The best hotels in Philadelphia

• From Independence Hall to the Rocky steps, Philadelphia is full of iconic landmarks that entice everyone from history buffs to culture lovers and casual tourists.
• The city's thriving hotel scene offers a myriad of accommodations from budget-friendly B&Bs in classic townhouses dating back to the 1850s, to sleek luxury enclaves with panoramic views.
• Our top hotels range from $115 to $305 to start (plus one worthy splurge) and were selected based on our travels, excellent amenities, location, and ratings on trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com.
• In response to the novel coronavirus, we've also included updated cleaning policies for each property.
• Read more: Is it safe to stay in a hotel right now? An infectious disease doctor, a cleaning expert, and hotel reps all share what you should know before you check-in

Philadelphia, or Philly as it's affectionately known, is full of iconic landmarks of all types. Surely you'll recognize Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Rocky steps.

For history buffs, in particular, there are few cities that offer more to uncover, with intriguing museums and neoclassical architectural jewels with stately columns that heighten the historical appeal. Add in a booming arts and culinary scene, vibrant markets, and leafy parks and it's easy to see why so many fall for the City of Brotherly Love.

As a result, the hotel scene is thriving, with plenty of choices to suit varied needs ranging from budget-friendly townhouse B&Bs from the mid-1800s to luxury hotels with city views and chic lounges.

We culled through the city's many hotels and chose standout properties based on our own travel experiences, and also incorporated trusted traveler feedback from sites like Trip Advisor and Booking.com. All hotels received at least an 8.5 out of 10 on Booking.com and a 4 out of 5 on Trip Advisor.

Our top hotels in Philadelphia range in price to start between $115 and $305 per night, with the exception of one indulgent, splurge-worthy stay you may want to seriously consider.

However, we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and while hotels have reopened their doors to guests with enhanced cleaning policies in place, there are important factors to consider. Keep in mind that hotels have enclosed common spaces where you're likely to run into other guests such as lobbies and check-in desks. We've noted new cleaning policies where applicable below, but for any hotels you may be considering, it's worth reading up on their specific policies to ensure they are enforcing social distancing, requiring masks, and offering self check-in to minimize contact. 

And if you're wondering if it's safe to travel right now, read what experts told us about the risks of travel and the necessary precautions you should take when flying, driving, and staying at a hotel. 

Of course, without a vaccine, there's no guarantee of safety even if you take the proper precautions. We always recommend following guidelines from organizations like the CDC and WHO, wearing a mask in public, using hand sanitizer, and practicing social distancing. Before making any travel plans you should also consider your own health risks, as well as those of others in the location you're traveling to.  

All that said, if you are planning a trip to Philly now or in the future, there's no shortage of great hotels to choose from.

Traveling elsewhere on the East Coast? Read our list of the best hotels in other popular cities:

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• The best hotels in Savannah
• The best hotels in Miami

These are the best hotels in Philadelphia, sorted by price from low to high.      

La Reserve Bed & Breakfast

Book La Reserve Bed & Breakfast starting at $115 per night

Staying at this charming B&B is like staying at grandma's for the weekend — if grandma happened to live in a well-preserved, four-story townhouse from the 1850s. Guests are certainly spoiled here with an ideal location in the popular Rittenhouse Square neighborhood and complimentary homemade cookies. During the week there is still a continental breakfast with freshly baked pastries, and on weekends, a free cooked-to-order breakfast is served in the dining area. 

The owner, Beverly Ensor, first moved into the house with her family in 1943 as a little girl. Every room is unique, but the home is decorated with the furniture she grew up with, along with pieces from family members and antiques. Rooms have names like the Marquis Room or the Grande Dame Deluxe, and the hotel itself is named after a property in Geneva, Switzerland that Beverly particularly liked. In general, expect wingback chairs, patterned curtains and bed skirts, and original fireplaces. Some of the larger suites even come with kitchens. 

The B&B is just steps from many restaurants, coffee shops, and bars and the staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful.       

Trip Advisor Ranking: 6 of 23 B&Bs/Inns in Philadelphia

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: La Reserve is a charming B&B just off Rittenhouse Square in a well-preserved townhouse with antique furniture and breakfast included. 

Cons: Some of the cheapest entry-level rooms have shared bathrooms. If that's unappealing, be sure to book a room that specifically says it has a private bathroom.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is open and accepting reservations, however, they have not publicly promoted new protocols. Contact the hotel before booking.

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square

Book Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square starting at $139 per night

It's obvious the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square is a sleek, design-forward hotel from its singular lobby with bold, rainbow-hued couches, mod-style wingback chairs, and in-your-face graphic wall text.

But don't let that fool you into thinking the Warwick doesn't have its fair share of history. Built in the 1920s, the hotel's facade features classical and Renaissance architectural elements, and over the years, hosted Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the Brooklyn Dodgers, more than one US President, and even the occasional organized crime boss.

Signature rooms have a stylish black and white palette with oversized leather chairs and photographs of signature Philly landmarks, like the LOVE sculpture and Ben Franklin Bridge. Junior and One Bedroom Suites include sofa beds and separate sitting areas.

In-room spa treatments are available, and there's an on-site hair salon and laundry facility, as well as a fitness center and business center. The Prime Rib is an elegant steak and seafood restaurant that draws inspiration from the iconic supper clubs of 1940s Manhattan, giving the space a retro, classic vibe.

On the opposite spectrum, Spice Finch is a modern Mediterranean restaurant and bar serving hand-crafted cocktails and dishes like shakshuka and chili-chicken flatbread. For breakfast and lunch, can stop by Bluestone Lane for coffee and healthy bites.      

Trip Advisor Ranking: 36 of 93 hotels in Philadelphia

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: Old meets new at Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square, built in the 1920s with sleek and modern interiors in a prime location just off Rittenhouse square.

Cons: Staff and service can be hit or miss, and while the lobby was recently renovated, some rooms could also use a refresh. 

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is open and accepting reservations, however, they have not publicly promoted new protocols. Contact the hotel before booking.

Morris House Hotel

Book Morris House Hotel starting at $144 per night

Sleep in a National Historic Landmark from 1787 at the Morris House Hotel. Located just a short five-minute walk from top attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, this small boutique hotel has the feel of an upscale inn.

All 17 rooms have their own distinct design details, but each features alluring views of the private garden or the city. Colonial-era decor sets the tone in spacious entry-level rooms with four-poster beds, fireplaces, wingback chairs, and bookcases brimming with a wide selection of reads. Mini Suites overlook the garden and are decked out in dramatic red, black, and gold hues, while Extended Suites come with kitchenettes and even larger sitting areas.     

The room rate includes a continental breakfast every morning, tea and cookies in the afternoon, and a glass of wine each evening during happy hour. All of these additions make the already budget-friendly price point even more attractive. However, there aren't additional on-site amenities like a gym or spa that you would find at a more conventional hotel.     

Trip Advisor Ranking: 10 of 93 hotels in Philadelphia

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: An affordable boutique hotel near some of the city's top attractions set in a National Historic Landmark from 1787. The room rate also includes breakfast, tea and cookies, and a nightly glass of wine for added value. 

Cons: Rooms at Morris House are only accessible by stairs, so this is not a good option for those with mobility issues.

COVID-19 procedures: This hotel is open and accepting reservations. They have implemented a number of new safety measures based on guidance from CDC and local government agencies. Pennsylvania requires all guests to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, and it is suggested you review government guidelines to confirm eligibility to travel, before booking. Visit www.travel.state.gov and www.cdc.gov for more information.

See Also:

• The best hotels in Savannah
• The Watergate Hotel is a notorious site in US history, and after a massive renovation, is now one of the top luxury hotels in DC — here's what it was like to sleep in one of the country's most infamous landmarks
• The best affordable spa hotels around the world

SEE ALSO: The best hotels in New York City

SEE ALSO: The best hotels in Washington, DC