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The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Philadelphia, USA

High ceilings, grand Ionic columns and lashings of marble characterize the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
High ceilings, grand Ionic columns and lashings of marble characterize the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia | Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia / Expedia

The key to much of the history of the US, with some of its most beautiful architecture, Philly makes for a fascinating, arty and foodie city break. Lavish hotels occupy glamorous listed buildings and glossy, glassy skyscrapers, with a compact city center meaning you’re usually a short walk to world-beating museums, galleries and restaurants. A demanding business and culture crowd means standards are high, so expect nothing less than the best with these hotels, all bookable with Culture Trip.

The Notary Hotel, for a Philly landmark

Chain Hotel

The luxurious lobby of the Notary Hotel with chandeliers and marble floors
Courtesy of The Notary Hotel, Autograph Collection / Expedia

A former City Hall Annex, the iconic 1926 building that houses this luxury hotel in Philadelphia is on the city’s Register of Historic Places. Government business has been replaced by civil service of a different kind, with the Notary Hotel offering posh accommodation in the center of town. Mixing the historic with the contemporary, you’ll find original marble floors and brass moldings mingling with slick latter-day décor for a sense of classic grandeur with a modern touch.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, for urban chic

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia colourful yet tasteful lounge
Courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia / Expedia
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia manages to pull off a rare feat – combining the spirit of the vibrant Center City neighborhood with the laid-back allure of an urban retreat. As you settle into this art deco-inspired boutique hotel, you’ll discover an ambiance that’s sophisticated, but with a big dollop of Philly sense of humor – best summed up by the three brightly-colored busts of Benjamin Franklin in the living room.

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia, for quirky cool

Chain Hotel

Quirky room at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia with city view
Courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia / Expedia

Proudly Philly, embracing both the city’s rich history and its quirks, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia has 268 comfortable guest rooms, a stunning ballroom and a celebrated neighborhood restaurant. What really sums up the sense of fun here, though, is the rooftop lounge Stratus with its lush green walls and leather couches you could sink into for days. Whether you are starting the evening with chef-crafted small plates or finishing a night out with curated cocktails, it’s a seriously cool place to hang out.

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, for elegant grandeur

Chain Hotel

Wood-panelled restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia / Expedia

High ceilings, grand Ionic columns and lashings of marble characterize this beyond-elegant hotel, set in an old neoclassical bank. Rooms echo the classic cream-and-gold hues you’ll see downstairs, with this city’s historic architecture seen from every window. For dinnertime, Aqimero makes the most of the building’s palatial features. Drop in for mouthwatering margaritas and shrimp tacos in its glitzy setting.

Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center, for killer views

Hotel

The indoor infinity pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows at the Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center
Courtesy of Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center / Expedia

Philadelphia’s tallest building, the Norman Foster-designed Comcast Center, huddles together like a deck of cards mid-shuffle. At its very top, bagging the killer views is the Four Seasons, flooded with light and looking down on the tops of other skyscrapers. On the 57th floor is a curvaceously-designed spa, with its smooth-edged design echoed in rooms with standalone, egg-shaped baths and mid-century modern furniture in mushroom and taupe.

The Rittenhouse Hotel, for sheer glamor

Hotel

The fine-dining restaurant at the Rittenhouse
Courtesy of the Rittenhouse / Expedia
Set on (and named for) one of the leafy, historic squares for which Philadelphia is famous, this is a luxury hotel that emanates character. This is courtesy of its book-stacked lounge with a fireplace, an enchanting, greenery-filled courtyard and one of the best spas in the city. Bedrooms are given a glam sheen by glossy golden walls and upholstered bed frames, but it’s an old-school brand of luxury, rather than cutting-edge, design.

Fitler Club, for wellness in style

Boutique Hotel

Fitler Clubs bowling alley with black and white photography on the walls
Courtesy of Fitler Club / Expedia

This member’s club-with-rooms has a smart, masculine hipster look, with framed black-and-white photography on the walls and bold geometric sheets on the beds. Alongside a relaxed location by the city’s Schuylkill River, its facilities are first-class: a fully kitted-out health club with a 75ft (23m) pool, a speakeasy-vibes bar and restaurant, and an alluring patio bar lit by smoldering fire pits. With just 14 rooms, the overnight crowd feels intimate and exclusive.

The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton, for luxurious suites

Chain Hotel

The quirky bar-lounge at The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton with wall art and colorful furniture
Courtesy of The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton / Expedia

This approachable, modern stay has smart doubles and suites with crisp, white beds, color-pop cushions and Rorschach-style inky art. At the top end, some of the more luxurious suites have pool tables, grand pianos, or playrooms with bunk beds for kids. Location-wise, you’re a short walk from sightseeing spots such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art (with the Rocky Steps), the Rodin Museum and the 19th-century Reading Terminal Market.

Sofitel Philadelphia, for chic simplicity

Chain Hotel

Elegant lounge of the Sofitel Philadelphia with chandeliers
Courtesy of Sofitel Philadelphia / Expedia
This branch of the Sofitel chain is more about leisure than work – with simply-designed rooms brightened up by locally inspired art (paintings of Rodin’s sculptures, abstract maps) and a stylish, curvaceous lobby decked out with fresh flowers and candle-lit storm lanterns. Close to Philly’s designer boutiques and fine-dining establishments, this is the kind of smart, international hotel where everything runs like clockwork.

The Bellevue Hotel, for wedding-cake ostentation

Hotel

The opulent XIX Cameo Room, part of XIX Restaurant, at the Bellevue Hotel
Courtesy of The Bellevue Hotel / Expedia

An elaborate Renaissance Revival building dating back to 1904, this wedding-magnet hotel has a Grand Ballroom, a Tiffany jewelry boutique and a 19th-floor restaurant presided over by a chandelier like a giant pearl necklace. Rooms aren’t super-high-concept but they are spacious and comfy, with plump upholstered headboards and snuggly throws. Book XIX restaurant’s decadent brunch for crab cake eggs benedict and champagne cocktails on tap.

Want to discover where else to stay in the city? See our guide to the best hotels in Philadelphia, and book now on Culture Trip.

Pierre de Villiers contributed additional reporting to this article.

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