Philadelphia is a city known for its vast history and surplus of art, and that presence extends into the city’s hotels. From historic accommodations to unique experiences, these hotels transform visits into memorable highlights of any trip.

Historic Hotels

As a city of the Revolution, Philadelphia is home to many storied buildings now housing historic hotels. Located in a historic rowhome that once housed the New Century Guild — the renowned women’s empowerment organization — the Guild House Hotel features 12 elegantly designed suites inspired by influential women and collaborates with local woman-owned businesses to continue the Guild’s legacy of empowerment. 

The landmark Loews Philadelphia was one of the first modern skyscrapers in the U.S. and the second U.S. building with air conditioning. The Loews preserved the former Philadelphia Savings Fund Society building’s Art Deco banking room as an event space with original features like the bank safe, Cartier clocks, and marble finishes. 

The Notary Hotel, Autograph Collection, a boutique hotel in Philadelphia, occupies the historic 1926 City Hall Annex. Originally a place for notarizing documents, it preserves many original details and encourages guests to leave their mark on the city, embodying the theme of a notary or “stamp of approval.”

Artistic Hotels

For art lovers, Philadelphia is a blank canvas for guests to explore the city’s arts and culture hub and stay in similar style. With more than 1,800 original works, The Logan is more like an art museum that lets you sleep over. The hotel’s extensive collection has a Philadelphia focus, featuring works of art by and about the city. 

At the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia, local artists are prominently featured both inside and out, as the facade boasts a 22-story mural by Mural Arts Philadelphia. Guests can end their day with a toast to the arts at the hotel’s ArtBar.

Hotel Palomar, situated in the former Philadelphia headquarters of the American Institute of Architects, showcases preserved Art Deco architecture alongside contemporary local artwork displayed throughout its common areas and guest rooms.

One-of-a-Kind Experiences 

In Philadelphia, hotels go beyond the standard services. They offer one-of-a-kind experiences that amplify any stay.

The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown opened Liberty Lanes, a duckpin bowling alley and pool hall where families can play a game and enjoy bar-food favorites. 

Perched 49 floors above Philadelphia, the W’s “Extreme Wow” suite blends local flair with luxurious details like bespoke bedspreads adorned with landmarks and a playful homage to Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, creating a rock star’s dream pad complete with a D.J. booth and a spinning bed. 

Shannon Maldonado transformed her Yowie lifestyle store into the Yowie Hotel, a pop-art paradise recognized on Travel + Leisure’s 2024 It List. Each room in this boutique hotel offers a distinct, artsy vibe, ensuring guests enjoy an authentic Philadelphia experience complemented by custom-curated itineraries tailored to individual tastes. 

Check out the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau’s hotel search tool to discover more unique hotels in Philadelphia. The “Where to Stay” page lets visitors filter hotels by neighborhood, lodging type, and tags such as “diverse-owned” and “historic.”