Where to Stay in Philadelphia: 3 Best Areas + Coolest Hotels

Though Americans often overlook it, opting to use their limited memory capacities to remember cities like Boston and New York in the stories about the origins of America, Philadelphia is actually probably the most pivotal city in that story.

Most of the key events – such as the Continental Congress that drafted the Declaration of Independence, and the group that wrote the Articles of Confederation and, later, the Constitution – took place in Philadelphia.

If you want to learn about American history around the time of the revolution and into the early republic, Philadelphia should be on your list.

I, Matt, spent some independent time in Philadelphia after bonding with friends in Boston and New York City. I had a few extra days available, and was searching for somewhere simple to get to from New York. Philadelphia quickly rose to the top of my list because so much important American history took place within just a small neighborhood in Old City.

Ultimately, I enjoyed spending time in Philadelphia. It’s a compact city with a great deal of history, and I basically walked everywhere I needed to go from my place in Old City.

Two locales particularly stood out to me as deserving of the designation of “best area to lodge in Philadelphia” – Old City and the neighbourhood surrounding Rittenhouse Square.

In this guide, I’ll examine those two locations in depth, as well as a third area that could serve as a good compromise between them. I’ll provide the pros and cons of staying in each place, some neighborhood highlights that I enjoyed and think you might too, and a few hotel recommendations to help start your search.

Ultimately, I’m here to assist you in deciding where to stay in Philadelphia, and I’m using my own experience to provide you with some insights that, hopefully, you find helpful as you plan your own trip.

Let`s delve into exploring the best areas to reside in Philadelphia

PS: Planning a visit to Philly? We’ve got some other highly detailed travel guides you may find helpful. Read our recommendations for crafting an amazing Philadelphia itinerary for our proposed schedule of precisely how to spend a few days in Philadelphia, and our guide to the top gluten free restaurants and bakeries in Philadelphia if you enjoy gluten free cuisine, like us.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia: The 3 Best Areas to Stay in Philly

For each of the three areas we’ll cover below, we’ll provide you with everything necessary to decide which location is right for you.

We firmly believe the optimal approach starts with selecting a preferred neighborhood, then choosing lodging within that community.

Ride the earliest shuttle from the Apgar Visitor Center up to Logan Pass, which takes approximately one hour.

We`ll begin with a brief overview of the neighborhood – its location, and what makes it unique – before delving into a detailed list of the advantages and disadvantages of staying there.

Then we’ll give you some of the places we discovered that we enjoyed (and think you will too), and a few handpicked places to stay that stood apart to us for one reason or another.

In the end, you’re most likely deciding between two neighborhoods here.

The core of Philadelphia – nestled between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers – is reasonably small in scale, meaning there aren`t too many options for tourists.

It comes down to assessing your priorities – whether being close to historical sites in Old City or proximity to quality culinary and drink establishments in Rittenhouse Square best suits your interests.”

Some guides will feature places such as University City – which is across the river to the west and is home to the University of Pennsylvania (you know it as “Penn”) and Fishtown, a gentrifying region north of Old City. For 99% of visitors to Philadelphia, we don’t believe they’d make a good location to lodge because they’re a little too distant out.

If you have three days or less in the city, we believe you should try to stay somewhere that can be walked to the main attractions so you are not spending all your time traveling back and forth between your hotel and the places you are exploring.

The only exception is when exploring the University of Pennsylvania. Then lodging in University City near campus makes sense.

Don’t have time to read through the whole guide below? No worries. Here’s a summary to help you initiate your search.

• My overall suggestion is to remain within approximately two or three blocks of Rittenhouse Square, which is undoubtedly my favorite area of Philadelphia. It’s a bit more distant from Old City, where you’ll find tourist attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, but it’s a community filled with great places to eat and drink, and it’s central to most of the other places you’ll want to go, like the three art museums that are a 15 minute walk north. Roost Rittenhouse Square is THE place to stay if you’re seeking a stylish, spacious apartment with facilities akin to a boutique hotel. There are also two trendy and affordable hotels here – the Hyatt Centric and the Motto by Hilton.

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• If experiencing all the history relating to the American Revolution is important, remain inOld City, located on the banks of the Delaware River at the eastern edge of the city center. This historic urban core of Philadelphia dates back to colonial times, and houses most revolutionary era historical sites centered around Independence National Historical Park. The area east of that park contains art galleries, restaurants, locally owned shops well worth exploring on foot. For elegant lodging, stay at Lokal Old City, where I resided and ranks among my top 5 places ever stayed. It`s not inexpensive, but the apartments are beautifully designed with well-thought-out layouts and full kitchens, which I appreciated and used. For a hotel in a superb location opposite Independence Hall, stay at the Kimpton Monaco.

Rittenhouse Square: The Coolest Area in Philadelphia

The area surrounding Rittenhouse Square became my favorite part of Philadelphia based on spending time there each day of my itinerary for various reasons.

On one occasion, it was to get coffee at Elixr. Another time, it was to go to happy hour at Mission Taqueria.

This area is home to some of the best places to eat and drink in the city, which is why it tops my list of the best areas to stay in Philadelphia.

My travel philosophy can be summed up by pursuing activities like eating, walking, and eating again, so it makes sense that this area would find its way to the top spot on my list.

While I decided to stay in Old City instead, I found myself somewhat regretting that decision because I enjoyed this area so much.

Not only does it provide excellent places to eat and drink, but the location is very convenient to most of Philadelphia’s attractions (with the exception of Old City, which is a 15 minute subway ride or taxi ride away).

The three main art museums of the city can be found to the north and are about a quarter-hour walk from the park.

As you travel west, you’ll first find yourself amid the charming row houses representative of the eastern seaboard (features not common out west), arriving eventually at the Schuylkill River.

To the eastern is Reading Terminal Market and, further away, Old City.

About four blocks south is another street called South Street, which can be followed east to Jim`s, which two different people I met recommended as the top local pick for the best Philly Cheesesteak in town.

Between the great food and drinks, and the central location that means you’ll be able to walk to almost everything in Philadelphia, this place deserves its spot at the top of our list of the best places to lodge in Philadelphia.

Plus, it has some pretty cool hotels, too!

Pros and Cons of Staying near Rittenhouse Square 

Advantages of residing near Rittenhouse Square

• Rittenhouse Square is lovely.The focal point of this part of the city is going to be Rittenhouse Square, which is a pleasant spot to spend a sunny morning or afternoon people watching and basking in the sun. Unless, of course, it’s summer, in which case you’re probably going to be seeking out the cover of the trees.
• Excellent culinary offerings and refreshments. From restaurants to bars to coffee shops, this area is full of some of Philly’s best places to eat (outside of South Philly), largely catering to the office workers who spend their days nearby.
• Walkable to the museums.You’ll be within walking distance of the trio of art museums on the northern edge of Center City. We probably wouldn’t spend all of your time in a museum, but it’s worth choosing one (we’d go with either the Rodin Museum or the Graves Foundation) and spending a few hours on it.

Disadvantages of residing near Rittenhouse Square

• It’s (relatively) far from Old City.Most of Philadelphia’s ancient sights are on the eastern side of Center City, and Rittenhouse Square sits on the western side. It will take 30 minutes to walk among them. Which, considering everything, is truly not that negative compared to areas such as New York City.
• The cost of living in this area is quite high. As one of the most desirable parts of the city, prices for housing and other necessities are significantly above average. While Philadelphia has relatively affordable costs when compared to Boston or New York City, those on a tight budget may need to explore other nearby neighborhoods like Center City that offer more reasonable options.

Highlights Around Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square: A truly pleasant square block in the center of Philadelphia’s towering office buildings that provides a verdant oasis amidst the concrete surroundings. I found myself there multiple times during my spring trip, enjoying the warm sunshine in the middle of the green space, though the trees would likely offer more shade during the sweltering summer months.

Mission Taqueria: Visit for the churros with chocolate and dulce de leche dipping sauces. Remain for the cauliflower tacos with peanut salsa. Or the guacamole. Or the $6 margaritas during happy hour (4:00 – 6:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday).

For Elixr Coffee, my top coffee spot when in Philadelphia. As one of the pioneer coffee roasting businesses established in 2010, they specialized in light roasts highlighting the natural flavors of the coffee beans before more specialty coffee shops emerged across the US. Their menu includes pour over coffee, espresso drinks, cold brew, and seasonal offerings.

Ultimo Coffee: Another great coffee roaster near the park, this time a block west of Rittenhouse Square. Their chai tea is fantastic.

The Rodin Gallery: The Rodin Gallery in Paris is likely our most loved gallery in the city, which is packed full of way too many extraordinary museums to try to fit into a couple of days of exploring. This one is comparable – it follows the lifetime and work of Auguste Rodin, the French sculptor who is most renowned for the Thinker, but was a pioneer in researching the curves and contours of the human body through his sculptures. I was puzzled as to how they have a copy of the Thinker and Gates of Hell too, which we saw in Paris, but evidently there are numerous versions out there, together with the ones here.

The Best Places to Stay near Rittenhouse Square 

Here are three of the top places to reside in Philadelphia near Rittenhouse Square, including a pleasant apartment hotel and two solid moderate range hotels.

Roost Rittenhouse Square: A Cross Between a Boutique Hotel & Apartments

I had a room booked at Roost Rittenhouse Square, but ultimately decided being near locations in Old City was more important, so I chose to cancel my stay and instead stay at Lokal Old City.

Roost provides a great concept that combines the benefits of staying in a boutique hotel – help from a concierge for trip planning, high-quality bath products, and comfortable beds – with the convenience of residing in an apartment – such as a full kitchen and more room to spread out.

We’ve stayed at multiple places like this over the past couple of years in London, Madrid, NYC, and Paris, and one thing we will indicate is that it’s important to have an around-the-clock front desk in case any situation comes up. This place has that!

The living spaces themselves are exceptionally roomy (particularly for the cost). As mentioned earlier, all units have fully equipped kitchens with quality appliances and every cooking utensil required, and each has a full washer and dryer (though detergent isn`t provided).

Accommodations come in some different floor plans tailored for varied group sizes – studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units.

The studio housings, which measure in at over 500 square feet (which is VERY BIG), are ample space for lone travelers and pairs, while the one and two bedroom housings have more area for gatherings.

The beds are consistently rated as exceptionally comfortable (9.0+ rating from previous guests), bath products are from Davines MOMO, coffee is from nearby La Colombe, and you’ll have a 4k TV with Apple TV that can be used to stream to your heart’s content.

The building is two blocks north of Rittenhouse Square, which is a nice location because all the bars and restaurants around Rittenhouse are within walking distance, and so are the museums that are up to the north.

It’s a 15 minute stroll from Roost Rittenhouse to the Rodin Museum, for instance, and about five minutes further to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (and the Rocky Statue).

If they don’t have availability for your dates, they have another location that is very similar in terms of price, amenities, style, and location called Roost Midtown.

It’s a few blocks east, which is a less charming spot, but still near enough to the square and all the stuff nearby.

Note: While pet-friendly, cleaning fees for pets could be steep at $350, likely prohibitive for some. Only cats and dogs under 40 pounds are permitted. Leave larger canine friends like Great Danes at home!

Hyatt Centric Center City: Affordable Option in a Great Location

This location is NICE for a Hyatt. I’m not sure why I had the idea that Hyatt hotels aren’t all that cool or unique in my head, but the pictures of this stylish and affordable hotel exceeded my expectations.

Then, I did more examination, and the “Hyatt Centric” brand is their version of a hip, boutique hotel, which makes complete sense.

The guest rooms at this inexpensive hotel offer ample space and contemporary decor (the standard King room provides around 300 square feet of area, large for modern hotels) with lots of natural light and light-colored wood accents throughout, and previous patrons provide the beds a rating of 9.2 out of 10 for comfort as of this writing.

Some rooms have urban views, though it will cost you a little extra to reserve those.

The location of the hotel is great too – it’s a block and a half east of Rittenhouse Square, and a block and a half west of Elixr Coffee, the best coffee shop in Philadelphia in my humble view.

When it comes to amenities, it’s fairly basic in terms of what you’re going to receive. They have a fitness center, meeting rooms, and an onsite bar and restaurant.

Pets are permitted – canines under 50 pounds (or different canines under 75 pounds all in all) – despite the fact that there`s a $100 charge for remains of one to six evenings…which honestly is presumably much not exactly you`d pay to have a canine sitter for two to three evenings.

For the cost, this is an excellent option located near Rittenhouse Square, which is among our favorite areas of downtown Philadelphia.

Important note: Visitors will need to pay an additional 0.75% resort fee upon arrival. These trivial charges should clearly be incorporated into the room cost – however, we deemed it prudent to forewarn so guests are not surprised when presenting themselves!

Motto by Hilton Rittenhouse Square: A Stylish Mid Range Hotel Two Blocks from the Park

Similar to the ‘Hyatt Centric’ brand, the Motto by Hilton brand aims to bring a younger, trendier vibe to Hilton hotels.”

That means smaller rooms with many tech amenities (connected TVs, the ability to regulate room temperature and lighting through an app, etc.), and local art, hip bars and restaurants, and more.

One aspect that led me to include this hotel is their innovative room layouts. While they definitely have the usual room styles, their double rooms – rooms with two beds – feature twin bunk beds, which is a more space-efficient arrangement.

While it may not be for everyone, I think it`s a clever option if you`re a small group watching your finances.

They also have bunk beds with a double on the bottom and a single bed positioned above, which would be perfect for families with children. They also have more spacious ‘studios’ with additional room (300+ square feet) that can comfortably sleep three to four individuals.

They have an aerial taqueria – two words I didn’t consider I required to see together until…now – called El Techo (which appears to be a charming spot for a margarita with a skyline perspective) and a couple different onsite Mexican-impacted bistros and cafés.

Overnight parking here will cost $35 with unlimited access in and out of the secure covered garage, providing a solid option for those traveling by car.

There’s also a fitness center containing weights and a Peloton bicycle, if you’re trying to get in a workout during your trip.

No pets allowed here. 

While the accommodations have compact dimensions, the technologically advanced rooms are thoughtfully planned, and for brief trips, modest sizes won`t be too problematic as you`ll be occupied exploring the area.

Old City: Historic and Charming 

Old City is both a neighborhood, and the location of the original settlement of Philadelphia. Perched on the western bank of the Delaware River across from the New Jersey border, Old City is where the vast majority of history related to the American Revolution lives today.

Since that time, the city expanded westward, encompassing all the land between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers.

Despite its popularity among visitors to the city, Old City in Philadelphia does not inherently mean an undesirable place to stay.

Truthfully, I remained there before and would do so again if given the option (though I may prefer Rittenhouse Square for its proximity to the coffee shops and eateries I enjoyed).

Its charming, tree-lined roads, and iconic red brick structures make it a very agreeable place to stay, and you’ll find yourself within a couple of blocks of some of the most significant places in early American history.

The biggest downside is that it’s not particularly interesting in terms of victuals and libations (though that’s a generalization, and doesn’t mean that there are ZERO good places to dine or drink).

However, it’s an easy walk or bus ride to locations further south like South Philly or north such as Fishtown, where you’ll find more interesting culinary options.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Old City

Pros of staying in Old City

• It’s charming.Red brick structures. Cobblestone streets. Independence Hall. This is the oldest part of the city, and it shows. It has been revitalized in the past few decades, when local artists moved into the dilapidated formerly industrial area, bringing a variety of businesses along with them to support the growing artist community.
• Revolutionary history is at your doorstep. As Hamilton would express – at minimum Lin Manuel Miranda’s portrayal – if you want to experience where significant discussions occurred, this is it. If you remain here, you’ll be within a brief distance of where the Continental Congress authorized the Declaration of Independence, the original building where Congress met in the early period of the republic, and Ben Franklin’s mansion and final resting place.

Disadvantagesof residing in Old City

• It’s far from the western edge of the city.Places like Rittenhouse Square, the Rocky Monument, and the art galleries near the Schuylkill River will require more travel, likely using public transportation or rideshares, to arrive at. However, remember that unless you remain in the Center City (which I’ll discuss below), you’ll face the opposite problem if you stay on the other end of the city.
• Dining choices tend to be limited in the area. As a general rule, most food and drink establishments in Philadelphia are located farther south and west of Old City. When traveling, it`s best to avoid eating within short distance of major attractions. A couple exceptions exist, but that guideline holds true here.

Old City Highlights

Below are a few places in Old City that I enjoyed experiencing, and think you may too.

The Museum of the American Revolution: I truly enjoyed this museum. I did not get the opportunity to enter the replica of General Washington`s tent because there were around 300 school children waiting in line, and the staff member warned me that it might be somewhat chaotic. I decided to pass on that. However, the rest of the museum is amazing, starting with a brief video providing an overview of the revolution, which it depicts as an ideological movement rather than simply a historical event. They then guide you through the history piece by piece, including various personal anecdotes from primary sources, such as privates in both armies, offering insight into what the experience was really like. It`s an excellent museum, and is likely a must-see in Philly if you have an interest in Revolutionary history.

Independence Hall & Plaza: This popular attraction in Philadelphia includes several historically significant sites, the most famous being the Liberty Bell. Although the bell itself is underwhelming due to being recast twice and cracking again, it remains a profound symbol of both the promise and the challenges of achieving the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence. The main focus is Independence Hall, where visitors can experience the location through scheduled tours.

Menagerie Coffee: The finest location to obtain coffee in the neighborhood, I frequented this establishment on a couple occasions, such as during my initial morning in Philadelphia. They utilize Dogwood Coffee (from Minneapolis) and Elixr (from Philadelphia) and craft some superb coffee. The interior of this place is also much more extensive than how it appears from outside, with ample room for getting work done or reading a novel in a secluded area.

Exploring shops along 3rd Ave N: My lodging was located on 3rd Ave, so I spent a considerable amount of time walking up and down the street as I made my way between various destinations during my time in Philadelphia. I was consistently surprised by the unique boutiques lining the road. There was an establishment specializing in cocktails and mixology – Art in the Age – directly outside my entrance, and a cool design store focused on Japanese goods further down the street ( Omoi). Those seeking some distinctive shopping should head to this area.

The Best Places to Stay in Old City

Here are a couple of places my family stayed in Old City during our trip to Philadelphia, including where I stayed.

Lokal Hotel Old City: Gorgeous Apartments (Where I Stayed)

I stayed at this recently constructed small accommodation facility during my visit to Philadelphia, and while it required a slightly larger monetary commitment, I think it was worth every cent given what I required from it

I was in Philadelphia for a few days solo, and I was planning on accomplishing some work remotely from the apartment, and cooking lightly for myself.

What attracted me was their philosophy and story, which resonated with me, a traveler who tries to make it to every single farmers market, coffee shop, and offbeat neighborhood in whatever city I’m visiting.

With that in consideration, here is Lokal`s central premise: “We appreciate design, feeling at home and partaking in what locals typically do when touring. We like a bit of space to stretch our legs, to quickly prepare a meal and mix a quality cocktail. We also like good coffee and nice towels, sheets and always a great robe.”

I mean, how could I say no?

The building itself is in the heart of Old City, roughly three or four blocks from Independence Hall, and it’s small – just six apartments. The apartments are very roomy, and they range from studios to two bedrooms.

They’re all named after notable names in Philadelphia’s history – I stayed in “Ben”, named after Benjamin Franklin.

Inside the room, you’ll find a remarkable combination of comforts. The bed is easily one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in (outside of my own) thanks to a Casper mattress and Parachute sheets providing a restful night`s sleep.

Accommodations at this property offered spacious living quarters – my studio apartment measured 450 square feet, which is fairly generous compared to the average sized lodging room found at hotels – and were equipped with Apple TV to stream media content to your heart`s content (either watching Apple TV+ or mirroring content from your own devices).

Of course, the coffee selection too. Packets are available to brew coffee either using the machine or the Chemex they provide (with filters). Choosing from tea was also nice – I enjoyed a cup of honey ginger tea every evening before bed.

Personally, the aspect I found most enjoyable was the fully equipped kitchen containing every necessary cooking utensil and pot/pan alongside an entire cabinet stocked with various spices.

If you’re looking to live like a local for a few nights, this would be a great place to stay in Philadelphia.

Kimpton Monaco: Nice Hotel Across the Street from Independence Hall

The prime selling point of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is that it is literally across the street from Independence Hall, placing guests right amidst all the action related to Revolutionary History in Philadelphia.