Stay in the most romantic hotels in Philadelphia to relight that fire

The Lokal Hotel is probably the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re in Paris (in Philadelphia). Situated on chic 3rd Street in Old City, the Lokal’s locale is within walking distance to galleries, quaint cobblestone streets and plenty of candlelit restaurants—Fork, Zahav and Amada among them. Insider tip: if you swoon for claw-foot tubs, book either the Betsy or Tina suites. If you can’t snag those in time, don’t fret. Also, French-inspired florist Petit Jardine en Ville (see, we told you it was just like Paris!) is just across the street if you want to add a little extra romance to the room in the form of colorful bouquets or rose petals.

The mood? The good ole rustic charmer mixed with urban interiors.
Location perks? Down the cobbled streets of Philly's Old City, you'll find Omnia Spa, galleries like Paradigm and Ice cream at Franklin Fountain for when you want to skip right to dessert.  
Budget range? This artsy sits suite sits on the luxury end.

It doesn’t get more hipster than the new Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Restaurant and Hotel in an abandoned 19th-century whiskey bottling factory in Fishtown—a great location if you’re looking for where to stay in Philadelphia outside the Center City tourist fray. Like meticulously designed sets out of a Philadelphian Wes Anderson movie, the hotel’s four rooms are appointed with cacti, exposed brick and vintage furnishings—ideal lodgings for vintage lovers who love wood-fired Italian fare (which is conveniently located in the downstairs restaurant). After grabbing a slice, all that's left to do is pop a Barry White record on and hit the dimmer switch. 

The mood? Industrial chic.
Location perks? You can't go wrong with smoulderingly stylish interiors especially when coupled with city views.   
Budget range? A Curated to perfection to offer you a high-end experience.

Rumor has it that whenever President Obama visited (and, for that matter, continues to visit) Philly, the Rittenhouse was his hotel of choice. But, of course, that doesn’t make it romantic, as such. What definitely does make it romantic is that this place (perched right upon its namesake’s square) features a decadent spa, swanky restaurants, the cozy Library Bar (with its reputation for killer old-fashioneds) and the Mary Cassatt Tea Room. The Rittenhouse boasts one of the city’s finest five-star treatments.

The mood? Lavish in every corner. 
Location perks? We still can't decide between the heated pool and the private garden. 
Budget range? A pretty penny, but they call it prestigious for a reason ...

Sure, lots of hotels have spas. But not all of them let you book your massage or body wrap in-room (because after marinating in spirulina, the first thing you want to do is hop in a private shower with some luxury soaps). You might not want to leave your room in the Rittenhouse neighborhood’s Hotel Palomar, but if you do feel like venturing out, visit the evening wine hour—served by the fireplace in the living room with a side of truffled popcorn.

The mood? Art-deco chic. 
Location perks? Start off with the complimentary wine reception and see where the evening leads.  
Budget range? This mid-ranger is well worth booking ahead of time. 

If you’re in the know, you’ll already be well aware that Logan’s Assembly Rooftop Lounge is one of Philly’s most essential date spots. Outdoor fire pits? Check. Panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway? You bet. The hotel below is also a great spot for art lovers, slap-bang in the middle of the museum district and with its own walls decorated with works by local artists.

The mood? Cosy and elegant. 
Location perks? Enjoy glorious city or courtyard views depending on your room – that is – when the curtains are open. 
Budget range? Bag a cheap deal when you book in advance.

Once upon a time – in 1903, to be exact –  the Rittenhouse 1715 was a spacious carriage house built for some very indulged horses indeed. These days the boutique hotel is a charming reminder of Rittenhouse Square’s elegance of yore and comes complete with a private garden, colonial furnishings and a complimentary wine ‘intermission’ each evening in the drawing room. If you don’t want to share your date with the other hotel guests (understandable, really), someone from the staff will happily bring the evening glass of white or red to your room.

The mood? Elegant, old-fashioned and transportive. 
Location perks? Close to Rittenhouse Square – the perfect spot for a stroll. 
Budget range? Begin your period romance in one of these unique, reasonably-priced rooms.  

If the words ‘Love Room’ have you picturing Vegas-style heart-shaped beds, think again. Old City’s swanky Hotel Monaco has a Love Room in its lobby, where love-inspired wallpaper and photos of Philadelphia’s iconic LOVE Park are a perfect backdrop for romantic-weekend selfies. (Snap one during one of the hotel’s nightly wine hours in the lobby living room.) The upstairs amenities are great, too, with some rooms sporting deep soaking tubs that overlook Independence National Historic Park and the Liberty Bell.

The mood? Oozes opulence and comfy beds. 
Location perks? If you like the sound of handcrafted cocktails and city skylines head to Straus Rooftop Lounge. 
Budget range? Not too shabby for a two-nighter. 

What would a Morris do? Ask for one of the suites overlooking the private courtyard, of course. And they would know—the Morris family lived in the impressive colonial home for 120 years after it was first built in 1787 (the same year that the Constitutional Convention took place, a few blocks away). So clearly, the Morris House Hotel is the perfect place to impress your favorite history buff. But if you need more convincing, the complimentary afternoon tea and cookie spread (baked in-house) and Old City location are great reasons to stay at this National Historic Landmark hotel.

The mood? A vintage love affair. 
Location perks? On a pleasant tree-lined street just round the corner from some world-renowned restaurants should you accidentally-on-purpose drop your butter knife and up on one knee. 
Budget range? An affordable romantic weekend.  

Sonder’s Arco Hotel is all about being left to your own devices in as luxurious a setting as possible – and what could be more romantic than that? Offering colonial-era architecture, hardwood floors and rustic French wallpaper, all within easy reach of Rittenhouse Square and buzzy South 13th Street, the Arco has plenty of opportunities for romance, inside and out.

The mood? Modern, cosy and clean. 
Location perks? One block away from the Avenue of the arts. 
Budget range? Light on the purse strings.

You’ll need to book this hotel in advance because it has an occupancy of two—as in, two rooms. But it may be the only way you’ll ever snag the exclusive experience of sleeping over at Rittenhouse Square’s exclusive Touraine, which was once a hotel, and is now an apartment building with a 10-year waitlist. If you need further convincing, check out a cinematic peek at the Touraine’s interiors: Toni Collette’s character in the 2005 film In Her Shoes owned an apartment in the building.

The mood? Pop art vibes. 
Location perks? You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and access to a 24-hour gym (not that you'll need anymore cardio). 
Budget range? Another super affordable and cosy stay.