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The 18 Essential Philadelphia Hotels

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This third iteration of the Hotel 18 is our most current answer to the question, "Where should I stay in Philly?" Though both our first and second versions of this list offered 18 strong choices, this list has been re-examined to ensure that only the best of the best have made the cut.



We'll be updating the map again in due time, so if you have a favorite that wasn't included, please mention it in the comments or tip us for next time. If you spot a hotel unworthy of the Hotel 18 distinction, we want to hear about that, too.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

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The Ritz-Carlton of Philadelphia is easily the most opulent and historic of the Broad Street hotels. Housed in a neoclassical bank building, the stately columns in the lobby are updated by a bright jewel-toned decor. The Ritz is perhaps best known for its club level rooms and amenities, but every guest is greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival.

Hotel Monaco

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The Hotel Monaco is part of the Kimpton boutique hotels chain and it's known for its trendy, colorful decor. The hotel opened just last year, and is making waves with its bold decor, which incorporates touches like calligraphy brushes behind the front desk as nods to Philadelphia's rich history. The Monaco is also making its name with top-of-the-line customer service and perks: there's a free wine tasting hour every day in the lobby, and a personal trainer on call.

Rittenhouse 1715

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The Rittenhouse 1715 is a quaint boutique hotel located right off Rittenhouse square. Housed in three historic townhomes, the hotel is known for excellent hospitality, historic charm, and quaint touches like mismatched china in the breakfast room. The decor, best described as a mix between old and new, features period furniture, sumptuous velvet, and antique chandeliers as well as sleek, modern fixtures in the bathrooms. The suites are particularly spacious (one is even bi-level), and free cookies are available on demand.

The Morris House Hotel

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The Morris House hotel is a smaller boutique hotel that takes antique charm seriously: inside you'll find a cozy sitting room with a fireplace, a gracious interior courtyard, and period furnishings. The rooms run a bit small, and you shouldn't expect the amenities of a modern chain but if you're looking for cozy and quaint, the Morris House is right up your alley.

Independent Hotel

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The Independent has been winning travelers over with its spacious rooms, high ceilings, and sleek, modern decor. The hotel also offers thoughtful amenities to make travelers feel right at home, like an in-room Keurig coffee maker and free breakfast delivery. Though the hotel doesn't have a gym of its own, it offers free passes to the 12th Street Gym nearby.

Independence Park Inn

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Though this hotel is a part of the Best Western chain, it's a great budget option, and the decor's not too shabby either. Perks include free breakfast complete with a waffle iron that churns out waffles shaped like the Liberty Bell and free parking. Reviewers also noted that the front desk staff is helpful and attentive.

Alexander Inn

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Hailed as a great value, the Alexander Inn receives praise from guests for its unique decor, inspired by 1930's cruise ships. There are only 48 rooms (which book up quickly, plan ahead), but many offer views of Philly's skyline, and some even include fire escape balconies. Though the rooms are somewhat small, they are well-appointed and comfortable.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

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Housed in the old Philadelphia Saving Fund Society Building, which is widely regarded as the first modern skyscraper in the country, the Loews offers impressive views and boardrooms restored to their original grandeur. With the inclusion of some original furnishings acquired by the hotel, the decor might be characterized as sleek opulence inspired by the building's past life. Guests are pleased by the attentive service and the convenient Broad street location

Omni Hotel at Independence Park

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A new addition to the Old City hotel scene, the Omni is located right off Independence Mall. It's convenient, new, and offers an innovative "ideal living" program, complete with fitness equipment directly in your room, space to work out, and healthful food for travelers who want to maintain their healthy lifestyle away from home.

Penn's View Hotel

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Right in Old City, and close enough to the Delaware for river views, Penn's View Hotel is a great, quiet option at Penn's Landing. Within walking distance to Christ Church and the Betsy Ross House (not to mention the Liberty Bell,) it's very convenient for tourists, and reviewers rave about the rooms, many of which include fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. Though the cost of the attached parking garage is high, the room rates are very reasonable, and the location of this hotel makes it ideal for travelers who aren't driving.

Sofitel Philadelphia

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Known for its elegant, contemporary decor and spacious suites, the French chain hotel also receives rave reviews for service, even if some guests find the requirement that staffers greet guests in French to be a little pretentious. Guests rave about the sumptuous, exquisitely comfortable beds.

The Rittenhouse Hotel

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Noted for superb customer service and a formal, stately, (and maybe a bit stodgy) ambiance, the Rittenhouse Hotel distinguishes itself with superior customer service: upon arrival, guests are greeted with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, and are called by name throughout their stay. There is even a chauffeured Jaguar available to guests who need a lift. Expect to spend a pretty penny on your room, though, because top notch service, decor, and location don't come cheap, especially not right on Rittenhouse Square.

Latham Hotel

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The Latham manages to provide high end perks at a lower rate than its pricier competitors in Philly. The rooms, which were recently redone, boast bright contemporary decor, city views, and comfortable beds. The rooms are on the smaller side, but so is the price (in comparison to nearby hotels). The Latham also has a chauffeured car available for guest use.

Hyatt at The Bellevue

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This isn't just any Hyatt: housed in the iconic Bellevue building, the lobby and common spaces are decked out with marble pillars, a grand staircase, gargantuan crystal chandeliers and opulence in every direction. Though the rooms don't exactly match up, they are very large, which is one of the perks of the historic building. However, there are drawbacks to spending the night in one of the oldest luxury hotels in the city: power outlets are sparse, and the elevator system is confusing (not all elevators go to every floor)

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

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Situated right on the parkway, the Philadelphia Four Seasons might just offer the best views in the city. The Four Seasons in Philadelphia offers a courtesy car available to guests, as well as attentive hospitality and luxious rooms. Though the exterior is less than stunning, the interiors more than make up for it with spacious rooms and lush vegetation in the lobby.

Hotel Palomar

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The Hotel Palomar offers travelers a central Rittenhouse Square location, quirky but elegant decor, and excellent service. One of the perks of this hotel is the Fuji jet tub offered in the king spa rooms.

The Inn at Penn

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If you're looking to stay in Philly's other downtown, University City, your hotel options are admittedly limited. However, the Inn at Penn offers a comfortable stay for guests who want to be close to UPenn or Drexel. There are even iPads available for guests in each room.

AKA Rittenhouse Square

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The AKA Rittenhouse Square is the only extended stay hotel on the list, and for good reason. It's stylish, centrally located, and offers spacious suites.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

The Ritz-Carlton of Philadelphia is easily the most opulent and historic of the Broad Street hotels. Housed in a neoclassical bank building, the stately columns in the lobby are updated by a bright jewel-toned decor. The Ritz is perhaps best known for its club level rooms and amenities, but every guest is greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne upon arrival.

Hotel Monaco

The Hotel Monaco is part of the Kimpton boutique hotels chain and it's known for its trendy, colorful decor. The hotel opened just last year, and is making waves with its bold decor, which incorporates touches like calligraphy brushes behind the front desk as nods to Philadelphia's rich history. The Monaco is also making its name with top-of-the-line customer service and perks: there's a free wine tasting hour every day in the lobby, and a personal trainer on call.

Rittenhouse 1715

The Rittenhouse 1715 is a quaint boutique hotel located right off Rittenhouse square. Housed in three historic townhomes, the hotel is known for excellent hospitality, historic charm, and quaint touches like mismatched china in the breakfast room. The decor, best described as a mix between old and new, features period furniture, sumptuous velvet, and antique chandeliers as well as sleek, modern fixtures in the bathrooms. The suites are particularly spacious (one is even bi-level), and free cookies are available on demand.

The Morris House Hotel

The Morris House hotel is a smaller boutique hotel that takes antique charm seriously: inside you'll find a cozy sitting room with a fireplace, a gracious interior courtyard, and period furnishings. The rooms run a bit small, and you shouldn't expect the amenities of a modern chain but if you're looking for cozy and quaint, the Morris House is right up your alley.

Independent Hotel

The Independent has been winning travelers over with its spacious rooms, high ceilings, and sleek, modern decor. The hotel also offers thoughtful amenities to make travelers feel right at home, like an in-room Keurig coffee maker and free breakfast delivery. Though the hotel doesn't have a gym of its own, it offers free passes to the 12th Street Gym nearby.

Independence Park Inn

Though this hotel is a part of the Best Western chain, it's a great budget option, and the decor's not too shabby either. Perks include free breakfast complete with a waffle iron that churns out waffles shaped like the Liberty Bell and free parking. Reviewers also noted that the front desk staff is helpful and attentive.

Alexander Inn

Hailed as a great value, the Alexander Inn receives praise from guests for its unique decor, inspired by 1930's cruise ships. There are only 48 rooms (which book up quickly, plan ahead), but many offer views of Philly's skyline, and some even include fire escape balconies. Though the rooms are somewhat small, they are well-appointed and comfortable.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Housed in the old Philadelphia Saving Fund Society Building, which is widely regarded as the first modern skyscraper in the country, the Loews offers impressive views and boardrooms restored to their original grandeur. With the inclusion of some original furnishings acquired by the hotel, the decor might be characterized as sleek opulence inspired by the building's past life. Guests are pleased by the attentive service and the convenient Broad street location

Omni Hotel at Independence Park

A new addition to the Old City hotel scene, the Omni is located right off Independence Mall. It's convenient, new, and offers an innovative "ideal living" program, complete with fitness equipment directly in your room, space to work out, and healthful food for travelers who want to maintain their healthy lifestyle away from home.

Penn's View Hotel

Right in Old City, and close enough to the Delaware for river views, Penn's View Hotel is a great, quiet option at Penn's Landing. Within walking distance to Christ Church and the Betsy Ross House (not to mention the Liberty Bell,) it's very convenient for tourists, and reviewers rave about the rooms, many of which include fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs. Though the cost of the attached parking garage is high, the room rates are very reasonable, and the location of this hotel makes it ideal for travelers who aren't driving.

Sofitel Philadelphia

Known for its elegant, contemporary decor and spacious suites, the French chain hotel also receives rave reviews for service, even if some guests find the requirement that staffers greet guests in French to be a little pretentious. Guests rave about the sumptuous, exquisitely comfortable beds.

The Rittenhouse Hotel

Noted for superb customer service and a formal, stately, (and maybe a bit stodgy) ambiance, the Rittenhouse Hotel distinguishes itself with superior customer service: upon arrival, guests are greeted with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, and are called by name throughout their stay. There is even a chauffeured Jaguar available to guests who need a lift. Expect to spend a pretty penny on your room, though, because top notch service, decor, and location don't come cheap, especially not right on Rittenhouse Square.

Latham Hotel

The Latham manages to provide high end perks at a lower rate than its pricier competitors in Philly. The rooms, which were recently redone, boast bright contemporary decor, city views, and comfortable beds. The rooms are on the smaller side, but so is the price (in comparison to nearby hotels). The Latham also has a chauffeured car available for guest use.

Hyatt at The Bellevue

This isn't just any Hyatt: housed in the iconic Bellevue building, the lobby and common spaces are decked out with marble pillars, a grand staircase, gargantuan crystal chandeliers and opulence in every direction. Though the rooms don't exactly match up, they are very large, which is one of the perks of the historic building. However, there are drawbacks to spending the night in one of the oldest luxury hotels in the city: power outlets are sparse, and the elevator system is confusing (not all elevators go to every floor)

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia

Situated right on the parkway, the Philadelphia Four Seasons might just offer the best views in the city. The Four Seasons in Philadelphia offers a courtesy car available to guests, as well as attentive hospitality and luxious rooms. Though the exterior is less than stunning, the interiors more than make up for it with spacious rooms and lush vegetation in the lobby.

Hotel Palomar

The Hotel Palomar offers travelers a central Rittenhouse Square location, quirky but elegant decor, and excellent service. One of the perks of this hotel is the Fuji jet tub offered in the king spa rooms.

The Inn at Penn

If you're looking to stay in Philly's other downtown, University City, your hotel options are admittedly limited. However, the Inn at Penn offers a comfortable stay for guests who want to be close to UPenn or Drexel. There are even iPads available for guests in each room.

AKA Rittenhouse Square

The AKA Rittenhouse Square is the only extended stay hotel on the list, and for good reason. It's stylish, centrally located, and offers spacious suites.