Also known as Center City, Philadelphia’s bustling downtown is a mix of historic landmarks and glistening skyscrapers – not to mention plenty of affordable places to stay.
(Photo: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown / Courtesy Booking.com)
Spanning the area between the Delaware and the Schuylkill rivers to the east and west and Spring Garden Street to South Street to the north and south, Philly’s downtown district is a popular base for visitors to the city, owing to its glut of attractions. The neighbourhood caters to them with a wide choice of accommodation options, including several that will leave you with plenty to spend on the many entertainment and cultural sights on your doorstep. Here are 5 of downtown’s best cheap hotels.
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
A high-rise hotel in the heart of downtown, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown features a range of amenities including two on-site restaurants, a Starbucks café, an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a business centre. Guest rooms are designed in warm, traditional style and come with a flat-screen TV, a minifridge and a coffee-maker. You can also upgrade to a room that includes lounge access where complimentary breakfasts and snacks are served daily. Reading Terminal Market, a historic indoor farmer’s market dating back to 1893, is just seconds away from the hotel. From $178 per night.
Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City
(Photo: Residence Inn by Marriott Philadelphia Center City / Courtesy Booking.com)
Regular evening social events with drinks and appetisers at this affordable hotel, located just steps from Reading Terminal Market, make it a popular accommodation choice for those who like to relax and socialise after a long day’s sightseeing. There are also two lounges, a bar, an exercise room, a business centre and complimentary buffet breakfasts, as well as on-site conveniences including grocery shopping services, a laundry and an ATM machine. Guest rooms are equipped with a TV, with studios and suites also offering kitchen facilities and separate living and dining areas. Valet is available for a surcharge. From $167 per night.
Cambria Hotel
Set in downtown’s Rittenhouse Row district catches the eye as soon as you enter with its reception backed by a colourful mosaic and a spiral staircase in the lobby area. Venture further into its confines and you’ll discover a rooftop restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and a dining area where breakfast is served each morning. Guest rooms are warmly decorated and feature a flat-screen TV, a desk, a sitting area and a microwave. For business travellers, Pennsylvania Convention Center is a few minutes away on foot. From $126 per night.
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
(Photo: Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center / Courtesy Booking.com)
As the name suggests, the Hampton Inn’s close proximity to the city’s Convention Center makes it a popular business hotel. But there’s plenty here for all guests, regardless of their reason for visiting, including an on-site bar and lounge and a fitness centre. Complimentary hot breakfasts are served each morning and there’s also 24-hour front desk. Guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a work desk and you can also request that minifridges and microwaves be placed in situ for the duration of your stay. From $131 per night.
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
A seasonal rooftop pool, an on-site restaurant and a fitness centre are among the notable facilities at this contemporary hotel in the Historic District of downtown. For guests arriving in their own transport, there’s also private parking available for a surcharge. Standard guest rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a coffee-maker, and upgraded rooms and suites are augmented by minifridges, microwaves and separate living areas. The famous landmarks of Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are just up the road. From $116 per night.