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The Most Budget-Friendly Hotels to Book in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Notary Hotel impresses from the moment you enter the lobby
The Notary Hotel impresses from the moment you enter the lobby | Courtesy of the Notary Hotel Philadelphia / Expedia

The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia is as welcoming a destination as its nickname suggests, and is a place where visitors traveling on a shoestring can stay in ultra-modern complexes or historic buildings without breaking the bank. It’s a compact, walkable city, and there is an immense freedom that comes from exploring its local culture and history. To ease the planning process of your next trip, we’ve selected some of the best cheap hotels in Philadelphia you can enjoy on your budget.

Club Quarters Philadelphia

Budget Hotel, Chain Hotel

The grand dining room at Club Quarters Philadelphia
Courtesy of Club Quarters Philadelphia / Expedia

Rittenhouse Square, one of the most elegant districts in Philadelphia, is home to Club Quarters, whose rooms in its grand red-brick building range from super-compact options to large suites and apartments. The fitness room has all the cardio equipment and weights you could hope for, and the meeting rooms will suit those here on business. Being a budget-friendly hotel option and this close to Downtown Philadelphia makes this place an absolute joy.

The Notary Hotel Philadelphia

Chain Hotel

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

This historic registered building with modernized interiors, across the street from Philadelphia’s City Hall, is impressive from the moment you enter the lobby. Formally part of City Hall, it reflects the same grandeur and has the feel of a luxury hotel. Tasteful throughout, with a fantastic Spanish restaurant, this Philadelphia cheap hotel, with quiet and spacious rooms, offers great views across the city.

Pod Philly Hotel

Budget Hotel

The contemporary dining room at Pod Philly Hotel
Courtesy of Pod Philly Hotel / Expedia

This micro pod hotel in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City is a unique way to stay in Philadelphia, if you don’t mind nesting. Its pods are modern, super-clean and compact, aimed at visitors who are traveling light and enjoy the fact that their room is efficient and comfortable. The large windows in each pod give them a spacious feel despite the compact size, and the Downtown location is a real bonus.

Residence Inn by Marriott Center City

Budget Hotel, Chain Hotel

The modern dining room and lounge at the Residence Inn By Marriott Center City
Courtesy of Residence Inn by Marriott Center City / Expedia

Residence Inn, the wondrously intricate former Market Street bank dating back to 1929, is set next to City Hall, a perfect Downtown location providing most rooms with great views out to the historic center. Rooms at this budget hotel in Philadelphia come with a full-size kitchen which, for families in particular, can be hugely helpful. Set yourself up for a day’s exploring with one of the hotel’s complimentary hot breakfasts, which even by Philly standards are extremely generous.

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Centre City

Budget Hotel, Chain Hotel

Bright indoor pool area with tall windows and city views at Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City
Courtesy of Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City / Expedia

Another choice for a Center City hotel is the Doubletree Hilton on the Avenue of the Arts. Large windows in spacious rooms allow for great views from the top floors, especially in the evenings as the lights come on Downtown. Complimentary breakfast and a great pool and fitness center take things to a whole new level, while each day starts with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie – such things dreams are made of.

Aloft Philadelphia Downtown

Budget Hotel, Chain Hotel

Modern artwork adorns the walls if the chic and spacious lobby at Aloft Philadelphia Downtown
Courtesy of Aloft Philadelphia Downtown / Expedia

Downtown’s Aloft is set within another of Philadelphia’s classic buildings, with many historic destinations within walking distance. This budget-friendly hotel in Philadelphia is converted from a bank, and nods to the 1930s run throughout; selecting a charming corner room will get you Downtown views and amazing light. The bar has a pool table and exceptionally friendly bartenders in what is already a very friendly hotel, and what was originally a bank vault is now a fully equipped gym.

The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square

Hotel

Turquoise armchairs facing brown tables and sofas at the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
Courtesy of the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square / Expedia
Just a stone’s throw from Rittenhouse Square, the Warwick Hotel has an iconic location and significant history. Its rooms and suites have hosted many dignitaries and stars since 1928, and there is a refinement to the architecture, particularly the impressive lobby, that makes it easy to see why. The rooms themselves are spacious and distinctive enough for your stay to feel like a unique experience.

Alexander Inn

Hotel

Art Deco-style room with red accents and city views at Alexander Inn in Philadelphia
Courtesy of Alexander Inn / Expedia
The Alexander Inn lies in the heart of Center City, so anyone looking to explore the city on foot can easily do so. This boutique hotel retains its charm from a bygone era, with mosaic floors, large bay windows, stained glass, fine wood decor and cozy rooms. A quirkiness runs through the hotel, giving it the character many chain hotels lack. Set in the gay district, Alexander Inn is extremely LGBT-friendly, with an openness and warmth that extends to all.

Penn's View Hotel

Hotel

A double twin room at Penns View Hotel with an exposed brick feature wall and breakfast served on a dining table.
Courtesy of Penn's View Hotel / Expedia
Surrounded by the cobbled streets of Old City by the Delaware River, Penn’s View Hotel has a distinct charm that sets it apart from its peers. The rooms at this cheap hotel have real hardwood floors and exposed beams, and some have a fireplace. Their Italian Panorama restaurant boasts an idiosyncratic confidence that you would be hard-pressed to find in most hotels.

Want to discover where else to stay in the city? See our guide to the best pet-friendly hotels in Philadelphia, where to stay in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a local experience, or the best hotels in Philadelphia, and book now on Culture Trip. If you decide to treat yourself after all, check into one of the best luxury hotels in the city.

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