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Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Photograph: Courtesy Wyndham Philadelphia

The 15 best cheap hotels in Philadelphia

Get a comfy room with a view and even a pool without breaking the bank at one of the best affordable hotels in Philadelphia

Written by
Allie Volpe
Contributor
Danielle Goldstein
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When planning a trip to the City of Brotherly Love, find a room at one of the best cheap hotels in Philadelphia, because there’s so much more to this place than enjoying the view from your room (hit up one of the many rooftop bars for that). Spend your time (and dough) doing the things that matter: like eating your way through some of the city's best restaurants or embracing your inner Revolutionary at sites including the Liberty Bell and National Constitution Center. Our guide to the top cheap hotels in Philly includes a mix of chain hotels, hostels and inns that fall under $180 per night—with some, including all the hostel options, being a helluva lot less. Just be sure to book early to lock in the best prices.

RECOMMENDED: The 15 best attractions in Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia's best cheap hotels

  • Hotels
  • Elfreth's Alley
  • price 2 of 4

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.

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Chinatown
  • price 2 of 4

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.

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  • Hotels
  • B&Bs
  • Greater Philadelphia
  • price 3 of 4

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.

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Penn Center
  • price 2 of 4

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.

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Rittenhouse
  • price 2 of 4

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.

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Olde City
  • price 2 of 4

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.

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  • Hotels
  • Hostels
  • Old City
  • price 1 of 4

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? Not so much a room, but a rate. If you're staying over a Sunday, you get one night for just $20. Or stay a week and get a night for $10.

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.

  • Hotels
  • Hostels
  • Wynnefield Heights
  • price 1 of 4

The early-19th-century Chamounix Mansion, located in three sprawling acres of scenic Fairmount Park, now hosts groups of travelers in its antique-decorated space. There are a total of 70 beds across two historic buildings: the Mansion and the Carriage House. Chill out on the front porch or by the marble fireplace or use the facility’s free bikes to explore your verdant surroundings. There’s a fully equipped kitchen and dining spaces in addition to a BBQ-friendly picnic area. Due to its secluded location, having a car or some sort of transportation is ideal.

Where is it? At the end of Chamounix Drive, conveniently accessed via the I-76.

Which room? Get the gang together because these guys only take group bookings, but rooms start at four-berth. The bonus? Each booking gets exclusive use of the building (there are two).

Time Out tip: This spot is surrounded by lush greenery, so there's plenty to explore, but for a spot of adventure head over to Treetop Quest, where you can truly immerse yourself in nature.

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  • Hotels
  • Gayborhood
  • price 2 of 4

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 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.

  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • University City
  • price 2 of 4

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.

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  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Greater Philadelphia
  • price 2 of 4

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).

  • Hotels
  • Templetown
  • price 2 of 4

The official hotel of Temple University provides convenient accommodations to those visiting the school or nearby Temple University Hospital and 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.

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  • Hotels
  • Chain hotels
  • Chinatown
  • price 3 of 4

Across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this hotel is the spot for those on business to recharge while also being conveniently located 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.

  • Hotels
  • Greater Philadelphia

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.

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  • Hotels
  • B&Bs
  • Woodland Terrace

Situated out west in the University City section of Philadelphia, the charming Gables Bed and Breakfast isn't exactly central, but it's not far. In fact, there's a SEPTA stop right outside that leads to City Hall in one direction and Darby in the other. Although, there's also free parking. Built by prominent local architect Willis Hale in 1889, this handsome Victorian home has sumptuous chestnut and cherry woodwork throughout, with a spacious wrap-around porch from which to admire the thriving garden. Breakfast is also included, along with cable TV and wifi.

Where is it? Chester Avenue, in Spruce Hill, right next to Clark Park and within easy reach of the University of Pennsylvania.

Which room? The Victorian Suite. Once the master bedroom of the house, it now oozes romance with a queen sized canopy bed, rotating library cabinet, working fireplace, large bathroom with the original soaking tub and a separate sun room.

Time Out tip: There are numerous, sprawling parks in Spruce Hill, but stroll towards Bartram's Mile Trail for a real picturesque trail. It runs along Schuylkill River, through flower gardens and past Newkirk Viaduct Monument, erected in 1839.

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