacious seating areas.
Each room is decorated with contemporary furnishings, white-washed walls, and large, original windows for a comfortable stay. Elsewhere, small plates are on offer at the hotel’s snack bar, and drinks await at the stylish onsite bar.
Location: Set in Downtown Philadelphia, close to the historic Old Town, this top location means having the delights of Chinatown at your fingertips. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia City Hall, and Reading Terminal Market are close by.
10. Club Quarters in Philadelphia
Source: booking.comAnother fantastic Philadelphia hotel set in a cool old building, Club Quarters is a great place to base yourself. The rooms are simple and modern (but stylish), and conveniently feature small kitchens, as well as dining and seating areas.
Those of you on business will enjoy the fact that the rooms include an ergonomic chair and work desk. Amenities include an onsite gym, with free weights and cardio machines, plus a restaurant for evening meals.
Location: Conveniently located right near the Suburban Subway Station, this hotel is set in Philadelphia’s French Quarter. The famous “Rocky Steps” are within easy walking distance, as are the many bars and restaurants of the area.
11. Loews Hotel Philadelphia
Source: booking.comLoews is set within an eye-catching building with breathtaking interiors to match. Think shining floors, a sultry and sophisticated grey colour palette, and plenty of carefully curated chic furniture and design details. The rooms are suitably stylish, with crisp white linen, marble bathrooms and a cool design aesthetic.
The hotel’s restaurant, with its city views, is the perfect place to dine. There’s also a bar offering unique cocktails and craft beers. Other amenities include a beauty salon, spa and gym.
Location: Set in historic Downtown Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is less than two miles away. The famous Independence Hall is under a mile from the hotel, as is the famous Liberty Bell.
12. Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Source: booking.comThis is a beautiful hotel that pays as much attention to the past as it does to its chic, contemporary design and furnishings. Staying at this top Philadelphia hotel is a real joy. The rooms have an eye for design and come with especially luxurious bathrooms and high-end furnishings.
The onsite restaurant, Square 1862, serves up delicious dishes throughout the day. It’s a pet-friendly hotel, and there’s a 24-hour concierge service on offer, for that all-round quality service you’d expect of this high-end hotel.
Location: The upscale shopping district of Walnut Street is just on the doorstep, and the area is strewn with bars and restaurants. Rittenhouse Square is close by, as is the Art Institute of Philadelphia. There’s a lot going on here.
13. Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel
Source: booking.comSimply stylish, Renaissance is housed in a historic building with rooms that make the most of the heritage of the city. There are wood-panelled walls, sash windows, and plenty of modern touches, with quirky artwork and sleek furniture.
Guests staying here have access to an indoor pool and fitness centre. There is also the Franklin Social Lounge (the onsite restaurant), which serves French cuisine. For evening cocktails, Franklin Social American Kitchen and Bar is the place to go.
Location: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are mere steps from this top Philadelphia hotel. Also close by is the Benjamin Franklin House (within walking distance), and plenty of restaurants. The airport is just a ten-minute drive from here, too.
14. Philadelphia Marriott Old City
Source: booking.comSet in a former warehouse building, the Philadelphia Marriott Old City is yet another slice of the city’s past. High, arching brickwork is accented by a glass-roofed foyer and plenty of design-led furnishings for a real sense of industrial chic.
It’s tastefully decorated throughout, from the minimalist guest rooms with their streamlined decor and sophisticated colour palette to the onsite bar serving a great selection of contemporary cuisine. There’s also a well-equipped fitness centre.
Location: With a whole lot of historic sights nearby, there are cobbled streets to explore and old buildings to admire. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, for example, are a few minutes’ walk away.
15. Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Source: booking.comBold and beautiful, rooms at this hotel are large and boast sizeable beds and cosy seating areas; some even have bathtubs where you can relax with views of the city. The hotel’s rooftop bar is a vibrant hang-out with its cool open-air terrace and fire pit (and Liberty Bell views).
Guests will also benefit from the onsite Red Owl Tavern, serving up meals all day. The 24-hour front desk ensures someone is always on hand to help out, and the fitness centre, allows you to keep up with your workouts.
Location: Choosing to stay at this hotel means you’ll be right on top of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Congress Hall. Many of the top sights of the city are within arm’s reach of this cool Philadelphia hotel.