The best boutique hotels in Philadelphia for a chic Philly stay

Fishtown’s 50-key serene urban escape immediately transports you to a Mediterranean oasis. What’s cool is that the building formerly served widowed and single women, and feminine vintage aesthetics seamlessly merge with classic and contemporary elements. Guest rooms are furnished with thoughtful and sustainable amenities like reusable plates and glassware, locally sourced snacks and beverages, and inspired artwork from Philly’s design community. Retreat to the courtyard, library, or cocktail lounge (Caletta) for a quiet break or social hour.

The Mood? Turn-of-the-century cool hidden gem.
Location Perks? Enjoy all-day eats and drinks on-site at restaurant Bastia and in Caletta, its piano bar and cocktail lounge. Or take a short walk in any direction to critically acclaimed bars and restaurants of Fishtown, Kensington, and Olde Richmond.
Budget Range? Splurge-worthy booking to forget you’re in one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Stepping into the grand Guild House, recently awarded as a One Key Hotel by MICHELIN, is a way to experience luxury accommodations inside a National Historic Landmark. Staying here connects you to the fascinating historic past of the building, as its female founders and members of the New Century Guild are honored in each of the 12 rooms. You'll leave the property feeling inspired and revitalized thanks to its bespoke spaces, cozy communal kitchen, and fresh modern design elements throughout.

The mood? Creative, secluded, inspired.
Location perks? Located in the heart of the Gayborhood grants you access to some of the most lively venues and a short walk to prime neighborhoods like Center City, Washington Square West, and Rittenhouse.
Budget range? Moderately priced for a one-of-a-kind property.

This historic jewel almost shut down for good when two friends and business partners (formerly of United By Blue) saw the chance to revive the 1830s building. Now, Society Hill Hotel boasts 15 hotel rooms plus a restaurant and bar with wood-fired pizza and classic cocktails to extend an Old City legacy that will last another century. The refurbished building is decked out in art deco elegance and surprise touches like heated floors, welcome drinks, and a bunk room that connects to a King suite through a two-way soundproof door.

The mood? Comfort, historic and in a new era.
Location perks? Be immersed in timeless charm steps away from where the Founding Fathers built the tapestry of American history.
Budget range? Great prices for a newly revitalized civic building in the heart of Old City.

Old City’s newest boutique hotel dates back to 1845, when it became the first private residence in the U.S. to be illuminated by gas flame. A small local team, including a Philadelphia-based furniture designer plus designers from HGTV’s Hot Mess House and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, conceptualized The Gas Lamp Hotel to offer four studio apartment-style guest rooms and one impressive three-bedroom suite outfitted with top-of-the-line finishes and virtual concierge service. Expect beautiful and functional spaces that honor local history.

The mood? Upscale accommodations that immerse you in city living
Location perks? Old City neighborhood is filled with local institutions ranging from decades-old bookstores, art galleries, retail shops, and national landmarks.
Budget range? Fair prices for a high-end hotel stay.

Planning a stay in Philadelphia of a few nights, weeks, months or longer? Consider crashing at the sophisticated Hotel AKA Rittenhouse which stands 12 stories tall and boasts 78 studio and one- and two-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens and living areas. The elegance of the building’s beaux-arts facade on Rittenhouse Square extends indoors with sleek and modern furniture and appliances. Other perks include a gym, a business center with Macs, and award-winning on-site restaurant, a.kitchen+bar, and its accompanying a.bar.

The mood? Modern, cool-toned, sophisticated.
Location perks? Each room includes a full kitchen and living area, making it easy to transition to Rittenhouse Square living.
Budget range? High price for high-quality accommodations and service.

Housed in a 90-plus-year-old building, The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square is emblematic of both the old age and the new age. Inside each of the 300 rooms, you'll find sleek, modern interiors complete with snazzy extras like a mini fridge, large flat screens, and cool wall art. And, of course, it's worth shouting about how close you are to everything.

The mood? Urban chic.
Location perks? For starters, there's a fitness center, three on-site restaurants and dog-friendly rooms (at a little extra cost).
Budget range? An economic short break.

The Arco apartment-style hotel is the perfect spot for getting in on the action of Center City-area nightlife. The outside features colonial architecture with a brick exterior. Inside, a toasty fireplace is surrounded by modern lobby artwork. Each room includes rustic hardwood floors, paned windows, and bathrooms with French countryside wallpaper. Along with a private bathroom, there's also a trusty coffee maker and TV when you need a little downtime before heading out.

The mood? Cozy, local, cool.
Location perks? Just a block away, you'll find South Broad Street, lined with galleries, theaters and lots to eat.
Budget range? Affordable and neighborhoody.

This six-room apartment hotel was designed, built, and furnished by a group of local creatives to capture the neighborhood vibes. Pick from one and two-bedroom mini-apartment “jawns,” sleekly designed yet comfortable. For those who prefer being truly independent, head to the private courtyard space or take advantage of their invisible service perks.

The mood? Live like a local
Location perks? Easy access to hip and artsy coffee shops, supermarkets, and Frankford Avenue’s main thoroughfare
Budget range? In-demand pricing for an in-demand trendy area.

Want to stay in one of Philadelphia's National Register of Historic Places? Consider it a done deal with Penn's View Hotel. Situated in the gorgeous tree-lined neighborhood of Old City, just off the Delaware River, you'll enjoy lounging in one of these period-decor-style rooms. Adorned with patterned rugs, quilted bedding, and vintage table lamps, with some even offering a private patio and Jacuzzi. Head downstairs to a family-owned wine bar and restaurant, Panorama, where Italy is on your plate and 120 wines from around the world are on tap, no passport required.

The mood? The old-world romantic.
Location perks? Expect year-round fun and games at nearby attractions Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, and the Delaware River Waterfront.
Budget range? Low-cost appeal.

East Market is a cross between a boutique hotel and a set of rentable apartments. The idea is to give you the best bits of hotel-ness amenities-wise while also granting guests that extra bit of space and privacy. This place is great to book if you’re going to be staying in town a little longer than normal, especially on a work trip. Highlights to write home about include a huge rooftop pool, a yoga and barre studio, a kids’ playroom, outdoor Viking grills and a community vegetable garden. You might as well just move in permanently, eh?

The mood? Soft-edged city living.
Location perks? On the ground floor of The Girard, also part of ROOST East Market, is Mulherin’s Pizzeria, the sister concept to Wm. Mulherin’s Sons.
Budget range? Decent prices for generously sized spaces.

The fourth ROOST Philadelphia property is perfect for extended visits in outer city limits. Its new multi-use residential development, The Driftway, in East Falls, includes 33 fully furnished apartment-style studio, one, and two-bedroom units. The property easily fits into the residential and collegiate area of northwest Philly with an outdoor pool and lounge, game room, private workspaces, and fitness center. Bonus: Method Co., the company behind well-known Philadelphia restaurants Wm. Mulherin’s & Sons and Hiroki, will be opening a cafe on-site. 

The mood? Convenient, high-design, spacious.
Location perks? Staying here offers impressive views of the Schuylkill River and Falls Bridge.
Budget range? An exciting deal to be in a quieter part of the metro area.

One thing we love about The Franklin is the huge helping of unapologetic style enclosed behind its iconic red door. In each of their 20 rooms, you'll find an artistic nod to notable historical moments, humans and places for a luxurious and transportive experience. On top of their eye for style and storytelling, The Franklin offers guests an exceptional stay along with the coolest hangout spots overlooking the city. The on-site speakeasy lobby bar, The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., is a must-visit.

The mood? Modern, aristocratic.
Location perks? You'll find this spot in the ritzy Rittenhouse Square, putting you in prime access to exploring all the best restaurants, nightlife and culture.
Budget range? A luxurious city break.

Before it became an excellent boutique hotel, this building was used as a whiskey-blending and bottling facility. It’s now also home to a wood-fired Italian restaurant (the hotel sits above it). And, since it’s in the middle of Fishtown, you’ll find plenty of other excellent bars, coffee shops, and restaurants super close by. Inside, the hotel is attractively decorated with exposed brickwork, wooden furnishings, and one-off wallpaper prints. Practicalities-wise, each room has a full-sized kitchen, laundry facilities, and Apple TV.

The mood? Industrial-urban chic. 
Location perks? This moody apart-hotel hits the spot for those looking for something homey, vintage and understated. Failing that, the wafting smell of fresh dough is sure to get you in the door.
Budget range? A luxury stay worth every Penne, we mean penny. 

This is a more large-scale affair than most of the boutique hotels on this list (there are 268 guest rooms here), but everything about Hotel Monaco is unique, eclectic, and colorful. The guest rooms and specialty suites feature deep blue and purple hues with funky geometric wallpaper designs. and mirrored end tables offer a chic retro feel. The hotel also has a fitness center, complimentary bike rental, and is pet-friendly. Make sure to take a trip up to the Stratus Rooftop Lounge—one of the best rooftop bars Philadelphia has to offer—to relax after sunset with an aperitif under the twinkling night sky.

The mood? Luxurious and ambient. 
Location perks? Like we said, the rooftop is where it's at. 
Budget range? A budget-friendly weekender. 

Just a few steps away from the Pennsylvania Convention Centre, The Alexander Inn offers guests something a little more traditional. While the rooms might feel a little dated at first glance, this place is sure to win you over with its old-timey charm, all of which is owed to its copper-toned interiors, dark oak wood panelling, glossy leather chairs and stunning fireplace. Rooms here also boast a heap of natural light and fantastic city views. 

The mood? Vintage flair. 
Location perks? This quaint abode puts you close to many historical attractions, including Liberty Bell and the National Liberty Museum. For the thrifters, you'll also find Philly's Antique Row one block away. 
Budget range? Great low prices. 

Location-wise, Kimpton Hotel Palomar is on the jackpot. It puts you right in the heart of the city and just moments away from Rittenhouse Square – a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. As for the rooms, they can be summarised in one word: chic. But in case you need us to elaborate ... elegant art deco interiors with heaps of natural light with many of the rooms offering incredible views of the city's swankiest high-rise apartments, while the trees in the square below offer a calming pocket of greenery. De-stress in the fitness center, with in-room spa treatments, or at the on-site restaurant Square 1682.

The mood? Cozy luxury. 
Location perks? Explore on foot, or take the scenic route by hopping on one of the hotel's Kimpton bikes. We highly recommend taking the Schuylkill Bank trail. 
Budget range? Fair prices for couples and families. 

For those looking for low-cost luxury, Sofitel Philadelphia is your best bet. Centrally located, this pet-friendly hotel sits between the French Quarter and Rittenhouse Square, meaning you'll have front-row seats to some of the city's best attractions, entertainment, shops and restaurants. The rooms here are elegantly furnished with spacious (for when size really does matter), modern interiors in soft brown and cream, accompanied by contemporary artworks. Enjoy a soak in the separate bathtub, squeeze in a quick cardio session at the fitness center, or simply enjoy a toast to the good times at Liberte, the on-site restaurant lounge—the choice is yours. 

The mood? Boujee at its best. 
Location perks? For those who want to make their breakfast-in-bed dreams a reality, there's in-room dining. 
Budget range? An affordable romantic break for two. 

The Logan is all about bringing you the best of Philly under one roof. And we'd say they've nailed it with their on-site spa, indoor pool, movie nights, and Drag High Tea, among other goodies. In terms of the vibe here, it combines the city's lively spirit with sophistication. All 391 rooms are spacious, pet-friendly, and feature stylish artistic touches to give you a real flavor of Philly. 

The mood? Ambient and sophisticated.
Location perks? They've thought of absolutely everything in-room phone chargers included. 
Budget range? It's a cheap and cheerful option, regardless of whether you're flying solo or visiting with family.