The Best Boutique Hotels in Philadelphia

This elegant 1894 property befits the city’s leafy northwestern enclave whose name it bears. Along boutique-lined Germantown Avenue, the 36-room hotel is more than an overnight; it’s also a quiet hub of neighborhood activity, thanks to the nearby Market at the Fareway (a farmers market-meets-food hall), and Chestnut Grill, a lunch-through-late night American bistro. Rooms onsite are contemporary in feel and function, with Victorian touches. Offerings in the charming Carriage House building include reclaimed woodwork and real fireplaces, while the Post Office building has a 1950s pop-culture vibe — with Andy Warhol-inspired décor — plus kitchenettes in some rooms.

The very first hotel to come to Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood, ROOST Kelly Drive overlooks the scenic Schuylkill River, bordered by miles of trails perfect for waterfront walks, runs and bike rides. Especially lovely for extended stay trips, the hotel touts 33 modern apartment-style units (in addition to 100-plus actual apartments) and a ton of amenities, including a stylish second-floor riverfront pool deck, a 24-hour concierge service, and in-unit washers and dryers. The property is located just a short drive from Center City, Manayunk, City Avenue and Conshohocken.

This contemporary hotel maintains a cool, industrial feel complete with exposed brick walls, tons of natural light pouring in from factory-style windows, and hanging light fixtures and other decor that harken back to its days as a working warehouse. Within its four walls, the property offers amenities that vacationers and work travelers alike appreciate — in-room smart mirrors, a 24-hour fitness center and an on-property cafe serving an excellent brunch. Outside of its doors, popular museums and attractions are all within walking distance, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation and The Franklin Institute.

Inspired by architectural influences from cities like Milan and Copenhagen, this ultra-modern invisible service hotel sports custom-made furniture, curated artwork from Denmark, visually striking decor and, of course, plenty of archways. Rooms include live plants, assorted books and luxury items such as Aesop skincare, Dyson electronics, Frette linens and more. Guests also get complimentary day passes to nearby City Fitness, as well as convenient access to the award-winning restaurant Suraya (with priority reservation options available when booking your stay), as well as the neighborhood favorite R&D Cocktail Bar.

The brand-new Hotel Anna & Bel invites guests into a property dating back to 1769, once the former Penn Asylum for Indigent Widows & Single Women and one of the city’s earliest retirement homes. The 50-room Fishtown hotel offers apartment-style accommodations — each with distinct layouts, in-room wet bars, century-old wallpaper, exposed brick and private balconies (in select rooms). Additional amenities include an interior courtyard, a heated pool, a sauna, a fitness space and two restaurant concepts: Bastia, a standalone all-day Mediterranean cafe and restaurant from chef-partner Tyler Akin, and Caletta, a poolside lounge with cocktails and Italian-style light bites.

Lokal Hotel’s trendy Fishtown location sports six loft apartments, each named in local jargon — from the massive Baller Jawn to the oasis-like Garden Jawn. Each room, designed in collaboration with 30 local makers, features modern wooden furniture, open shelving, earth-tone pottery and original art. The spacious, naturally lit spaces also offer full kitchens (with ovens), automated “invisible service” check-in, state-of-the-art sound absorbing insulation, in-room iPads with service-driven concierge apps, and smart TVs equipped with HBO and Netflix.

Perched along the Delaware River in Fishtown, the Riversuites at The Battery offers gorgeous views of nearby Penn Treaty Park, glimpses of the riverfront and easy access to Philadelphia’s first casino. Formerly a massive power plant that powered nearly half of the city, the National Historic Landmark boasts powerful Beaux-Arts classical revival-style architecture and 62 apartment-style accommodations ranging from king and queen suites (some with chic patios!) to bi-level luxury lofts. Each stay includes a full in-suite kitchenette, access to the property’s indoor basketball court and pool table, and complimentary around-the-clock shuttle service to Rivers Casino’s seven restaurants and expansive gaming floor.

The four well-appointed living spaces above Fishtown’s acclaimed Wm. Mulherin’s Sons restaurant — carved out of a 19th-century whiskey bottling factory — offer perfectly individualized accommodations. They feature moody custom wallpaper, high industrial ceilings, wood slab headboards, full kitchens with Mauviel cookware and poured concrete countertops, plus top-notch amenities in rainfall showers, washer/dryers, blackout shades and Aesop soaps. And those are just standard. Room One has a record collection and a custom-made audio console, while Room Four has a clawfoot soaking tub inside an original restored safe.

One of the largest extended-stay hotels from Philly-based Method Co. also feels the most apartment-like. Each of the 60 sleek pet-friendly apartments (one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den and two-bedroom) has hardwood floors, a full kitchen, vintage rugs, a washer/dryer and access to an amenity floor with a 24-hour fitness center, a private screening room, a community vegetable garden and a lending library. Other perks: an outdoor terrace with a fire pit, a dog run and a children’s play area, plus a rooftop deck with a heated 20-meter lap pool.

The Independence Park Hotel is just steps away from the Museum of the American Revolution and a six-minute walk from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Historic in its own right, the boutique hotel is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. High ceilings and a beautiful lobby fireplace are reminders of the past, while the large rooms offer all the amenities you’d expect. The hotel is also conveniently close to some of Philly’s top fine-dining restaurants, including Forsythia, a lauded French-fusion bistro, and Amada, chef Jose Garces’ famed Spanish tapas bar. Other perks: an onsite bookstore, board games in the lobby and free hot breakfast every day.

Made up of six airy, serene apartments, the Lokal Hotel in Old City introduced invisible service hotels to Philly. While the lodging’s aesthetic feel and amenities are the main draw — tall industrial windows, in-room laundry, full kitchens, ocean-blue kitchen cabinetry, mid-century vintage furnishings, etc. — each loft’s tiny nuances make every stay special. The apartment-style rooms are all named after famous Philadelphians, and some include fun additions like clawfoot tubs. Nearby: art galleries, independent shops, critically acclaimed dining and essential U.S. history.

This charming 51-room hotel soaks in all the hustle and bustle of Old City, while being located just far enough away to feel like a private getaway. Penn’s View’s rooms are known for their romantic flair, with some offering a private balcony and a fireplace. Downstairs, Panorama is known for its pasta and wine selection, along with its 120-tap cruvinet (wine dispensing) system — the world’s largest according to the Guinness Book of World Records. There are also multiple private event spaces, including an intimate wine cellar.

The road to reinventing this 192-year-old oyster cellar (and also former print house, Civil War recruiting station and 1950s longshoreman flophouse) as a boutique hotel was a journey, to say the least. (See all the twists and turns for yourself here.) What stands today is a timeless treat for history lovers, design aficionados and families alike. The hotel’s 15 rooms — king, queen and perfect-for-kids bunk accommodations — are modern respites after days spent exploring historic Old City. For keen design eyes, restored or recreated original elements like the barroom windows, neon gas sign and vintage 19th-century floral wallpaper pay tribute to the hotel’s storied past.

Feeling very much like an elegant private residence, this 11-room brownstone in Philly’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood features cozy amenities like ultra-soft Matouk linens, deep soaking tubs and Turkish cotton towels. The hotel also showcases Pollock-esque artwork and vintage brasserie posters — which add a contemporary air to the traditional, luxurious décor — as well as a large private garden space and chef’s kitchen, making it a perfect venue for small weddings, showers and special events.

Located behind an instantly recognizable red door near Rittenhouse Square, each of the 20 accommodations in this 20th-century carriage house-turned-luxury hotel takes inspiration from a different person, place or era in history. Not a detail is spared in creating a bedroom or suite reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden age or a Pablo Picasso masterpiece. That level of detail continues behind an unmarked door leading to the hotel’s Art Deco-inspired bar, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company. Paying homage to the Prohibition era with a moody, vintage vibe and innovative cocktail program, the bar was named one of the best speakeasies in America by Architectural Digest.

Opened in 2019, this expansive private lifestyle club overlooking the Schuylkill River offers members and hotel guests access to cuisine complemented by stunning views, a vast fitness center and a posh games lounge (with a film screening room!), along with chic design and original modern art. Fourteen suites — nine queen and king rooms, three king lofts, and two spacious master suits — offer a modern aesthetic and midcentury flourishes such as rotary phones and classic alarm clocks.

Built in the roaring ’20s, the elegant Charles S.W. Packard Building houses the city’s first ROOST hotel, a stylish apartment-style hotel with extended-stay accommodations. The rooms at ROOST Midtown are clad in midcentury-inspired furnishings and artwork, with herringbone hardwood floors, plants, full kitchens, 4K televisions with Apple TV and more home-y comforts in each of the 27 rooms. Bonus: It’s pet-friendly.

What first began as a home and lifestyle shop in 2016 has blossomed into a boutique hotel, shop and cafe, founded by Shannon Maldonado. The hip South Street hotel offers 15 suites with highly curated and undeniably cool decor, plus small and memorable touches, including hand-written notes from the staff highlighting their nearby Philly faves. Yowie’s attached cafe and storefront are stocked with design-forward home goods, jewelry, books and apparel.

At the end of a tree-lined block on Spruce Street, the Alexander Inn stands out for its value and options. The property’s 48 rooms range from simple single twin to deluxe king. Each has a private bath and details such as stained-glass windows, interior oak molding and exterior terracotta detailing. The hotel is also a short walk from both South Street and Philadelphia’s Historic District, offering plenty of restaurants and attractions to choose from. Plus, each night guests can stop by the hotel lobby for complimentary wine and snacks during an evening social.

Opened in 2021, this invisible-service boutique property in a National Historic Landmark building belonged to — and honors — the New Century Guild, a 19th-century working women’s group comprised of abolitionists, suffragettes, activists, educators, poets and artists. The rooms and suites — 12 in total — are named after Guild members, each adorned with furniture, art and more tied to a different member’s story, from the lush greenery and botanical prints of Guild founder Eliza Turner’s junior suite to the soaring ceiling and luxury fabrics of NAACP founding member Florence Kelley’s king salon.

Originally built in 1787, this Georgian-style manse and National Historic Landmark hotel — located one block from Independence National Historical Park — honors its heritage with 18th-century-inspired décor including the original heart pine floors, and timeless amenities such as complimentary grab-and-go breakfast and afternoon tea and cookies. Seventeen units total adjoin the hotel’s expansive garden — ranging from standard rooms to luxury extended-stay suites, including a renovated wedding suite — which makes the hotel a prime destination for special events.