Erica Lamberg

Philadelphia is a city brimming with culture, culinary treasures, impressive shopping, and historic sites at every turn, so it's hard to go wrong when it comes to choosing an area in which to stay. There’s no shortage of entertainment venues that feature live music, and there are plenty of rooftop bars throughout the city that offer breathtaking views. Those seeking to learn about U.S. history should be sure to check out the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center and other Revolutionary points of interest. Summer festivals are the perfect venue to savor world-famous Philly cheesesteaks, and the famous Philadelphia Art Museum is home to the steps Rocky ascended (and maybe you, too). While it's easy to find great things to do in Philly, finding an inexpensive hotel to serve as a home base can be more challenging. Below you’ll discover our picks for the 14 best well-priced hotels (meaning, less than $200 or so per night) that are packed with amenities. Be sure to jump on any deals you see, though, because Philly is a popular destination year-round. RECOMMENDED: The 15 best attractions in Philadelphia This guide was updated by Philadelphia-based writer Erica Lamberg. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stay

At Time Out, we’re all about helping you see the world on the cheap and leading you to the best travel deals whenever possible. But sometimes, even the thrifty seek a bit of luxury on vacation, a place to comfortably kick their feet up before it’s time to squeeze into that basic economy seat. I mean, who can turn down a $99 flight to Europe? Not us! For that, we love an airport lounge. These once exclusive domains for the most privileged passengers have dramatically changed since American Airlines opened the first in NY’s LaGuardia Airport in 1939. What started as an invitation-only club for folks to enjoy a pre-board cocktail has evolved into a massive network of areas for travelers to rest, work, refuel and idle before a flight. Today, there are more lounges than ever, offering all kinds of amenities (pickleball, anyone?) and greater access for all. Headed to the airport soon? We asked Time Out editors and frequent contributors to share their favorite lounges in the U.S. Whether you're lounge-curious or a pro looking for a new respite when you fly, you'll find helpful intel for your next trip below. 

Atlantic City is the East Coast version of Las Vegas. Like Sin City, there are stunning casino resorts, world-class restaurants, and luxurious spas but Atlantic City comes with even more bonuses: namely, the ocean, the beach and a legendary boardwalk. The 24-hour excitement of Atlantic City is there for the taking but there are also more laid-back and family-friendly activities on our list of the best things to do in Atlantic City, like enjoying salt water taffy or catching a show. Atlantic City has something for everyone. Throw in a convenient airport and we might have just pushed this New Jersey beach town to the top of your vacation list.  RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Atlantic City     

Although your next wine-tasting experience may be a bit different than you’re used to, wineries, restaurants and wine-tasting rooms from the West Coast and the Midwest to the South and the Northeast are ready to welcome you with open palates and full bottles. Well-known wine regions like Napa, Sonoma and New Jersey are bountiful with amazing offerings, but why not consider a less-known wine destination? We’ve done the research for you and have compiled a rich and flavorful list of secret US wine regions to discover on your quest to savor and sip.

Across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this hotel is the place for those on business to recharge while also being conveniently close to Chinatown and Center City. Featuring all the standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, a fitness room, and an in-house bar and restaurant, you'll have everything you need here. Plus, you get the added perk of being able to hop over to Dilworth Park or grab some food in Chinatown.  How much per night? About $177 per night. Which room? Take your pick—they're all equal at Four Points. 

This well-appointed hotel is a perfect home base for a Philly visit because it's just steps from buzzing Rittenhouse Square. You're close to historic sites like the Liberty Bell, and there's a convenient on-site restaurant and seasonal rooftop. This is a great home base for a museum lover because art is integrated into the hotel's design and amenities; the lobby hosts a rotating gallery of works by local artists, and ArtBar, the hotel's bar, serves art-inspired cocktails.  How much per night? About $164 per night. Where is it? On Market Street, steps from lively Rittenhouse Square.Which room? Opt for a corner king suite, which features a sofa bed, if you want more space or are traveling with a family.  

Founded as a gift shop in 2016, YOWIE now operates a hotel, cafe, and boutique on one site—this is a unique property that fans of the arts will particularly enjoy. The rooms feature works by local artists, and the on-site shop and cafe are convenient and edgy. The vibrant furnishings and outstanding service elevate stays here. The modern and playful shop is packed with ceramics, clothes, housewares, zines, candles, and jewelry from young designers. How much per night? About $209 per night Where is it? South Street, a cool locale that's a short walk from Old City. Which room? There's no bad room here, as each includes art produced by local artists. 

The hotel's historical building is one of the country's first modern skyscrapers, so it's cool to be immersed in Philadelphia's history on your stay. The Loews, a centrally-located hotel, is close to both Reading Terminal and the Philadelphia Convention Center, and boasts a great on-site restaurant called Bank and Bourbon.  How much per night? About $200 per nightWhere is it? On Market Street, in a prime City Center location.  What room? Consider asking for a room on a high floor for breathtaking views of the city skyline. 

Are you missing out on a secret perk while staying as a hotel guest packed with enhanced amenities and services? The secret’s out and it’s called club level (or concierge level, depending on where you stay). This premium room or suite category can offer special opportunities, including a lounge with light fare, specialty beverages, and workspaces, plus a dedicated concierge to assist with local sightseeing plans, making restaurant reservations, arranging transport, and more. The concierge-level lounge is usually only accessible with a prioritized keycard. All these perks come at a cost ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent more for your hotel room. Some hotels charge guests a day rate, while others include access with rooms booked on the concierge-level floor. This level of amenities can not only save you money on breakfast and grab-and-go snacks and drinks, but it can also be a place to work without the distractions of a hotel room, especially if you are traveling with others. Some properties that offer club-level services provide an even more luxurious and elevated experience. These passkey-protected areas could have alcohol, professionally curated food and desserts, and specialty coffee beverages. One such property is the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, which offers an exclusive retreat with a private full-service bar, a media room, indoor and outdoor seating, a children's room, and five daily culinary presentations. The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Club Lounge is spread out over 4,000 squa

Your cruise vacation is packed with fun and value, and it’s a great way to visit multiple ports while unpacking once and using your cruise ship and a “floating hotel.”  Beginning your cruise can be a mix of excitement and stress, but if you have some possible travel traps on your radar, you can ease the hassles of embarkation day. Here are the mistakes you should be aware of making on embarkation day. 1. Boarding the ship late To prevent the risk of missing your ship, cruise experts always recommend flying in at least one day before a cruise. This strategy will remove the chance you could miss your cruise on a same-day flight if your flight is late or canceled. When you fly into your port city early, you can enjoy and explore that city and leisurely board the ship without the worry of flight disruptions.  Beyond the flight, read your cruise documents carefully and determine what time your ship will leave the port. If you arrive late, you won’t be allowed to board. 2. Not embarking early enough Many experienced cruisers know that it’s better to arrive at the port early than be a late-comer. Once you’re onboard, you can eat, explore and swim—if the pools are open. Another advantage of being an early bird is that you can avoid lines that serpentine in the terminal.  Generally, it takes less than an hour to go from check-in to being permitted to board your ship. Once you are on the ship, you can start your vacation by having a hearty lunch, grabbing a beer or cocktail, and leisur

When you plan a cruise vacation, consider your ship not only your transportation but also your floating hotel. Of course, most people think the ports of call are the highlight of your trip, but to maximize the value of your vacation, don’t make the mistake of overlooking all that your ship has to offer. RECOMMENDED: The four things I always pay extra for when I cruise Most cruises are a mix of port days—when your ship docks at the places you visit—and sea days, which are sailing days. On port days, most cruisers venture on land to enjoy immersive experiences, while on sea days cruisers have the opportunity to do as much or as little on your ship. Here are three ways to elevate your sea days so you can get to know your ship better and maximize you time onboard. Find new ways to get active The food is abundant and delicious on your cruise ship, and if you feel like you’re over-indulging, getting your steps in and sneaking in a workout is easy to do. Ships boast fitness centers with cardio equipment, free weights and more. You can also inquire at the gym about fitness class, yoga or other special sessions. On sea days, you can visit the fitness center and many are located with direct sea views. Another way to stay active on your ship is to walk on a track. Most cruise ships have designated tracks where guests walk, jog or run, so find out where the walking track is and breathe in the open air and walk with the wind in your hair. Your ship most likely also has sports courts and g

A cruise vacation not only offers profound value, but also the opportunity to visit several destinations in one trip. When you are researching your itinerary options, a port-intensive cruise can allow you the chance to see several different ports, immerse yourself in those ports, and reduce your travel time reaching different places. RECOMMENDED: These are the four things I always pay extra for on a cruise Most often, your ship will arrive in the morning and will depart in the late afternoon giving you ample time to explore your port, plan a full-day excursion and allow crossing those destinations off your bucket list. So, if you’re planning a Caribbean cruise and you’d like to experience a port-intensive sailing choose one with more days in port than at sea. If you’re sailing the Mediterranean Sea in Europe, opt for an itinerary that allows you to capture authentic experiences in European ports. Here are four reasons to consider booking a port-intensive cruise. You'll end up spending less on flights If you’re flying to South Florida or another U.S. cruise port to start your cruise, when you have a port-intensive itinerary, you visit several islands with only one flight. And, with the rising cost of flights, this point even works more in your favor. You can visit spots like St. Thomas, The Bahamas, St. Thomas Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Aruba, and Belize in a port-intensive sailing. So, think about what it’s like to pay for only one flight, unpack once and visit all these places.

If you’ve gone on a cruise then you know that it’s packed with value as your cruise fare includes your cabin, several complimentary dining options, round-the-clock activities, high-caliber shows and live musicians throughout the ship, and access to several ports of call depending on your itinerary. You literally unpack once, and your cruise ship arrives at new locations, offering you an opportunity to visit and immerse yourself in the local culture and surroundings of the ports that you visit. Understand your bargain stateroom Although you spend so much time exploring the ship and enjoying all the ship’s amenities and activities, your stateroom is the home base on the ship. Many budget cruisers tout the philosophy that you spend “no time in your cabin beyond sleeping,” so they book the cheapest cabin and spend money on onboard and on port experiences. But a cheap cabin can have some drawbacks. Inside cabins are adequate but know in advance that they offer no windows and no view of the outside. They provide a comfortable setting in most cases, and they serve the purpose of your place on board. But if your hope is to wake up to the ocean, you won’t have a view in this cabin category. Other bargains that you can snag on board include rooms that are not the best location. These could be below a deck where there are venues like the main buffet, a nightclub or other noisy happenings. You could also find yourself close to a busy elevator. Most cruise lines provide a map of where sta

I consider myself an experienced cruiser, as I take about five cruises a year. Some are short weekend cruises for a quick escape to a sunny destination, while others are seven-night cruises to several islands in the Caribbean. I also sail to non-tropical destinations. For example, this past summer I traveled to Alaska for a front-row seat to the glorious glaciers and wildlife that the bucket-list Crystal cruise line offered. I sailed on the exceptional ship Crystal Serenity. And, just last week, I stepped off the Celebrity Beyond, which exceeded my expectations. The service, food and entertainment are top-tier and I highly recommend Celebrity Cruises, especially Celebrity Beyond. As a frequent cruiser, there are specific experiences I commonly pay extra for to enhance my cruise vacation. Here’s what I feel is worth the splurge. RECOMMENDED: The ship-within-a-ship experience can actually change your mind about cruising A pre-cruise vacation stay Flying in the same day of your cruise is risky due to airline delays, weather issues, airplane maintenance reasons, and many more issues that could cause your flight to arrive late or be canceled. You may think that flying in the day of your cruise can save you money, but you’ll be out a lot more money if your flight doesn’t arrive in time to board the ship before it leaves without you. So, flying in a day (or even two days) before your cruise is a better game-plan as you can board the ship with ease and experience a taste of the city

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, cruise demand is soaring, particularly because of the value that this type of vacation offers travelers. Typically, your cruise fare includes your cabin, onboard entertainment, dining in specific venues, and use of the ship’s facilities, such as the pool, the gym, and more. For a more elevated cruise experience, discerning travelers may want to consider upgrading their vacation by booking a cabin or suite in a private enclave of staterooms that are separate from the rest of the ship and offers these fortunate guests a private lounge, dedicated restaurant, private pool area and sun deck, concierge services, and onboard perks like specialty dining, priority embarkation, and luxuries at every turn. All these perks and upgrades do come at a cost, which can be about double what you’d pay for a stateroom outside this private area on the ship. Is it worth spending double? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’ and here’s why. Your area is passkey-protected Splurging on a stateroom within the private enclave will be evident from the moment you arrive on board. You’re welcomed by the dedicated team and introduced to your butler, who makes every wish come true. Once you swipe your keycard or flash your cruise bracelet to the electronic panel at the entrance of the enclave, your dreamy cruise begins. The ship’s other guests can’t enter the area, and this keeps the space intimate, upscale and free from boisterous crowds, unruly children,

Many of us pride ourselves on being savvy travelers because we do our best to reap value from our hotels, try to snag cheap airfares and plan itineraries with thought and purpose. But even with the best intentions and research, smart travelers can also be caught off guard by travel slip-ups that can cost money and cause hassles. Here are three such travel mistakes that you should keep on your radar the next time you take a trip. Overpacking for your trip The goal of a vacation is an escape from work, family and the daily grind, so a smart game plan for your trip should start with your packing process. Overpacking can create several hassles, which range from having to schlep overweight suitcases, paying annoying baggage fees and even the dreadful possibility of having your luggage lost in transit to your destination. And, with record-high summer travel expected this season, the probability of encountering such baggage-related woes increases. To that point, a better idea is to curate a packing plan to bring only what you will actually need for your trip. Bring mix-and-match separates that can go from day to night. These versatile and classic pieces will streamline your wardrobe needs for your trip. Also, if you can, aim for carry-on bags only, which save you time, money and any travel mishaps with connecting flights and lost or delayed checked baggage. Other tips to reduce unnecessary extras: refrain from bringing extra toiletries, leave your blow-dryer at home, and skip bringi

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently revealed in its 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report that cruise demand is soaring. Some key findings are the number of new-to-cruise travelers has increased by 27 percent of cruisers over the past two years, as well as increase of 12 percent over the past year. If you’re looking to take a cruise, you may have heard of the popular lines, but there could be cruise lines you aren’t familiar with. Here are three cruises to consider. If you're seeking luxury: Crystal While Crystal (formerly Crystal Cruises) has always been a revered brand since its original launch in 1990, the past couple of years have been incredibly monumental for the cruise line, following the 2022 acquisition by A&K Travel Group and an extensive $150 million refurbishment of both ships, reported Jacqueline Barney, SVP, global marketing for Crystal. According to Barney, dedicated butler service is extended for every single guest and the line boasts amazing foodie experiences like Nobu’s only restaurant at sea and the much-anticipated debut of Beefbar. Additionally, both ships in the fleet -Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have a nearly 1-1 guest-to-staff ratio, making the Crystal experience that much more intimate and personalized, said Barney. If you want more excursions and activities: Viking Ocean If you’re looking for a new line to try, and you want to sail without children, then Viking Ocean, an adult-only cruise that includes amenities that

London is one of the most searched destinations on Google Flights for summer 2024. If London is on your travel list, consider flying to London on a daytime flight before you book that overnight flight. There are ample flights from East Coast airports, including Newark, JFK, and even Chicago. You may know that the majority of U.S. to London flights depart in the evening from 6pm to 11pm and arrive at staggered times from early morning until right before noon. There’s a five-hour time difference between the East Coasts and London, so the arrival time can get a bit tricky with an early-evening flight. I was originally going to fly on an 8pm flight on United from Newark Liberty to Heathrow that would get me to the city before 9am. I thought about the prospects of getting to my hotel exhausted, hungry, jet-lagged, and irritable. Instead, since I was traveling on a Sunday, I opted to try an 8:30am flight from Newark to London. This option landed in London at 8:40 pm. Since I was traveling on a Sunday, I didn’t have to forfeit another vacation day so it was really not a hard choice to make. Yes, I did have to pay for another night in a hotel, but it’s worth that cost and here’s why. You'll arrive refreshed  First, your body can stay more on a regular schedule. Sure, it’s a long flight, but daytime flying allows you to arrive in enough time to get to the hotel by 9:30pm, check in to a room that’s sure to be ready, drop your bags, freshen up and head out to a pub for a late snack and

I heard tales of luxury from people about the ritzy MSC Yacht Club, the ship-within-a-ship concept where discerning passengers enjoy their own area of the cruise ship that includes a dedicated restaurant, private lounge, separate pool and sundeck as well as private butlers and concierges to take of any whim while cruising. The elevated Yacht Club boasts priority everything while sailing MSC. I sailed on a four-night cruise on the new MSC Seashore, a glitzy ship with Italian flair intermingled with references to New York City at every turn. Although the ship was well-appointed and had amazing dining, drinking and entertainment venues, and a bountiful Top Sail main buffet, thousands of passengers made the ship feel crowded at times, elevators were slow, and as I strolled through the general pools, they were boisterous and crowded. RECOMMENDED: 10 things about cruising on an adults-only ship that might surprise you Switch gears to MSC Seashore’s Yacht Club, passkey-protected for lucky guests, and is a 180 from the ship’s general spaces. Once you scan your handy Yacht Club wrist badge, or your room key, you’re instantly given entrance to a breathtaking retreat of 131 staterooms and suites. All this luxury does come at a price. Cruise fares will vary based on destination, time of year, and cabin category, but generally speaking you can expect to pay double for the Yacht Club. And from my experience, it’s worth it. Read more about why you should splurge. You’re fast-tracked through