Best places to stay in Philadelphia
The birthplace of the Revolution, Philadelphia, (Philly) is brimming with historic landmarks and museums. This City of Brotherly Love (Greek translation of Philadelphia) is not just known for its historical heritage. The former capital city boasts a thriving nightlife, premier league sports teams, and a delectable culinary experience. Where to stay in Philadelphia depends a lot on why you are visiting, and which areas you want to explore.
Center City and Museum District
Downtown Philadelphia is called Center City, a busy neighborhood which is home to most of the hotels and attractions. Apart from being the modern business district, this area boasts whimsical public art and plenty of restaurants and bars. Across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and shopping at Reading Terminal Market, you can stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Hotel which offers sophisticated rooms and suites with modern amenities. Enjoy the striking architecture, and bold black and white décor of the Le Méridien Philadelphia hotel, which is located on Arch Street in the heart of Center City. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the City Hall subway station.
Old City, Historic District, and Society Hill
Find Philly at its picturesque best in the Old City neighborhood filled with Revolutionary-era buildings, trendy galleries and hip restaurants. Within a block of the Independence National Historic Park, you can enjoy the glamorous rooms and historic interiors of The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia. Or check out the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District hotel, a modern hotel with thoughtfully-designed rooms, within a 5-minute walk to all the historic attractions. A short walk from the Philadelphia City Hall, you can stay in the grand, spacious rooms of the Hyatt At the Bellevue hotel which is set in a landmark skyscraper on Broad Street.
Rittenhouse Square
This posh residential neighborhood boasts chic cafés, upscale restaurants and a host of hotels with celebrity clientele. Overlooking the gardens and fountains of Rittenhouse Square Park, enjoy a luxurious stay at The Rittenhouse Hotel. Enjoy charming accommodation with world-class service and sophisticated rooms and suites. Or check out the Rittenhouse 1715, A Boutique Hotel with exclusive accommodation in a former carriage house. It is well-placed amid the city’s top shops, cafés and restaurants.
University City
Just across the Schuylkill River, and home to the University of Philadelphia and Drexel University, this student-friendly neighborhood has plenty of cheap eats and bars, and budget-friendly accommodation. Enjoy contemporary accommodation within the University of Philadelphia campus at The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel which features chic rooms with modern amenities and a farm-to-table breakfast. Another on-campus hotel to consider is the Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel which is a short walk from the Drexel University, and is surrounded by several restaurants and shops.
Philadelphia International Airport
Located just a 20-minute drive from Center City, the neighborhood around the international airport is home to several international chain hotels, and is a convenient location for visiting the sports complexes. Enjoy the 2-room suites and cooked-to-order breakfast at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Airport Hotel.Less than 2 miles from the airport, you have the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Airport hotel which offers easy access to attractions such as The Mütter Museum and the Talen Energy Stadium for soccer games.
Cheap hotels in Philadelphia
City House Hostels Old City Philly and City House Hostels Philadelphia Bell are trendy hostel options with hip, colorful dorm rooms and excellent locations. In Old City near the Independence Hall, you can also consider the Apple Hostels of Philadelphia which offers several free amenities along with weekly pub crawls. A short walk from the City Hall subway station, you have the Club Quarters Hotel Philadelphia, offering modest accommodation with contemporary rooms and suites. Also check out The Independent Hotel, a stylish stay in a restored Georgian building located within a short walk from all the shopping, dining and tourist attractions. Another budget-friendly option is the Trade Winds Bed and Breakfast, a historic B&B that features colorful rooms set in a 200-year old brick building.
