7 Best Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You'll feel like you're checking into the Pantheon when you enter this neoclassical hotel set in a century-old bank building—more than 60,000 square feet of Georgian white marble makes up the dramatic lobby; a 2015 renovation modernized both the lobby (textures reminiscent of currency, in a nod to the building's banking past) and guest rooms (work and play spaces, set in a contemporary neutral palette with metallic touches). Ionic columns ascending the height of nine stories dwarf the main lounge, and natural light cascades through the oculus of the 140-foot dome ceiling. A drink in the lobby is a treat, even if you're not staying here. Guest rooms are surprisingly small and could use some better soundproofing, but have modern touches like flat-screen televisions, glass-enclosed showers, and lighted makeup mirrors. Let them know if it's your birthday or another special occasion, and they should greet you with Champagne. Aqimero, the hotel restaurant, is a Latin grill with exciting food and solid cocktails.

The theme here is \"room with a view,\" as this hotel on the banks of the Delaware offers dramatic river views from the 22-story tower; southern-facing rooms have views of both the river and the city. Although some rooms are showing a bit of wear and tear, the location is excellent if you wish to be on the river. The fourth-floor fitness center, which is open 24 hours, overlooks the waterfront, too. After you swim in the indoor pool, you can lounge on the outdoor sundeck. Likewise, the on-site hotel restaurant, Keating’s Rope & Anchor Bar + Kitchen, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner—and has both indoor seating and alfresco dining on a deck above the river.

Offering an alternative to more standard chain hotels near the convention center, the 10-story Le Méridien occupies an old YMCA built in 1908 that has maintained some architectural character. The contrast between the building's inherent charm, such as the ornate woodwork lining the archways of the airy lobby, and the hotel's modern decor comes off smoothly. Landings for the upper floors are cantilevered to the original brick wall of a 75-foot atrium that fills the property's center with natural light; some rooms have only a view of this atrium. The posh modern rooms (updated in 2024 and 2025), done in gray, beige, and white with pops of color, may seem a bit spare: some have only one mod chair besides the desk chair. Southern-facing rooms have views of City Hall. Wi-Fi is complimentary in the lobby.

A unique boutique hotel that stands out from Old City’s numerous big-brand options, Lokal is owned by a husband-and-wife team that preaches the merits of “invisible service”—no front desks or on-site staff, with check-ins, deliveries, and the like handled by the guest via tech innovations and mobile apps. (Living, breathing employees are nearby and on call if needed.) Choose from a lineup of six on-site flats, some suited for singles and couples, others meant for families. Each is furnished in a hyper-clean Scandinavian style, with living rooms and fully equipped kitchens to prepare meals. Note that the converted building is a four-story walk-up with many stairs and no elevators.

A lovely bed-and-breakfast in leafy Society Hill, Morris House is within walking distance of historic Old City, the Pine Street shopping corridor, and Center City to the north, but it's away from other hotels and touristy spots, giving visitors an authentic neighborhood experience. The house itself is a historic treasure, built in 1787 in Colonial style, and maintains its original hardwood floors and a clock that is said to have bullet holes in it from the Revolutionary War. Ask the hotel staff for a fascinating little book detailing the building's history. Many rooms maintain a comfortable Colonial decor, but with 21st-century amenities like air-conditioning and TVs. The adjacent carriage house has several additional suites across a lovely courtyard.