12 Best Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Palomar marks the apex of Philadelphia's recent surge of hip hotels; three brightly colored busts of Ben Franklin greet you in this Kimpton property's chic lobby alongside a comfy fireside living room. Touches of purple enliven the bright guest rooms, which have stylish modern furnishings, and cool amenities abound including autosensor temperature controls and locally made products in the minibar. The hotel offers yoga mats in every room (virtual classes on-demand) and instructs guests how to run a 3-mile \"Rocky run\" to the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Kids get a free toy at check-in and \"cookie currency,\" which enables them to purchase cookies and milk from room service. Complimentary wine is served at 5 pm in the lobby. There is also a bar in Square 1682, the hotel's on-site restaurant that's known for its new American cuisine and happy-hour scene.

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.

If comfortable accommodations and plenty of shopping are your top priorities, you're not going to beat the Westin. The 15-story structure sits between the twin blue towers of Liberty Place and near the Shops at Liberty Place, where you can find a variety of stores, boutiques, and restaurants. The hotel's rooms underwent substantial renovations in 2014, adding contemporary touches like sleeker furniture, modern bath facilities, and updated wall decor and carpeting. 

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.

Topped by the red neon letters PSFS (for the former tenant, Pennsylvania Saving Fund Society), this 1930s building was the country's first skyscraper in the ultramodern international style. Updated in 2019, the chic guest rooms are done up in clean, calming shades, equipped with chaise lounges, ergonomic workspaces, and flat-screen televisions; bathrooms, adorned with porcelain mosaic tile, feature stand-up showers or low-profile tubs. Complimentary toys and games are available for children. There are three levels of concierge rooms with a private library and lounge. For drinking and dining, guests can hang in the lobby lounge or in Bank & Bourbon, a ground-floor bar and restaurant that stocks 220-plus whiskies. A 15,000-square-foot fitness center features state-of-the-art machines, while a new spa and salon offers a Turkish bath and a wide variety of services.

An ornate fireplace dominates the breathtaking marble lobby of this towering Marriott-branded hotel in the historic district; its location makes it a pleasant base for visiting the nearby art galleries and cafés, as well as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and other sights. The spacious mid-century modern rooms, many of which overlook Old City, have free Wi-Fi, basic traditional furniture, flat-screen televisions, and sofas. Bathrooms have large marble baths and lighted makeup mirrors.

This hotel, part of the Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing, is a great option for those who want to be within 10 to 15 minutes of Manayunk and its nearby neighborhoods, as well as Center City, Old City, West Philly, and Fairmount, yet also want to have some space to stretch out (and be in the same building as Lark, one of the finest restaurants around). While the hotel caters particularly to visitors of nearby colleges, if you like to hike and bike, you can't beat this location close to the trails—the Schuykill River Path is across the pedestrian bridge, access to the edge of Wissahickon Valley Park is across that same bridge and then across the street, and the Cynwyd Heritage Trail is on the side of the hotel facing the river, also the best side to secure a room, which are all suites. The outside is quite spectacular, as the hotel was built within the framework of the old iron works, with gigantic metal beams interconnecting high above. The rooms themselves, though spacious with living room and kitchen areas, lack personality. There is a nice sized pool in an atrium that looks out on the river. Access to Manayunk is just across the one lane bridge—you can walk or bike across it, but only people who live in nearby condos can drive their cars across it. Manayunk's main action is a good 10-minute walk upstream on Main Street.

Originally the Market Street National Bank, this building from the 1920s has a beautifully restored art deco facade; most rooms (studios or one-bedroom suites) have full kitchens, living rooms, and work areas. Amenities include complimentary wireless Internet and breakfast, as well as complimentary appetizers served on the second-floor gathering area Monday to Wednesday. The hotel is a big hit with families with small children. Across from City Hall, this hotel is close to all major downtown destinations.

From providing personal items that travelers commonly forget to dressing the pillows of weekend guests with chocolate-covered strawberries, the staff is among the most accommodating in the city. The 33-story building's sawtooth design gives the large guest rooms unusual shapes, with nooks and alcoves; many of the rooms overlook the famous square that gives the hotel its name. Each room has a large marble bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower; many also have whirlpool tubs. Other amenities include an on-site salon and spa and a contemporary fitness center with sauna and steam services and a pool. The modern French restaurant, Lacroix, is among the most elegant dining experiences in the city, and it's also known for its opulent buffet brunch. The Italian restaurant, Scarpetta, is an offshoot of LDV Hospitality's nationwide, exclusive eatery.

This luxury hotel has more of a hip feeling than some of its stuffier Federal-style neighbors. The simplicity of Shaker quilts inspired the lobby floor, done in seven types of granite and marble. Shades of soft brown, gold, and green hues give the rooms a warm, tranquil feel. Rooms have large desks, flat-screen televisions, and spacious bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and oversize tubs. The hotel's gym is open 24 hours. Liberté Lounge serves French-inspired food in a chic, European setting, while Chez Colette, the hotel's breakfast restaurant, pays homage to the famous writer.

This modern, 24-story all-suites hotel close to the Parkway museums and Center City's restaurants, shopping, and nightlife caters to corporate business travelers (some on extended stays) as well as vacationing families, and features both studio and good-size one-bedroom spaces. A tiered lobby has some elements evoking Benjamin Franklin, such as quotes from him on a wall. Guest rooms are characterized by their muted neutral color scheme, plus bells and whistles like a kitchen area equipped with a Keurig coffeemaker; some have balconies. The rooftop Skydeck has a firepit and small infinity pool, and Skyline Club Level suites offer upgraded amenities like a 65-inch smart TV. Downstairs are Con Murphy's, an Irish-themed pub with multiple seating areas and a well-rounded menu, and Asia on the Parkway, serving Asian fusion fare. The pub's breakfast hours aren't great for guests who want to buy an early breakfast. One thing to be aware of: regular (permanent) apartment tenants occupy more than 100 additional apartments in the building.