The Best Hotels to Book Near 30th Street Station, Philadelphia

The lush profusion of exotic daylilies, plum-blush annuals and planters dripping with ivy immediately establish the Rittenhouse Hotel as an aesthetic extension of Philadelphia’s historic Rittenhouse Square. Inside the iconic location, crystal chandeliers, plush runners and quiet gold placards maintain a sense of refined elegance – coupled with glass-cased fashions from Boyds. An enclosed garden courtyard and baby grand piano add to its old-world glamour, and nearby icons such as Parc bistro complete the effect. Rittenhouse Hotel has a mix of rooms and condos and serves high tea daily.

A Kimpton hotel, the Palomar shoots above surrounding downtown buildings to offer views of the city from the skyline itself. Established in 1929 and historically known as the Architects Building, the Palomar retains original crown molding and reclaimed tiling – while updating the Art Deco look in its lobby with motion-inspired painting and sculpture and a signature Kimpton-curated playlist. The Palomar has an inclusive pet policy, a yoga mat in every closet and a complimentary wine hour every night from 5pm-6pm – a great opportunity for guests to mingle with one another and with the very knowledgeable hotel staff.

Located on the western side of 17th street – just across from the Hotel Palomar – Sofitel has a more whimsical aesthetic. Like walking into a collage of shape, color and texture, this hotel displays local art and softened lighting that’s a welcome reprieve from the outside. It’s just as close to city draws such as the Barnes Foundation and the bustle of the shopping district but with a more group-friendly appeal. Large glass windows offer good views of downtown, and valet parking is a merciful option.

Located just beside the Benjamin Parkway, the Logan combines Philadelphia curio quirkiness with classic upscale Hilton design – boutique chandeliers shimmer with antique silver gel photographs, and bronze-cast statuettes remind guests of nearby collections at the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art. A rooftop bar offers a complete view of Logan Circle for adults, and the area itself has many family-friendly institutions, including the Academy of Natural Sciences, the beloved Franklin Institute and the magnificent Parkway Central Library.

The Warwick Hotel’s pristine Renaissance-style façade has been a staple on 17th Street since its construction in 1925. The Warwick’s history lays claim to many political candidates and as the headquarters of US presidential campaign efforts – both winning and losing. Described as “an elegant resting place” in the National Register of Historic Places, the Warwick still caters to business leaders and visiting political figures, while featuring chic concept art that considers opposition and unity in the City of Brotherly Love.

The Marriott in downtown Philadelphia has clean, vaguely colonial-style decor that opts for red-and-white modernity while downplaying its impressive spaciousness. It’s a business-casual vibe with open lobbies and a variety of rooms to suit both groups and solo travelers, with easy access to the Philadelphia Convention Center – we’re looking at you, Flower Show lovers – and Reading Terminal Market. There are lots of good people-watching opportunities nearby, and it’s walking distance to Independence Hall – as well as the bonus of the nearby Delaware riverfront for ambitious families eyeing up a 76ers game or the National Seaport Museum.

An ideal site for those seeking access to several of Philly’s cultural attractions, Maj Hotel is located right off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at the end of the residential Fairmount district. Besides easy access to the nearby Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Maj features its own smart hotel app to control lighting, temperature and room access, among other capabilities. With strategically exposed brickwork couching the high-tech vibe, amenities include a gym and self-check-in service, ideal for tech-savvy visitors on a timetable – or looking to attend one of the many events that take place near the museum steps and Fairmount Waterworks during the summer.

This understated newcomer to the Philadelphia hotel scene is indeed a roosting spot for guests. While ROOST has some short-stay rooms available, it offers primarily long-term bookings catering to consulting contracts and those with extended business in the city. To that end, the lounge’s exposed-beam ceiling and recessed leather seating create a homey space for its guests – who can put their feet up by a gas fireplace in the winter and browse books on watches, architecture and mountaineering.