Although best known for its iconic Liberty Bell and other historic sites related to the founding of our country, Philadelphia offers much more than a look at the past. With a dynamic assortment of restaurants, vibrant river life, pumping nightlife scene, world-class zoo, and lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, The City Of Brotherly Love is clearly a town with its sights set on the future.
Museum to City Hall, Philadelphia. Photo: Tony Fischer via Flickr.
When coming up with our list of the five best B&B’s in town, we looked closely at all of these neighborhoods to provide you a diverse list of inns that will not only allow you easy access to Philadelphia’s bustling Center City, but also show you a side of the city many tourists could easily overlook. We compared over 20 bed and breakfasts in Philadelphia on location, amenities and, in particular, on the evaluations received from guests on various review sites. Here are our five picks for Philadelphia Bed and Breakfasts that offer exceptional value for the money and stand out above the rest …
Even though this four-floor Federal style townhouse is located smack-dab in Center City, its location on a quiet, leafy street with charming brick sidewalks means that it’s a true sanctuary. All of the rooms here are actually mini apartments, decorated with all the charm of a B&B — right down to the oriental rugs. It’s a perfect place for people who love the B&B experience but don’t necessarily want to deal with large group breakfasts or having to wake up at a specific time to eat. All the goodies you need to make your own breakfast are included in your room — even those for people with special dietary concerns.
The University City neighborhood, just west of Center Philadelphia crackles with energy, fueled largely by the area’s two major tenants: Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania. But even though there’s a decidedly youthful vibe, the area is filled with lots of genteel 1800’s homes, like the 1865 Victorian that houses the Cornerstone B&B. Billing itself as “a cozy urban inn,” the Cornerstone offers guests six elegantly appointed rooms from which to choose, including a pair of two-room suites. Highlights of the home included seven glorious stained-glass windows and the spectacularly decorated ceiling above the dining room table.
Also located in University City, Spruce Hill Manor offers that rarest of commodities when it comes to city accommodations: outdoor space! The inn’s patio is set against a glowing green lawn where it’s possible to rest and recharge after a day spent visiting Philly’s attractions. There are six graciously furnished rooms, many with fireplaces and chandeliers original to the 1879 Victorian mansion. Even though all rooms have kitchenettes, a continental breakfast with made-to-order eggs is served each morning. While there’s plenty to do in the neighborhood (including checking out a few Iron Chef-run restaurants), access to Center City is quick and easy.
If you’re looking to stay in an authentic Philadelphia neighborhood that’s filled with charm, but is removed from the hustle and bustle of Center City, this B&B makes an excellent base. Located in the Tulpehocken Station Historic District in Northwest Philadelphia, the inn is in a long-established residential neighborhood with all-original brick paving stones right out the front door. There are four bedrooms that are well-decorated and extremely reasonably priced, and the innkeeper is happy to share her passion for the city with you, helping you have a grand time in town. Access to Center City is only a short train ride away, with the station just 10 minutes from the inn.
With 21 rooms to choose from, this largest bed and breakfast in Philadelphia offers something for everyone. Spread over three adjoining buildings, there are B&B rooms, full apartments with kitchens and even two rooms with decks, offering guests the chance to get fresh air smack dab in the heart of Center City, minutes from Philly’s fun and funky South Street. High ceilings add a sense of spaciousness throughout the inn and most of the queen beds are set off by beautiful headboards: from vintage wooden Victorian to iron and brass filigree styles. Breakfast is taken in your own room with coffee, tea, baked goods, hot and cold cereals and milk provided.
