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Splurge Vs. Save: Where To Stay in Rittenhouse, Old City, and Center City

Whether your budget is large or small, there are excellent options in Philly's three most popular areas for tourists and visitors. Here's a breakdown of what you get and what you give up when you splurge or save in these Philly nabes.

Rittenhouse:


Splurge: Rittenhouse 1715
What you get: Turn down service, afternoon tea, a nightly wine reception (known as "intermission"), a service philosophy called "five heart service", and a concierge staff at the ready.
What you give up: Affordability.


Save: La Reserve B&B
What you get: Room rates as low as $90 per night, some rooms equipped with kitchenettes, boardgames in the parlor, and cookies in the afternoon.
What you give up: An elevator, a bellhop (the website says that guests must transport any luggage weighing more than 25 lbs), overnight staff, and cable TV in some rooms.

Old City:


Splurge: Hotel Monaco
What you get: An opulently decorated hotel in a historic building, outfitted with modern amenities. Pet-friendly accomodations, a yoga mat in every room, bikes available for guest use, an evening wine hour, 24 hour room service, and a full fitness center.
What you give up: Affordability.

Save: Penn's View Hotel
What you get: Rooms starting at $145 per night, views of the Delaware River, free wi-fi, and a small fitness center.
What you give up: Room service and opulence.

Center City:

Splurge: Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
What you get: A historic bank building, a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival, a bath menu and "bath butler services", a full fitness center, complimentary overnight shoeshines, and 24 room service.
What you give up; Free wi-fi, reasonably priced parking, and affordability in general.

Save: Alexander Inn
What you get: Center City prices starting at $119 for rooms with one (yes, one), single bed, room rates that don't change depending upon demand, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and a complimentary all day snack bar.
What you give up: Room service, turndown service, amenities other than the basics.