Jump to:
Philadelphia is ripe with history and alternative culture, perfect for a weekend getaway. But with so much to see and do, how do you pick the right hotel? Well, you’re in the right place.
Why You Should Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia is often overlooked for its flashier neighbors, New York City and Washington, DC, but it has so much to offer visitors.
Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for history buffs, especially those who are fans of American history. The city was home to some of the most important events in the founding of the United States.
Explore this history at sites such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center.
For lovers of more modern history, Philadelphia is home to cult pop culture items such as Rocky and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a run up the Rocky steps or a Philly cheesesteak, a pop culture icon in its own right.
Philadelphia is also home to one of the most vibrant arts scenes in the nation. From museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art to street museums housing beautiful collections of murals, art is everywhere you look.
The cheesesteak is the most famous culinary export, but Philadelphia’s many immigrant communities mean you have vibrant international food anywhere you look. Plus, catch a concert at one of the city’s thriving underground venues.
Philadelphia’s wealth of culture means a weekend here will be one to remember. Make it count by choosing the right hotel. But don’t worry — we’ve done the hard work for you.
The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia
Here are some of the best hotels Philadelphia has to offer, hand-picked by our travel experts for all types of travelers and budgets.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
- Location: Center City
- Average Price: $1,000 a night
The Four Seasons Hotel is one of the few luxury hotels that Philadelphia has to offer, but after staying in its plush rooms, you’ll agree that the city doesn’t need another one.
The hotel has the best views of the city because it is located in the tallest building in Center City. You’ll forget all about the world outside the hotel once you sink into the amenities such as the infinity pool, spa, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
2. The Rittenhouse Hotel
- Location: Rittenhouse Square
- Average Price: $618 a night
The elegant Rittenhouse Hotel is a great upscale destination for a weekend away in Philadelphia. Amenities at the hotel include a fitness center, heated pool, spa, and even a hair salon to make sure you’re looking your best.
Relax at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room and private garden for afternoon tea. Once you’re ready to face the gritty city outdoors, the Rittenhouse Hotel is within walking distance of top Philadelphia attractions such as The Mutter Museum.
3. ROOST East Market
- Location: Center City
- Average Price: $253 a night
The sleek ROOST East Market is a condo hotel with excellent apartments decked out in the latest modern designs. All apartments are fully stocked for comfortable living, including private kitchens and bathrooms.
Plus, you get access to common amenities such as a pool and garden. The ROOST East Market is truly a home away from home, plus a great base for exploring the center of town.
4. The Study at University City
- Location: University City
- Average Price: $383 a night
The Study at University City feels like visiting your favorite college professor who now has struck it rich. Rooms are spacious, with private bathrooms and some featuring separate sitting areas for relaxing.
Guests can relax in the foyer, restaurant, and bar, which people rave about, saying it reminds them of a comfortable library. Plus, the location is close to Philadelphia’s major universities, which is convenient if you have business there.
5. Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
- Location: Center City
- Average Price: $237 a night
The Canopy by Hilton is a tony establishment right in the center of Philadelphia. Guests have access to a business center, terrace, on-site restaurant, and free bike rentals to make exploring Philadelphia even easier.
After exploring, relax in comfortable rooms along with free Wi-Fi. Reviewers praised the comfortable nature of the beds as well as the unique décor.
6. Element Philadelphia Downtown
- Location: Center City
- Average Price: $186 a night
Element Philadelphia Downtown is an elegant hotel that towers over the center of Philadelphia, meaning that every room has great views. Every room also has crisp modern décor and a private bathroom, and some rooms have their own kitchenettes.
Guests praise the wonderful service, including the 24-hour front desk, which can even help you rent bikes to explore Philadelphia with ease.
7. Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia
- Location: Rittenhouse Square
- Average Price: $222 a night
The Hyatt Centric Center City is a great, centrally located hotel close to the Philadelphia Convention Center and Mutter Museum. The business center makes the Hyatt Centric a great choice for conferences.
And both business travelers and guests on vacation can blow off steam in the fitness center. People also praise the breakfast, which is exceptionally delicious and included in the price of the room.
8. Loews Philadelphia Hotel
- Location: Center City
- Average Price: $232 a night
The Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a sleek, modernistic place to stay. The high ceilings and tasteful décor make this a cut above the typical hotel experience.
Luxurious amenities include massage treatments, a spa, and an on-site restaurant serving American specialties. You can’t get a better location as Philadelphia’s famous City Hall is just a few hundred feet away. Plus, many of the hotel’s rooms are accessible.
9. Morris House Hotel
- Location: Center City
- Average Price: $264 a night
History lovers will think they woke up in heaven when they wake up at the Morris House Hotel. The gorgeous hotel is set in an 18th-century house that is actually a national historic landmark.
The brick façade and antique interiors are as authentic as can be, but guests can also enjoy modern amenities such as Wi-Fi.
Previous guests loved touches such as the free afternoon tea in addition to breakfast, which really makes you feel like a colonial-era lord or lady.
10. La Reserve Bed and Breakfast
- Location: Fitler Square
- Average Price: $140 a night
La Reserve Bed and Breakfast is located in a historic building dating back to the early 19th century. The bedrooms are still decorated in this historical style to accommodate guests seeking historic charm in Philadelphia.
Even the parlor is reminiscent of historical times, complete with a fireplace and piano.
Of course, you can still enjoy modern amenities like Wi-Fi and kitchenettes equipped with microwaves after you’re done exploring the historic neighborhood outside your front door.
11. The Maj Hotel
- Location: Spring Garden
- Average Price: $184 a night
The Maj Hotel is a chic, minimalist place to stay that is still centrally located in Philadelphia. Guests enjoy the comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning and cable TV, as well as the fitness center and terrace.
Many were impressed by the fact that the hotel is very high-tech, with smart controls over every aspect of the rooms.
12. Penn’s View Hotel Pennsylvania
- Location: Old City
- Average Price: $157 a night
The classy Penn’s View Hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway or any other type of vacation you take to Philadelphia. Relax in the restaurant with wine lists from the on-site wine cellar or work out in the hotel fitness center.
Penn’s View Hotel is in Philadelphia’s most historic part of town, just a short walk away from the Liberty Bell. Previous guests also enjoyed the cozy atmosphere enhanced by the welcoming staff.
13. Thomas Bond House
- Location: Old City
- Average Price: $201 a night
If you’re looking for a hotel that doesn’t have a lot of frills but has a lot of historical feeling, then the Thomas Bond House is the perfect place for you.
Located in a historic brick Philadelphia house, the hotel has a historical-inspired common room perfect for relaxing, plus rooms equipped with vintage touches.
Most of Philadelphia’s biggest sites, like the National Liberty Museum, are within walking distance away, but you can also rent bikes from the property.
14. Independence Park Hotel, Premier Collection
- Location: Old City
- Average Price: $214 a night
The Independence Park Hotel is a classy hotel with a townhouse façade. The hotel is on the National Registry of Historic Places, and staying in the vintage rooms will help you feel like you stepped back in time.
Of course, you can enjoy all the modern amenities such as cable TV, MP3-compatible room radios, and Wi-Fi. Previous guests adored the location, which is close to Independence Hall and other historical places.
15. Lokal Hotel Old City
- Location: Old City
- Average Price: $346 a night
The Lokal Hotel Old City doesn’t feel as much like a hotel as like a homey apartment building. Rooms include private bathrooms and seating areas with bright, colorful touches and quirky design details.
Amenities include provided parking, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi. Guests loved the small design touches in the rooms that felt very personal.
Making the Most of Your Philadelphia Hotel Stay
PHILADELPHIA, USA – JUNE 11, 2013: People walk in downtown Philadelphia. As of 2012 Philadelphia is the 5th most populous city in the US with 1,547,607 citizens/Tupungato/Shutterstock
Here are some tips to make the most out of your visit to Philadelphia:
Getting to the Hotel
If you’re visiting Philadelphia by car, make sure to check ahead of time with your hotel about parking, as it can be tough to find a place to park your car in the city center. Most larger hotels have their own parking garages.
If you’re flying into Philadelphia Airport, you should know that Philadelphia’s public transit system has a great link between the airport and the city in the form of a train called the Airport Line that takes you to the center of the city.
Crime and Safety
Philadelphia has a bit of a gritty reputation, but the idea of Philadelphia as a dangerous city is often overblown. In tourist areas, the most common crimes are pickpocketing and scams.
Keep your valuables secure, avoiding back pockets and backpacks, or leave them in your hotel safe if possible. Beware of common scams, such as people approaching you in the street offering help with something.
Traveler Tips
Here are some tips other travelers to Philadelphia found helpful:
- Philadelphia has one of the most walkable city centers in the United States. If you’re flying into town and will be staying mostly in the center, walking, biking, or public transportation are better than renting a car.
- Make sure to check out one of Philadelphia’s many museums. The collections are great, and they’re not very crowded or expensive.
- Philadelphia has a vibrant nightlife, so try to hit up a bar or two while you are in town.
Frequently Asked Questions
f11photo/Shutterstock
Here are some common questions people had about Philadelphia:
Where is the best part of Philadelphia to stay?
The best part of Philadelphia to stay in is Center City, as you will be close to both the historic sites and bustling downtown bars and restaurants. History lovers will enjoy staying in Old City among many national landmarks.
Where is the safest part of Philadelphia to stay?
The touristy parts of Philadelphia, such as Old City, are pretty safe. If you really want to get away from it all, check out some quieter residential neighborhoods, such as Bustleton and Chestnut Hill.
Where do famous people stay in Philadelphia?
You probably don’t think of Philadelphia as a celebrity-spotting destination. However, if you hang out around the AKA University City or Four Seasons, you might spot a celebrity or two.
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
You need two to three days to explore Philadelphia properly. Take a long weekend to see all the historic sites, visit a museum or two, and enjoy dinner and a night on the town.
Is it safe to stay in downtown Philadelphia?
Yes, it is safe to stay in downtown Philadelphia. Just look out for pickpockets while you’re out and about.
So, What Is the Best Hotel in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia boasts a number of luxury and mid-range hotels, such as the Four Seasons and Hilton outposts. If you’re looking for some place more affordable with plenty of charm, check out one of the historic houses, such as the Thomas Bond House.
So, with to much rich history, neat hotels, and places to explore in this gorgeous city, what are you waiting for — book your trip to Philadelphia today!