A vibrant tapestry of rich colonial history, iconic culinary staples like the cheesesteak, and a thriving contemporary arts scene makes this city an incredibly compelling destination. We’ve handpicked the best hotels in Philadelphia, based on expert recommendations and thousands of genuine guest reviews. All of our recommended hotels have a review rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
Best cheap hotel in Philadelphia: The Alexander Inn
Best boutique hotel in Philadelphia: Roost East Market
Best luxury hotel in Philadelphia: Four Seasons Hotel
Sort list by price, rating or by value for money.
The Rittenhouse Hotel is a Philadelphia icon, uniquely positioned directly on the edge of the historic Rittenhouse Square. Opened in 1989 after years of anticipation, the building was designed by architect Donald Reiff, who gave it a distinctive, honeycomb-like hexagonal shape. This was a deliberate choice meant to maximize the number of guest rooms offering sweeping, panoramic views of the park and the Philadelphia skyline.
Lonely Planet + 3 more“A five-star – excuse me, make that five–diamond – hotel on Rittenhouse Square. Rooms have marble baths. Of the downtown options with a pool, this is one of the nicest.”
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia is a stylish boutique hotel located in Center City, housed within the historic 1929 "Architects Building." Designed by Paul Philippe Cret, this Art Deco landmark originally served as the headquarters for the American Institute of Architects. Today, it remains a testament to that legacy, featuring original architectural details like intricate tilework and coffered ceilings that have been thoughtfully preserved.
Frommers + 2 more“These 1929 Art Deco offices in the upscale Rittenhouse neighborhood have been transformed into a cozily contemporary and LEED-certified eco-minded boutique hotel from Kimpton. The rooms are modern chic, most with great city views, though a bit small.”
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is a stylish boutique hotel housed in the historic Lafayette Building, originally constructed in 1907 by the estate of philanthropist Stephen Girard and designed by noted architect James Windrim. Located in the heart of Old City, this adaptive reuse project beautifully blends neoclassical architecture with modern, eclectic interiors that celebrate the city's rich past.
New York Times + 2 more“Opened in October 2012, the Hotel Monaco has a phenomenal location overlooking the Liberty Bell, a nightly wine hour, a fitness room and a hopping rooftop bar.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Philadelphia.
AKA University City is a sophisticated "vertical neighborhood" perched high atop the FMC Tower in Philadelphia. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the building serves as a striking landmark at the edge of the Schuylkill River. The property is widely celebrated for offering some of the highest and most expansive panoramic views of the city, perfectly blending the services of a luxury hotel with the comfort of upscale, modern residential living.
Lonely Planet + 1 more“All of the rental units on the upper 18 floors of Cira Centre South have spectacular views. However it’s the sophisticated looks inside that will capture your attention. Rooms are spacious, contemporary and equipped with full kitchens.”
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a standout art-centric hotel located right on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Named after James Logan, a prominent 18th-century statesman and mayor of Philadelphia, the property leans heavily into its local roots. It feels less like a typical hotel and more like a curated gallery, boasting over 1,800 pieces of locally sourced artwork that celebrate the city's rich history and industrial spirit.
New York Times + 1 more“Located in a very central spot formerly occupied by the Four Seasons, The Logan Hotel opened in December 2015 after a thorough redesign. Note the massive chandelier constructed from portraits of famous Philadelphians in the foyer.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Philadelphia.
The Franklin on Rittenhouse is an intimate, boutique retreat tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street just half a block from Philadelphia’s famous Rittenhouse Square. Housed in a handsome, historic building that once served as a carriage house, the hotel masterfully blends refined comfort with a sophisticated, old-world aesthetic inspired by France's Golden Age.
New York Times + 1 more“This small hotel was once a carriage house and has a comfortable, homey atmosphere in its 23 rooms. The helpful staff have plenty of local tips.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Philadelphia.
The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square is a true Philadelphia landmark. Opened in 1928 and designed by architect Frank Hahn, this "Grande Dame" hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its halls have hosted a legendary roster of guests, including Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and even the Brooklyn Dodgers, who famously moved there after being refused service elsewhere due to the presence of Jackie Robinson.
New York Times + 1 more“This refurbished hotel inside a landmark building at the very center of a historic city is a great place from which to explore. The exterior of the hotel, a landmark that opened in 1926 as the Warwick Hotel, was mostly left intact during the recent $20 million renovation.”
The Alexander Inn is a delightful boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant Washington Square West neighborhood, often referred to as the "Gayborhood." Housed in a beautifully restored historic building dating back to 1901, the hotel perfectly balances period charm with modern comforts. It offers an intimate atmosphere with just 48 designer rooms, each featuring unique touches like hand-selected fabrics and carefully curated artwork.
New York Times“For an affordable stay in the city center, the 48-room Alexander Inn is a homey, unpretentious place to lay your head.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Philadelphia.
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Frommers, Lonely Planet, Fodors
Recommended by:
New York Times, Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Fodors
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
New York Times, Telegraph
Recommended by:
New York Times
Pennsylvania’s largest city is known as the site for the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, a landmark event of American history. Being a modern city, it is popular among tourists who visit on business or to entangle themselves in historic landmarks.
Fairmount
This area mimics Paris' Champs-Elysees and attracts a plethora of pedestrians. There are a number of Museums and zoos in this region. The area is filled with cafes and bistros which are famous for their continental menu. The night-life is lit up by the spectacular show from Boathouse Row. Several hotels and motels are located here.
Port Richmond
It has a strong Polish heritage which is evident in every sphere like the traditional markets, delis, bakeries and restaurants. There are a number of hotels located in this area at a much affordable rate.
Chinatown
This area has a strong influence of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean on its ambience and especially on its food. The streets are lined with small homely eateries. The Chinese New Year is one of the biggest attractions of Philadelphia. Several affordable hotels are located here if you are on a tight budget.
Fishtown
The trendiest part of Philadelphia, it is a huge draw for the cool crowd, with a number of galleries and studios. The night-life is vivacious with casual bistros, brewery and retro restaurants. Johnny Brenda is a renowned gastropub across US. Several hotels conferring to various budgets are found here.
Penn’s Landing
It is a cosmopolitan area with global cuisine along the Delaware River. The pier is famous with tourists and dinner cruise is a star attraction. Several renowned casinos spice up the night-life in this area.
Also check out our travel guide about the best areas to stay in Philadelphia.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Philadelphia, then book The Alexander Inn. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Philadelphia.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in Philadelphia, you should check out Roost East Market. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Philadelphia, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Philadelphia, then go for Four Seasons Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Philadelphia, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $210 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $270 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Philadelphia hotel then you can expect to pay around $520 per night.
Try Alexander Inn Hotel if you're looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Philadelphia. The hotel has excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
If you're looking to stay in Philadelphia with your family, then try The Rittenhouse Hotel. The hotel has excellent review ratings by families.
The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia. Discover the birthplace of America on this guided walking tour through the country’s most historic area in Philadelphia. Price: $19.
Philadelphia: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
. Journey through the history of the United States of America aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus in Philadelphia. Jump off at any of the 27 stops to visit sights such as Independence Hall and Ben Franklin's Grave. Price: $35.
Philadelphia Segway Tour. Experience Philadelphia like never before on this educational and entertaining guided small-group Segway tour. Price: $59.
More things to do in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, known affectionately as the City of Brotherly Love, serves as a cornerstone of the American narrative. Founded by William Penn in 1682 as a sanctuary for religious freedom, the city quickly became the intellectual and political crucible of the colonies. It was here, within the walls of Independence Hall, that the Founding Fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, cementing Philadelphia’s status as the birthplace of the nation. The echoes of the Liberty Bell continue to resonate as a powerful symbol of the ideals that birthed a republic.
Today, Philadelphia stands as a vibrant, multifaceted metropolis that balances its deep historical roots with a modern, gritty energy. It is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each possessing a fierce sense of identity and community. Beyond the iconic tourist sites, Philadelphia has transformed into a culinary powerhouse, moving far beyond the ubiquitous cheesesteak to offer a sophisticated, award-winning restaurant scene. The city’s dedication to public art is unrivaled, boasting the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country, which turn the urban landscape into a living, breathing gallery that reflects the diverse voices of its residents. It remains a hub for education, medical innovation, and a resilient working-class spirit that defines its cultural character.
The city is also home to fascinating curiosities often overlooked by casual visitors. For instance, Philadelphia hosted the first successful hot air balloon flight in the United States in 1793, piloted by a French aeronaut. Additionally, the city features the Mütter Museum, an unparalleled medical history collection that houses everything from Einstein’s brain sections to a massive collection of 19th-century medical oddities. Furthermore, despite its bustling urban nature, the city maintains an extensive park system, including Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban park networks in the world. Philadelphia is not merely a monument to the past, but a living testament to American endurance and reinvention.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Philadelphia. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of hostels, B&Bs and hotels in Philadelphia, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Denver or the best hotels in Baltimore.