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Where to Stay in Philadelphia

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Types of Stays

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly options mainly located in Center City and Old City, with dorm beds and private rooms, creating a social atmosphere.

  • Budget/Economy Hotels

    National chain hotels like Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn, offering basic amenities and comfortable rooms, often with complimentary breakfast.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    A selection of 3-4 star hotels in Center City, Old City, and University City, with more extensive amenities like on-site restaurants and fitness centers.

  • Luxury Hotels

    High-end 4-5 star hotels with premium services, concierge assistance, upscale amenities, and often historic significance or contemporary design.

Unique Stays

  • Boutique Hotels

    Unique design plus tailored attention, often in beautifully renovated historic buildings, offering a distinct character.

  • Historic Inns/B&Bs

    Charming, often period-furnished experiences in neighborhoods like Society Hill and Chestnut Hill, with intimate stays and personalized hospitality.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo list rooms, apartments, or houses across neighborhoods, popular for families or longer stays.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Homestays via platforms like Airbnb provide immersive cultural experiences with local residents.

Neighborhood Guide

Philadelphia's neighborhoods each have a distinct character, shaping your stay.

Center City

Pros
  • Central location
  • Excellent public transit
  • Walkable to many attractions
  • Wide range of hotels (Booking.com)
Cons
  • Can be busy and noisy
  • Generally higher prices for accommodations
  • Busy environment
  • Potential for larger crowds

Old City/Society Hill

Pros
  • Historic charm
  • Walkable to historical sites
  • Good nightlife (Old City)
  • Picturesque ambiance (Society Hill)
Cons
  • Can be touristy
  • Some areas can be loud at night
  • Busy during peak season
  • Limited modern amenities in some historic buildings

Rittenhouse Square

Pros
  • Elegant, generally safe
  • Beautiful park
  • Upscale dining and shopping
  • Sophisticated atmosphere
Cons
  • Generally higher prices
  • Further from some historic sites
  • Requires more walking or transit
  • Fewer budget-friendly options

Neighborhood Considerations

Safety by Area

Most central tourist areas (Center City, Old City, Rittenhouse, Society Hill, Museum District) are generally safe during the day and evening. Situational awareness, especially in the evening, is advisable. Stick to well-lit, populated streets.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Center City, Old City (near bars), and Fishtown can be lively and noisy, especially on weekends. Society Hill and Rittenhouse Square generally have a more tranquil ambiance, away from main thoroughfares.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking secures accommodations at favorable rates.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Summer, October): Book 3-6 months ahead, especially for popular weekends or major events.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September, November): 1-3 months ahead is typically enough.
  • Low Season (December-March): 2-4 weeks ahead often works; good last-minute deals sometimes appear.
  • Always book well in advance during major conventions, sporting events, or holidays.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com, Hostelworld, Vrbo.
  • Direct Booking: Hotel websites often have better rates, exclusive packages, or loyalty points.
  • Local Resources: Visit Philadelphia (visitphilly.com) lists accommodations and local deals.
  • House/Pet Sitting: TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Booking Considerations

Negotiation and Policies
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary for major hotels; prices are generally fixed.
  • Check deposit and cancellation policies before confirming. Many bookings offer free cancellation up to a certain date.
  • Pre-paid rates are usually non-refundable but often lower.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices are highest in summer and fall (October), due to tourism and conventions.
  • Prices are generally lowest in winter (January-March), excluding holiday periods.
  • Adjust travel dates if budget is a primary concern.

Affiliate Options

Global Bookings

Platforms like Booking.com provide a broad range of accommodation choices worldwide.

Asian Market Focus

Agoda specializes in the Asian market, offering competitive rates.

Hotel Chains

Consider direct bookings with hotel chains such as IHG Hotels for loyalty benefits.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for different travel needs.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Options

For those backpacking, Apple Hostels of Philadelphia (Old City) and City House Hostel Philadelphia (Center City) are popular. National chain budget hotels outside Center City are also available.

  • Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
  • City House Hostel Philadelphia
  • National chain budget hotels
Mid-range Options

Accommodations such as Loews Philadelphia Hotel (Center City) and Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia (Rittenhouse) offer comfortable rooms and good amenities.

  • Loews Philadelphia Hotel
  • Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
  • The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

Luxury & Family Stays

Luxury Options

The Rittenhouse Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, and The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia provide premium experiences.

  • The Rittenhouse Hotel
  • Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
  • The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
Family-Friendly Stays

Hotels with indoor pools, like Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, are good. Vacation rentals via Vrbo or Airbnb offer more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
  • Vacation rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo)
  • Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown

Solo & Long-Stay Options

  • Solo Traveler

    Hostels foster a social atmosphere. Hotels in well-lit, central neighborhoods like Center City or Rittenhouse offer safety and convenience.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Extended stay hotels (Residence Inn, Homewood Suites) offer suites with kitchenettes. Vacation rentals via Airbnb or Vrbo are a value for extended periods.

  • Proximity & Transit

    Look for options with good public transport access to simplify city exploration.

  • Community & Events

    Consider Hostels or smaller guesthouses for chances to meet other travelers.

Historic & Cultural Significance

  • Hotel Monaco Philadelphia (Old City)

    In the historic Lafayette Building, combining modern luxury with a feeling of a place.

  • The Union League of Philadelphia (Center City)

    A historic private club with guest rooms, offering a glimpse into Philadelphia's past.

  • The Warwick Rittenhouse Square (Rittenhouse)

    A historic hotel hosting many prominent figures, displaying classic elegance.

  • Consider Local Charm

    Smaller, privately owned guesthouses sometimes carry local historical significance.

Planning Your Stay

Destination Focus

When choosing a neighborhood, consider your main interests. For history buffs, Old City works well. Art and culture lovers will like the Museum District. Upscale dining and shopping points to Rittenhouse Square.

  • History: Old City
  • Art & Culture: Museum District
  • Luxury: Rittenhouse Square
  • Budget: Hostels via Hostelworld
Booking Essentials

Always check current prices and availability on platforms like Booking.com. Factor in peak seasons and special events for best rates.

  • Compare prices on multiple platforms
  • Check recent feedback
  • Check cancellation policies
  • Consider loyalty programs for hotel chains (IHG Hotels)

Additional Notes

Cultural Immersion

Homestays or bed and breakfasts occasionally provide cultural insights into local life.

Flexibility

Flexibility with travel dates can yield better accommodation prices, especially during off-peak seasons.

Research is

Thorough research on specific neighborhood amenities and transport links supports a smooth trip.