Best Places to Stay in Philadelphia

As a Travel Advisor, I am always keen on how staying at a property for the first time makes me feel, the atmosphere, the ambiance, the design, the mood it sets, how the staff treat their guests, the ease of mobility, the experience when indulging in the amenities from dining to what treatments the spa offers and if the prices align with the brand. Most importantly, I think of my clients and potential clients to which the property is best suited for.

Another light bulb went off recently and I realized that formulating a list of the best places to stay in Philadelphia or any location for that matter doesn’t mean they have to be only big hotel brands or five-star rated to make the list, it’s about what feels the best to you, and me for the sake of the article! I have also realized that the best place to stay for a client might be a three-star hotel and having them try out a boutique hotel that has their name written all over it for the first time might be the perfect fit. That’s where the expertise of a travel advisor comes in and they work their magic by property-matchmaking for you to be introduced to your new favorite happy place! I love the big brands as you will see in this list but I have a newfound love for luxury boutique hotels as well, so I have included them in this list of the best places to stay in Philadelphia.

If it’s your first visit or your 10th visit, the feel of America’s birthplace is always evident along the streets with its beautiful architecture and landmarks. The City Center Area is great for the first visit because it is steps away from everything like landmarks, the best dining and shopping. Most of the hotels I am recommending are in or steps from the Center City Area with the exception of Lokal Hotel which is in the Old City area.

Kimpton Monaco Hotel

I have to kick it off with the Kimpton Monaco Hotel, an IHG property, because it impressed me the most out of where I have been a guest. With it’s beautiful luxe decor and embellishments and the location was perfect, just steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It should be noted that there is another Kimpton property, The Kimpton at Palomar, which is beautiful as well and holds true to the Kimpton Brand. Kimpton by IHG is a worldwide luxury brand that envelops what it means to be treated like a VIP. From the complimentary dog-walking services through their partnership with Wag to the plants that are placed in your room if requested, which I always do! The Kimpton Monaco and Palomar are often considered more on the Boutique side of hotels rather than big box hotels in the city and are great for events, solo-travelers, couples and Families.

The Rittenhouse

The Rittenhouse comes in as a close second of mine because for one the dining is impeccable and the spa is lavish and has an extensive menu. It should be noted that it is the only Forbes Independent Five-Star hotel in Philly. Even though Philly provides some of the best dining options in the world, The Rittenhouse follows suit with its AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant Lacroix with Executive Chef Eric Leveillee, which provides a modern take on French cuisine and ingredients. Hands down one of the Best Hotels in Philly. Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square is an ACCOR property and is where American style meets French elegance with its beautiful bold purples and pinks and art decor in the lobby to the quaint sophistication decor in the rooms. The feel I got was “we are not in Kansas anymore” and I Iove it! Sofitel is great for folk that prefer a more art-scene infused design aesthetic.

The Bellevue Hotel

I am excited to talk about The Bellevue Hotel as one of the best places to stay in Philadelphia because it is not only elegant as a Hyatt owned property but considered the Grand Daam of the city, and the location is perfect in the heart of downtown. It’s excellent dining on the 19th floor at the XIX Lounge, with its high-high ceilings and big-big windows, or the fact it is under renovation and will be completed by early 2024. Yes it is still available for booking now, however if I were you I’d stay somewhere else on the list and wait to experience it once renovated because if it is fabulous now then a new renovation of the property will mean more lavish elegance than it was before! Also, keep in mind that The Bellevue is close to Center City as well and is considered the historic heart of Philadelphia’s downtown scene, and just steps from exquisite dining, close to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and a five-minute walk to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

The Dwight D Hotel and Lokal Hotel Old City

I had to include my top 2 Boutique Hotels that I am absolutely in love with, the Dwight D Hotel and Lokal Hotel Old City because they are all the rave and reviews people are talking about when considering the best places to stay in Philadelphia, for luxe-boutique feels and happy guests. I fell in love with them for their stylish-unique charm and will be staying there soon and I am so excited!

Four Seasons Philadelphia and Ritz Carlton

The list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning The Five-Star Four Seasons Philadelphia at the Comcast Center or the Four-Star Ritz Carlton because their brand speaks for itself, however after visiting both in Philly, I have decided since I am often a Solo-Traveler that they feel really big and not as personable like the Kimpton’s in Philly. But if you are going for “all-out luxury and that big city feel” these are the go-to’s and they welcome families with small children, and are great for meetings and events if you are planning a big event or hosting a meeting for business. Out of the two, I would go with the Four Seasons but that’s mostly because I am a sucker for a world-class Spa and their spa in Philadelphia is first-class and was awarded as Philadelphia’s first-and-only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa.

When a spa-enthused client asks where to stay in Philadelphia, The Rittenhouse is always a great option due to their Spa & Wellness Club that also includes a salon, which I always highly recommend. Although the Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton are ultra-luxe destinations for weddings and events, I would also take a look at the Bellevue Hotel with its unique timeless, classy aesthetic for a more personable feel for you and your guests. When considering the best places to stay in Philly, there are several other hotels that are fantastic that could be right up your alley or that perfect, extra recommendation that you may not be aware of like: The Logan Philadelphia which is by Hilton’s Curio Collection and The Notary Hotel Philadelphia by Marriott’s Autograph Collection. I’d love the opportunity to book your next stay in Philly, Happy Trails!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Philadelphia. In need of further inspiration? Check out Hannah Corderman’s trip report, Best Places to Stay in Boston.