From its Revolutionary War history to its world-class museums to its innovative food and drink scene, there’s a lot to love about Philadelphia! Spend a few days exploring Pennsylvania’s largest city, and you’ll quickly see why more and more visitors are flocking here each year. 

If this is your first visit to the City of Brotherly Love, you’ll definitely want to meander the cobblestone streets of Independence Historic National Park and visit the Liberty Bell, Franklin Court, and Independence Hall. And be sure to snap selfies at the “Rocky Steps” at the incredible Philadelphia Museum of Art and the famous LOVE sculpture at LOVE Park. 

With its fascinating history and unique culture, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia is home to all sorts of luxurious historic hotels, industrial-chic apartment-hotels, and forward-thinking boutique hotels. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Philadelphia to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Boutique Hotels In Philadelphia

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

As the fifth-largest city in the US, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia is home to a range of different neighborhoods. If this is your first visit to the city, here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Philly. 

Some of the best hotels in Philadelphia are clustered around Center City. This is also the city’s Central Business District. Whether you’re in town for work or play, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to see and do in Center City. 

If this is your first time in Philly, Old City is a prime place to base yourself. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the entire US, so expect to find all sorts of historic sites – including the Liberty Bell – in this part of town. 

The upscale Rittenhouse Square area is another popular area to stay. This is the ideal pick if you’re looking for a luxury hotel that’s near some of the best nightlife venues in town. If you’re traveling as a family, Midtown offers a more residential vibe while still being close to the action. 

And, finally, if you want to stay in the coolest neighborhood in town, look no further than Fishtown. This up-and-coming part of Philly is brimming with vintage shops, innovative restaurants, and seriously cool boutique hotels.

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

1. The Rittenhouse Hotel 

The Rittenhouse is the perfect pick if you plan on doing Philadelphia in style. From outstanding customer service to luxurious rooms to award-winning restaurants, this iconic hotel has everything you need for a relaxing vacation!

One of the many great things about The Rittenhouse is that it boasts the largest guest rooms in Philly. You’ll have between 450 and 600 square feet to spread out! 

All rooms are outfitted with comfy pillow-top beds, carefully curated minibars, and marble baths with massage showerheads. You’ll love the thoughtful extras, including twice-daily housekeeping, evening turndown service, and Acqua Di Parma toiletries. If you arrive late or are craving a midnight snack, the hotel also offers 24-hour room service. 

Set right on picture-perfect Rittenhouse Square, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant is a must – even if you’re not staying here! Expect some seriously good Italian dishes from creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms to duck and foie gras ravioli. If you’re in the mood for a tipple after dinner, Library Bar just happens to be one of the best hotel bars in the city.

Explore the property, and you’ll find all sorts of chic lounge areas, elegant libraries, a fully outfitted gym, a heated indoor pool, and a luxury spa. 

2. Lokal Hotel Fishtown

Lokal Hotel Fishtown opened its doors in 2018, and it didn’t take long for it to gain the reputation as the best boutique hotel in Philadelphia. This forward-thinking hotel was dreamed up by a group of Philadelphia natives who wanted to create a hotel experience that celebrates the essence of Fishtown and allows guests to live like a local. 

Each of the six apartment-style units is outfitted with decor or furniture sourced from local businesses, including plants from local favorite Stump and custom beds by neighborhood furniture maker Farmhaus Modern.

Designed to be your home away from home, each apartment boasts a fully outfitted kitchen, a comfy living area with a leather couch and smart TV, and a luxe Casper mattress topped with Parachute bedding. If that’s not enough, you’ll love all of the high-end extras – from the Sonos Soundbars to the in-room iPads with Concierge Apps.

If you can manage to tear yourself away from this dreamy apart-hotel, all of Fishtown’s trendy bars, restaurants, and shops are right outside your front door. 

3. Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Hotel

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Hotel is the perfect pick if you want to live like a local during your trip to Philly. This hip hotel is housed in a revamped 1890s whiskey factory in the heart of Fishtown. This is definitely one of the coolest boutique hotels in Philadelphia! 

Each of the four industrial-chic guest rooms is the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. You’ll love the wooden ceilings, polished concrete floors, and exposed brick walls. 

All rooms are outfitted with king-size beds, custom-made furniture, and curated artwork. If that’s not enough, you can cook your own meals in the fully outfitted kitchen, have movie nights with the 50-inch HDTV with Apple TV, and mix up in-room drinks with the complimentary cocktail kit. 

You’ll definitely want to make reservations to dine at the ultra-popular Wm. Mulherin’s Sons restaurant. Located right downstairs, the Italian eatery specializes in seasonal wood-fired dishes – from smoky beets to hand-tossed margherita pizzas to perfectly charred flat iron steaks.  

4. ROOST Midtown

ROOST Midtown is one of the coolest hotels in Philadelphia if you plan on a weekly or monthly stay. ROOST is housed in the historic 1920s Charles S.W. Packard Building, so you’ll have plenty of excellent coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques right outside your front door. 

Morris Adjmi Architects designed each of the 27 magazine-worthy units to highlight the building’s original architectural features while incorporating the most modern of amenities. Expect vaulted ceilings, herringbone hardwood flooring, and 100-year-old Turkmen rugs blended with a fully outfitted gourmet kitchen, a spa-like bath with Davines toiletries, and custom furniture, handpicked artwork, and living plants.   

If you’re in town for a special celebration, the 2-bedroom Penthouse is the perfect pick for a small group. With a chic living room, a blue tooth stereo system, and a massive kitchen, you’ll have everything you need to entertain a group of friends. There’s also a communal rooftop terrace where you can enjoy sundowners before heading out for the evening. 

Although this will feel like your actual home, head downstairs and you’ll find a 24-hour front desk and concierge, which offers a bike-share program, weekly housekeeping, dog walking services, personal training, and much more.

5. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia

If this is your first visit to Philly, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is a great choice. Not only is this unique hotel nestled right in the heart of the city’s historic district but the Liberty Bell is just one block away. 

Step inside and you’ll immediately be impressed by the lavish lobby, which is outfitted with whimsical decor, period furnishings, and antique touches. One of the coolest things about the Kimpton is the rooftop lounge. You can hang out up here until the wee hours while sipping curated cocktails, snacking on small plates, and listening to live music. 

If you want to sample some local craft brews, head down to Red Owl Tavern. They always have a rotating selection of Philly brewed beers on tap. If you’re hungry, the restaurant serves up some seriously good cheesesteaks made with shaved rib-eye, house-cured charcuterie boards, and premium cuts of steak.

If you’re feeling lazy, you can order room service from Red Owl Tavern and spend the evening lounging around your impeccably decorated room. You’ll love the plush beds with leather tufted headboards, oversized writing desks, and luxurious baths with designer toiletries.  

6. Lokal Hotel Old City

There’s no doubt that Philadelphia is brimming with innovative apartment-style hotels, and Lokal Hotel Old City is yet another prime example. You can choose from six one- to two-bedroom units, so it’s a great option if you’re traveling as a group. 

Plus, you’ll be based in the trendy Old City neighborhood, which means you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s best boutique shops, restaurants, and historical attractions. The hotel is actually located right on the bustling 3^rd Street, so the location can’t be beat!

Each professionally-designed apartment boasts a stylish mix of vintage and industrial furniture and decor. You’ll love cooking meals for the group in the fully equipped kitchen, having movie nights with the flat-screens with Apple TV, and getting a good night’s sleep on the Caspar mattress. 

Other thoughtful extras include the iPad equipped with Concierge Apps, the Sonos Soundbar, and the Bosch washer and dryer. With so many stylish and luxurious amenities, you’ll never want to leave this incredible hotel!

7. The Study at University City

Tucked away in the University City district, The Study is a short stroll from both Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. So, this is an ideal option if you’re planning on visiting one of Philadelphia’s universities.

Contemporary rooms boast comfy feather-topped beds with designer linens, spacious ergonomic workstations, leather armchairs, and luxe bathrooms with C.O. Bigelow toiletries. You’ll love the freebies, including lightning-fast Wi-Fi, bottled water, and morning coffee at the Cafe. If you want more space or are planning on a longer stay, upgrade to one of the suites for their separate living rooms and fully outfitted kitchens.

In the mornings, you can pick up grab-and-go meals and drinks from The Cafe. For something more substantial, Co-Op Restaurant & Lounge serves up hearty American dishes for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. 

Think avocado toast, charcuterie and cheese boards, and massive double beef patty burgers. If you feel like working off some of those extra calories, The Study has a fully outfitted gym!

8. AKA University City

AKA University City is yet another excellent apart-hotel located in the University City neighborhood. With so many excellent amenities, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and productive stay. 

When you’re not out on the town, you can hang out on the 28th-floor lounge, keep up with your exercise routine in the state-of-the-art gym, and take a dip in the 75-foot Olympic-size indoor pool. In the evenings, sip pre-dinner cocktails at the hotel bar before heading to Walnut Street Café for delicious dinners. 

You’ll love unwinding in the contemporary apartments. Each unit is decorated with custom furniture, Italian white oak flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping city views. You can whip up meals in the fully outfitted gourmet kitchen, entertain the group in the lavish living room, and luxuriate in the spa-like baths. 

Guests of AKA University City also have access to Circa Green, a 1-acre elevated park, as well as the 10-mile-long Schuylkill River Trail. And if you want to explore more of the city, the TESLA house car will whisk you around town.

9. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

The Four Seasons is the best hotel in Philadelphia if you really want to treat yourself during your trip. Whether you’re in town for work or vacation, this luxury hotel has so many incredible amenities you won’t ever want to leave! 

Head up to the 57th floor, where you can get massages at the spa, take in the views from the infinity pool, and work out in the fitness center. 

For meals by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, head up to JG SkyHigh for sharable plates and panoramic city views, or make reservations for Jean-Georges Philadelphia for classic Jean-George dishes. The hotel is also home to Vernick Fish, which offers a modern take on the traditional American oyster bar.

If you just feel like lounging around in your bathrobe, you can get Jean-George dishes delivered straight to your room with the 24-hour in-room dining. With the plush bed, luxurious ensuite, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views, it’ll be tough to rip yourself away from this dreamy room!

10. The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia 

The Ritz-Carlton is housed in a beautiful 1908 neoclassical bank building just across from Philadelphia City Hall. Plus, Rittenhouse Row, Market Street, and the Philadelphia Art Museum are all just a stone’s throw away. 

Even the Standard Rooms are the epitome of luxury. You’ll love the comfy beds with tufted headboards, the large picture windows with city views, and the spa-like Georgia marble baths with separate soaking tubs and complimentary Asprey bath products. It’s well worth upgrading to a Club Level room or suite, which offers access to the exclusive 30^th-floor lounge.  

When you’re not relaxing in your room, work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center, treat yourself to massages at the spa, or get pampered at the salon. The hotel also boasts the renowned Aqimero restaurant, which is helmed by Chef Richard Sandoval. The restaurant features eclectic Latin American-inspired dishes as well as a raw bar and a mezcal menu.

11. Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square 

Set in between Philadelphia’s French Quarter and the Rittenhouse Square Park, Sofitel is all about merging the spirit of Philly with the culture and art of France. Expect all sorts of French elegance, artwork by international artists, and American-style amenities throughout this luxurious hotel. 

All of the rooms were recently renovated, so expect everything to be new and top of the line. You’ll love the signature Sofitel Feather Top Bed and Duvet Sleep System, spacious sitting areas, 55-inch smart TVs, and marble baths with separate soaking tubs. The complimentary Wi-Fi, Lanvin toiletries, and Keurig coffee makers with Tully’s coffee are thoughtful extra features.

Before heading out for the day, head down to the lobby, where you’ll find a complimentary spread of coffee, espresso, fruit, and pastries. Liberté restaurant and lounge also boasts a full French-inspired breakfast menu in the mornings and an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails in the evenings. For dinners, dine on modern Mediterranean dishes in Chez Colette’s casual yet refined dining room. 

This pet-friendly hotel also has a fitness center, a business center, and 24-hour room and concierge service.

12. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to not one but two Kimpton hotels. So, if you prefer to stay at a Kimpton in the upscale Rittenhouse Square area, Kimpton Hotel Palomar is the perfect pick. Housed in a historic Art Deco building, expect to find all sorts of Art Deco-inspired decor, whimsical historical references, and signature Kimpton amenities throughout this one-of-a-kind hotel. 

One of the many things that makes Kimpton Hotel Palomar stand out from the rest is the exceptional customer service and all the cool freebies. You can cruise around town on the PUBLIC loaner bikes, sip wine and mingle with fellow guests during the evening social hour, and enjoy complimentary coffee, newspapers, and travel amenities. There’s also a fully outfitted 24-hour gym on-site. 

Square 1682 is one of the most popular restaurants in the neighborhood. Whether you want to dine on the chef’s seasonal new American dishes or grab a few drinks with your friends, Square 1682 has got you covered. If you’re here over a weekend, don’t miss out on their famous Bubbles, Buckets & Biscuits brunch special, which gives you a bottle of prosecco, a bucket of fried chicken, and a basket of addictive house-made biscuits. 

At the end of a long day, you’ll love relaxing in the stylish rooms. All rooms are outfitted with Art Deco decor, comfy beds with Frette linens, and spa-like baths with Atelier Bloem toiletries. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service and in-room spa treatments if you want to go all out during your stay! 

That completes our list of the 12 best Philadelphia hotels! Did we miss any?

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