The best hotels in Philadelphia

Nothing says luxury like a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia. Originally built in 1904 as the Girard Trust Company, the building transitioned from a bank to a hotel at the turn of the century and opened as the Ritz-Carlton in 2000. The 299 guest rooms and suites boast views of either the city or historic City Hall and were meticulously redesigned and renovated using a color and textile palette inspired by modern currency—an overt nod to the building’s banking history. Located on the Avenue of the Arts, the hotel also features an impressive collection of art, which is displayed throughout the premises.

There’s something about Philadelphia that just makes you want to soak in the history. A stay at the 118-room Rittenhouse Hotel gives you just that opportunity. Originally a mansion owned by the Cassatt family, then the Episcopal Church of Pennsylvania’s headquarters and the Academy of Notre Dame, the Rittenhouse is a premium luxury hotel whose grandeur is unmatched. Opened in its current incarnation in 1989, it has a decades-long tradition of pampering guests with luxury Jaguar car service, plush bathrobes at turndown time, and a host of amenities for children including complimentary in-room movies, popcorn for pre-teens and teenagers and a gift of choice from the Rittenhouse Treasure Chest for children 10 and under. Like some others on our list, the Rittenhouse Hotel is a pet-friendly one that offers homemade treats prepared by the pastry chef for your pooch to enjoy.

Choose from one of 78 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites (with full kitchens) at the 12-story AKA Rittenhouse, available for both short and extended stays. The elegance of the building’s beaux-arts facade extends indoors with sleek and modern furniture and appliances. Other perks include a gym, a business center with Macs and a private resident entrance to on-site restaurant a.kitchen.

"Eco-friendly” is one of the buzzwords at Hotel Palomar, a Kimpton hotel located in an historic art-deco building in Center City that was built in 1929. Whether making use of one of the custom-designed PUBLIC bikes for a ride around town, taking a walk in Rittenhouse Square—which is just steps away—or stretching out on the yoga mat that is found in every room free of charge, you’ll love your stay at this trendy and comfy spot. Decor inside the 230-room hotel is jazzy and fun with a bit of local flair (see the colorful busts of Benjamin Franklin found in the lobby). Hotel Palomar isn’t just for you, either. As one of the city’s premier pet-friendly hotels, your pooch will be pampered with a pet bed delivered right to your room, where he can relax with a bone while you unwind with a complimentary glass of wine in the living room each evening.

Hotel Monaco features the charming mix of history and modern attention to detail that have come to define the chain. Decorated in a classic-yet-trendy style, this 268-room beauty opened in 2012 and offers guests free access to PUBLIC bikes, a complimentary yoga mat in every room and wine hours in the lobby living room each evening. Make sure to take a trip up to the Stratus Rooftop Lounge to relax after sunset with an aperitif under the twinkling night sky.

In the mid-1860s, this Old City building served as a cap-making shop. But today it’s one of the city’s premier boutique hotels, boasting six stunning rooms and “invisible service” amenities. What does that mean, you ask? Check-in and out is all app-based and an in-room tablet and city guide offer enough support and suggestions for things to do in Philadelphia. As for the rooms’ design: Jersey Ice Cream Co.’s modern-meets-industrial decor—characterized by rich pops of color in kitchen accoutrements and the furniture—offers just as much eye candy as it does sleek functionality. Rooms feature laundry, seating areas, full kitchens and more.

Located above a wood-fired Italian restaurant of the same name, guests can book a stay in one of four refurbished suites, each with nods to the building’s 100-year-old history as a whiskey blending and bottling facility. Concrete floors have been polished and exposed brick nicely juxtaposes quirky wallpaper and wooden bed frames. Each room comes equipped with a full-sized kitchen, laundry and Apple TV. With a location right in the heart of Fishtown, you’ll never be more than a few feet away from great bars, some of the best coffee shops Philadelphia has to offer and top-notch eats.

Though smaller than many others on the list, this eight-room spot includes two extended-stay apartments with kitchenettes and full baths, making it ideal for those enjoying longer visits. The Dwight D. has been in operation since its complete remodel in 2014 and prides itself on its history: The compact 1840s brownstone that houses it was the former home to the Eisenhower Fellowships organization. But don’t be fooled by its quaint size. The Dwight D. offers many of the amenities of larger hotels, such as 24-hour parking and use of bicycles through a bike-share program.

These stylish, modern apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, laundry, walk-in rainfall showers, oak herringbone flooring, vintage Moroccan floor rugs and antique furniture. It’s the kind of curated, Instagram-worthly life we could only dream of. Suites are available in weekly or monthly stays and pets are welcome.

This trendy boutique hotel features weekly or monthly accommodations with a range of awesome amenities, such as a loaded kitchen, 24-hour concierge services and laundry. Choose from a studio, or one- or two-bedroom apartments, which feature vaulted ceilings, herringbone hardwood flooring and large factory-style windows.

The Logan Hotel opened in 2015 on the site of the old Four Seasons. Be sure to enjoy a meal at the Urban Farmer, the hotel’s on-site farm-to-table steakhouse, and then grab a nightcap at Assembly, the rooftop bar that makes you feel like you’re on an island in the middle of the city. The 391 rooms and suites are beautifully appointed and all either face the courtyard or the exquisite Swann Fountain in Logan Square. The Bristol Suite boasts a fully outfitted kids’ room with bunk beds, a small play table and chairs, and comfy beanbag chairs.

The Sofitel Philadelphia, which opened in 2000, proves that luxury can still be affordable. The lobby of this 306-room hotel is home to a carefully curated art gallery and is accented with locally inspired accoutrements, such as colorful Shaker quilts and stone floors. Enjoy unique cocktails and a French-inspired meal at Liberte Lounge or revel in the atmosphere of the newly renovated Chez Collette. Pamper yourself with the hotel’s indulgent lotions and soaps before a night out on the town and lose yourself in the superior featherbed and duvet sleep system when you return—just make sure you can pull yourself out of bed the next morning so you can get out to see some Philadelphia attractions.

This upscale Hyatt hotel sits in the heart of Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, and within walking distance of a handful of the city’s best theaters, parks and restaurants. Despite its historic roots, the hotel keeps things fresh with chic, modern rooms decked with plush beds, marble baths, flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet access. There’s also a spa and 93,000-square-foot fitness center on-site, and the bar and restaurant located on the 19th floor, XIX Nineteen, is one of the best rooftop bars Philadelphia has to offer. The views are stunning.

This National Historic Landmark was constructed in 1787 and retains its post-Revolutionary charm. Even with an ornate library, breakfast area and romantic courtyard, the greatest treat here is feeling like you’re stepping into history. Each of the 15 rooms vary style-wise between a more-updated feel and historical decor. All guests are treated to a continental breakfast, afternoon tea and cookies and a complimentary glass of wine in the evenings. Located near all the marvels of Old City, you’ll truly get the historic experience.

Pairing modernity with classic architecture, the Warwick Hotel epitomizes the Rittenhouse vibe. Each of the 301 rooms feature a pop of color and personality with a Philly-themed headboard and refrigerator. If you want continued comfort without leaving the confines of the building, schedule an in-room spa service or head over to the hotel’s hair salon. If you do decide to leave, there is ample nearby shopping and dining. Bring your pup, too. The hotel is pet-friendly.

Rittenhouse 1715 prides itself on its “Five Heart Service,” which creates an ideal environment and spirit of giving and caretaking. So expect to experience unmatched serenity and peace while staying here. Located in a charming building erected in 1903 and subsequently renovated in 2007, this 23-room boutique hotel includes a grand, two-story Presidential Suite with a spiral staircase leading up to the loft bedroom. Be sure to sample one of the freshly squeezed juices from the bar and enjoy a wine reception each evening.

Loew’s Philadelphia Hotel, in operation since 1932, is housed inside the nation’s first skyscraper, the historic PSFS building on Market Street. Oozing Mad Men-era décor and classic sophistication in the lobby and restaurants, Loews combines history with modernity in its 581 guest rooms and suites. Rooms are stunningly outfitted in an art deco style with high ceilings and beautiful views of Center City. While it offers excellent amenities for business travelers (ergonomic desks and free Wi-Fi in every room), guests traveling with children are also guaranteed a wide array of special services. Make sure to ask about the complimentary child-proof kits to baby-proof your guest room and take a peek inside the “Kids’ Closet,” storing everything from board games to DVD players with kid-appropriate DVDs.

This stately brick hotel sits catty corner with City Hall and around the corner from the Reading Terminal Market. Besides the excellent location, vacationers here stay in rooms decorated with contemporary earthy, stone-grey-and-white decor that gets a pop of color from vibrant accents like throw pillows, curtains and rugs. Snuggle into your luxurious bed, which is outfitted with 350-thread-count sheets and a plush pillow-topped mattress. Rooms also come with a bathrobe, an iPod docking station so you can throw on some tunes and, if you request it, complimentary turn-down service at night. On-site restaurant Amuse serves up classic French fare in amid a sophisticated, urban-brasserie style atmosphere.

The stunning panoramic waterfront views guarantee the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing a spot on our list. Opened in 2016 in what was formerly the Hyatt, the 348-room high-rise lets you gaze out at the river while swimming in the naturally lit pool, working out in the fitness center, lounging on the balcony of your suite or dining on the outdoor porch of Keating’s Rope & Anchor. The Hilton also offers direct, easy access to the waterfront from the hotel and is just steps away from the Riverlink Ferry.

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 a 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 Wi-Fi, a restaurant and modern decor in a super convenient location.

Guests are treated to a stylish, contemporary hotel experience that puts them within walking distance of Rittenhouse Square, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and City Hall. Rooms are decorated with sleek dark-wood furnishings and come with luxury amenities like bathrobes and turn-down service upon request. On-site restaurant Winthorpe and Valentine serves contemporary American fare all day, and you can grab light snacks in the lobby lounge in the evenings. The hotel is attached to the Shops at Liberty Place, a two-story shopping center with typical mall shops like Express, Aveda, Kiehl’s and more. It’s also home to the One Liberty Observation Deck. Located on the 57th floor, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is a home-away-from-home for many business travelers and the Club Quarters Hotel offers a comfortable space to hang your hat after a long day at the office. The 275-room hotel opened in 1999 and is located right in Center City, within walking distance of offices, restaurants, public transportation hubs and other attractions. Catering to those in town for business, the hotel offers ultra-fast Wi-Fi, loaner iPads and extended-stay studio apartments. Indulge in world-class fare at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse before taking a stroll over to Reading Terminal Market for a cone of Bassett’s ice cream.

When you think of Philadelphia, you think of Old City: historic, iconic and charming. The Franklin Hotel at Independence Park boasts all of that and more. Since the early 1990s, the venue has been offering deluxe, modern accommodations within steps of everything that Philadelphia is known for. The décor is best described as classic and clean and several of the 150 rooms and suites offer views of Independence Hall. The Franklin Hotel is just what you’d expect from one of the Marriot hotels: dependable service, comfortable rooms and fair prices. 

Part of Philadelphia’s charm rests in its varied and interesting neighborhoods and the Independent Hotel showcases just that. Ideal because of its Midtown Village location (right in the heart of the “Gayborhood” where Benjamin Franklin carried out his famous “kite experiment”), the Independent boasts hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, in-room fireplaces and New Zealand wool rugs. The hotel opened in 2009 and colorful artwork and soft, cozy lighting enhance each one of the 24 rooms. Choose a spacious King Deluxe with dark wood furniture or a Double Queen Deluxe with an original tin ceiling. Or opt to bring along a bunch of friends and stay in the two-story loft suite, complete with a Murphy bed for extra sleep space and 1.5 bathrooms.

One of the greatest things about the Alexander Inn, open since 1998, is the variety of room types it offers. Every room at this Center City spot boasts a city view, modern digs, free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast. Whether you’re on your own and looking for a single room with a twin bed or prefer to stretch out in a King Deluxe, the Alexander Inn has got you covered. Bonus points: the complimentary, all-day snack bar in the lobby.

Thanks to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation’s exciting riverfront developments, guests to the Penn’s View Hotel will have no choice but to check out the attractions like summertime pop-up park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Penn’s Landing’s wintertime ice-skating destination, Winterfest. The European decor, exposed brick, balconies, wine cellar and dark-wood furnishings harken to an old-world appeal while complimentary Wi-Fi and on-site restaurant Panorama bring the vibes into contemporary times. Other Historic Old City attractions, including the new Museum of the American Revolution, are within walking distance.

Studio and one-bedroom suites here include living, cooking and sleeping areas decked with sleek furniture and appliances such as a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, cookware, a coffeemaker and toaster. Other goodies include complimentary Wi-Fi and continental breakfast, combo laundry, and a fitness area and indoor pool. Located just steps from Reading Terminal Market, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia public transportation's Jefferson Station, Home2 Suites is easily accessible by foot or public transit.

Located in Chestnut Hill, a village of Philadelphia known for its hometown feel and quaint collection of galleries, shops, restaurants and a traditional farmers’ market, ;the Chestnut Hill Hotel is a historical landmark. The structure was built in 1894 on the spot of a former hotel and was a "Summer Hausen" for colonial Philadelphians. During Prohibition, it became a speakeasy, among other things, and has been restored three times since then, most recently in 2010. Each of the 36 rooms is unique, including the four in the nearby Carriage House, which delights guests with reclaimed wooden doors and seasonal fireplaces. There are also five rooms in the Post Office building, three of which include kitchenettes and are decorated in a fun and campy Andy Warhol style. The Chestnut Hill Hotel gives guests a taste of “Old Philly” while still offering the most modern amenities.