The 13 best cheap hotels in Philadelphia

Located on Avenue of the Arts and within sauntering distance of the Academy of Music, Merriam Theatre, the Kimmel Center and the Wilma Theater, this is the place for folks coming into town to take in some stage performances. Theater buffs can enjoy a drink at the hotel’s in-house bistro, Standing O, or breakfast on the balcony. Transportation is easy with a subway and bus stop right outside. Enjoy the picturesque street views of City Hall (perfect for Instagram). You’ll have to pay extra for in-room wifi, though.

Where is it? S. Broad Street, just a few blocks south of City Hall.
Which room? Breathe easy in a Pure Wellness room. Not only do they have better views of the city, but they come with a Pure air filter, as well as special mattress and pillow covers that reduce allergens, resist molds, spores and dust mites.
Time Out tip: You'll be staying Philly's Avenue of the Arts, so make the most of it. There's something for everyone, from Broadway shows (Miller Theater) to cinema (Philadelphia Film Center) to art (Morton Contemporary) to war history (Union League of Philadelphia).

Its location in Historic Old City makes this Wyndham the perfect place to stop for sightseeing travelers. Major sites like Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and Betsy Ross House are mere minutes away. The chic lobby offers a well-stocked bar while the rooftop pool is ideal for a dip with a view of the skyline. This spot hits all the marks for families or those on business who want all the standard features like a gym, in-room desks, free wifi, a restaurant and modern decor in a super convenient location.

Where is it? Arch Street, just three blocks from the waterfront.
Which room? Each of the 364 rooms are kitted out to a similar standard, so you'll be just as happy in the Deluxe as you would in the Premium.
Time Out tip: Give your brain a workout at one of Philly's newest experiences, the Museum of Illusions. This fun factory opened last year and has so many mind-bending attractions, you'll likely run out battery 'Gramming them all.

A grand Italianate townhouse in central Philly that was turned into a boutique hotel in 2021. This 1906 building was once home to the New Century Guild, who advocated for the role of women in the workplace. This history is honored in the elegant decor (albeit with modern flourishes) and the 12 one-of-a-kind rooms, which are named after women with ties to the guild. You'll find unique touches everywhere, such as the dumbwaiter that brings your bags up, the book explaining the history of the Guild in each room, and the nifty antique-looking bluetooth speakers.

Where is it? Locust Street, Washington Square West, just three blocks from City Hall.
Which room? The Eliza suite. Named for the guild founder Eliza Turner, it boasts bold prints, rich woods and some truly beautiful vintage furniture. A coffee maker is hidden inside a giant wardrobe, the TV blends into the wall like an oil painting and snacks can be found inside an antique bureau.
Time Out tip: Walk over to Cherry Street Pier. Jutting out over the Delaware, it boasts food stalls, a bar and live music, plus a variety of markets over the weekends.

Across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this hotel is the spot for those on business to recharge while also being conveniently close to Chinatown and Center City. Featuring all the standard amenities like free wifi, a fitness room and in-house bar and restaurant, you’ll have everything you need—plus the added perk of being able to hop over to Dilworth Park or grab some noods in Chinatown.

Where is it? Race Street, a couple of blocks northeast of City Hall.
Which room? Take your pick. They're all equal at Four Points.
Time Out tip: If you like escape rooms, you're in luck. Four Points is within walking distance of four, with many more around the city. We recommend the nearby Gotham Escape Room, where the decor is just as on point as the brain-teasing puzzles.

Old-school glamor plus all the mod cons await you at this affordable riverside hotel, which is decked out in classic earthy tones. Rooms come with free wifi, a TV and sizeable beds. Elsewhere you'll find an in-house Italian restaurant, plus a wonderous wine cellar, and a modest fitness centre. When you’re not enjoying the hotel, there’s plenty to do around Penn’s View. For starters, it's practically within spitting distance of the Liberty Bell. You can also easily explore Spruce Street Harbor Park and the skate rinks (ice and roller, depending on the time of year) at Penn’s Landing.

Where is it? North Front Street, overlooking the Delaware River.
Which room? Book the King Patio room for views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge from your own private patio. Then head indoors to enjoy the gas fireplace and spa bathtub.
Time Out tip: It would be remiss to stay here and not tick off all the Independence attractions: the Hall, National Park, Visitor Center, Seaport Museum and Blue Cross RiverRink, all of which are within ten-minutes' walk.

For a real home away from home, you could do a lot worse than Hilton’s Home2 Suites. These spacious studios are done up in contemporary décor and calming shades, and include everything you need to cook, clean, eat, entertain and sleep. The kitchenettes are equipped with fridges, microwaves, dishwashers, coffee makers, toasters and more. There are separate work spaces, a flat screen in the living area, and pets are allowed for an extra fee. Elsewhere in the building you’ll find a pool, gym and daily hot breakfast included.

Where is it? Arch Street, right in the city center.
Which room? Each room here is just as well-equipped as the next, so if you only need to sleep two – or are happy to share up to four – book the Queen Bed Studio. Not only is this the cheapest room, but both the bed and the sofa bed are queens.
Time Out tip: Pop over to Reading Terminal Market, literally, it's the other side of the road. It's one of the oldest and largest urban markets in the country and is a treat for all the senses.

Dating back to 1787, this colonial boutique hotel holds a fair amount of history, and is surrounded by it too. Just a block away you’ll find Washington Square Park and the 1753 Georgian Independence Hall. But even if you stay in the hotel, you’ll feel a sense of its grand past as you wander through the ornate library, romantic courtyard and elegant restaurant. The rooms, while decked out in traditional Revolutionary charm, include all the mod cons. Think iPod/iPhone docks, flat screen TVs, free wifi and coffee/tea making facilities.

Where is it? South 8th Street, on the westside of Washington Square.
Which room? Room 102, the large extended suite in the Carriage House. It has a balcony overlooking St James Street and the formal gardens, a kitchenette and it sleeps up to four.
Time Out tip: Take full advantage of the freebies! These include 'grab and go' breakfast, freshly brewed Philly Fair Trade coffee and afternoon tea with cookies everyday from 3pm.

Giving off a contemporary and metropolitan edge, the four-star Club Quarters Rittenhouse Square is the epitome of a downtown experience. Standard rooms are equipped with a desk, while bigger rooms feature kitchenettes. The large lobby with vaulted ceiling and club living room are great for both business and casual hangs. Pets stay for free and it's actually dog-friendly, as opposed to dog-tolerant, with water bowls around the hotel, plus unlimited bottled water for the humans. There's also a fitness center, with two Peloton bikes, and amazing views of the city from the roof terrace.

Where is it? Chestnut Street, slap bang between Rittenhouse Square and City Hall.
Which room? Need to stay longer than a holiday? Club Quarters has you covered with their Studio Apartments. These come with fully equipped kitchens and flexible work space, plus complimentary tea, coffee, printing and a weekly maid service.
Time Out tip: It couldn't be easier to enjoy the splendors of Center City eats and nightlife from this convenient spot.

Pairing modernity with classic architecture, the Warwick Hotel epitomizes the Rittenhouse vibe. Each of the 301 rooms feature a Philly-themed headboard, mini fridge and espresso machine. If you want continued convenience without leaving the confines of the building, treat your tastebuds at one of the three restaurants, get to the gym and keep on top of things in the 24/7 business center. If you do decide to leave, there is ample shopping and dining nearby. Bring your pup, too – the hotel is pet-friendly.

Where is it? S 17th St, on the eastside of Rittenhouse Square.
Which room? The Junior Suite is $30/$40 more than the Signature rooms so, if you can afford it, spend the extra and get a separate seating area (which also opens out into extra queen-size sleeping space).
Time Out tip: Get your STEM on at The Franklin Institute, just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. There's something for all ages here, including escape rooms, an IMAX theater and VR experiences.

This former nightclub features male, female and co-ed dorms and eight private rooms which feature a queen-sized bed and bunk beds or two sets of bunk beds with a private living area, which is great if you’re a traveling family looking for an affordable stay. The hostel also has two kitchens, a pool table, musical instruments and a library. Even better? You couldn’t get much closer to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. As such, this place is strictly for the traveling set: to stay, you’ll have to present either a foreign passport or a government-issued ID showing you live outside of a 75-mile radius of Philly.

Where is it? Bank Street, mere minutes from the attractions along the waterfront.
Which room? The price of the shared dorms range from $30-$45. 
Time Out tip: Staying in the summer? From May to September, the River Link Ferry runs passengers to New Jersey in 15 minutes, where you'll find the attractions of Camden Waterfront, including Adventure Aquarium and regular live performances on the Wiggins Waterfront Riverstage.

It’s the little things at the Alexander Inn—like the red brick facade, oak wood moldings, stained glass windows and fireplaces—that add to its appeal. The larger things, like its centralized location between the historic attractions in Old City and the fine dining and nightlife establishments in Washington Square West add to the old-school cozy comfort. At the hotel, you get amenities such as complimentary wine and snacks evenings (Mon-Wed, 5-7pm) and discounted parking, with the added perk of being within walking distance of A-plus eateries, including Vetri, Vedge and Greenstreet Coffee Co.

Where is it? South 12th Street, near the lovely little tree-lined Kahn Park.
Which room? Traveling solo? The Alexander Inn offers affordable single rooms, so you don't have to pay for that extra space you won't use.
Time Out tip: In less than ten minutes you can immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a non-profit art museum and gallery that's been evolving in a burst of color since the 1960s.

Perfect for campus visits, this hotel neighbors nearby University of Penn, Drexel and University of the Sciences. For summertime stays, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool. Grab a bite on the hotel’s ground-floor Chinese restaurant, Sang Kee Noodle House. Close enough to 34th Street SEPTA station and 30th Street Station, getting to and from Center City (and beyond) is a breeze. Expect all the usual amenities, like free wifi and a fitness center.

Where is it? Chestnut Street, actually on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Which room? Plump for Club Lounge access, then you're guaranteed a higher floor (and a better view), as well as free breakfast, snacks, drinks and wifi.
Time Out tip: Besides education, University City is absolutely packed with excellent dining options, including New Deck Tavern, White Dog Cafe and Pod Japanese.

The official hotel of Temple University provides convenient accommodation to those visiting the school or nearby Temple University Hospital, thus offering access to less-visited neighborhoods like Northern Liberties, Fairmount and the campus itself. The guest rooms are outfitted with quaint furnishings and the hotel has on-site parking, but make sure to reserve a spot ahead of time. Grab a bite from campus food trucks to get the full college experience.

Where is it? Polett Walk in North Philly East.
Which room? Families should book the Deluxe Suite. The main bedroom is separate from the seating area (where you'll find the double sofa bed), allowing a smidge of privacy.
Time Out tip: Bring your moggy or your doggy. Not only is Conwell Inn pet-friendly, they provide food and water bowls, specific treats and a 'Wipe Your Paws' welcome mat.