9 Best Boutique Hotels in Philadelphia

Don’t be surprised if, when you check in, you’re offered a goldfish to keep you company in your room. That’s how kitschy the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is, from the goldfish at check-in and coffee pots hanging from ceilings to the rooms with bold velvet, brocade and wildly striped wallpaper, this property is an experience in and of itself.

But Kimpton isn’t just kitschy. It’s sophisticated as well, so much so that you can schedule an appointment with their concierge who will assist in planning your stay in the city.

Before hitting the bricks for sightseeing, tuck into a breakfast of eggs benedict or sweet potato French toast at the hotel’s Red Owl Tavern. At the end of the day, head 11 stories above the city at the hotel’s Status Rooftop Lounge. Here you can sip a Pineapple Express cocktail made with vanilla- infused Absolut vodka, Gifford vanilla de Madagascar, pineapple and pomegranate.

Located in Center City, the Morris House Hotel is an 18th century Federal style building that is designated a National Historic Landmark. The inn’s 17 guest rooms have 10-foot ceilings and tall windows, filling them with light; the décor uses muted colors and simple, elegant furnishings. The house is over 250 years old, but 21st-century ready with WiFi and LG flat screen televisions in all the rooms.

The location of this property is without question one of its strongest amenities. Here you’re within walking distance to historical attractions, including the Reading Terminal Market. Opened in 1893, the market is a cacophony of sights, sounds and scents with vendors selling fresh baked goods, flowers, produce, meats and fresh seafood.

The Chestnut Hill Inn, built in the Gambrel style in 1894, was being used as a speakeasy and bordello in the prohibition era. Over the years it took several renovations for it to regain its original beauty.

The quiet Chestnut Hill neighborhood is s a nice change from the hubbub of the city sounds. Its shady streets are lined with elegant homes and thousands of varieties of plants and flowers cover the 92 acres of green space in the Morris Arboretum.

Chestnut Hill houses 37 guest rooms spread across three buildings: the Main Inn, Carriage House and the Post Office. Several rooms have fireplaces and some are equipped with kitchenettes. A hot breakfast of waffles, eggs, and pastries is served in the main dining room. For lunch and dinner, the on-site Chestnut Grill serves pasta dishes, burgers and sandwiches.

The lobby of the Cambria Philadelphia Downtown Center City is a knockout of mid-century modern design and furnishings. The same goes for the on-site Social Circle Restaurant and Bar. Guest rooms are also decked out in the mid-century feel with minimalist style furnishings. Several rooms are equipped with kitchenettes which is a nice addition for family travelers.

Weary travelers will find that the Cambria is a great place to rest thanks to the relaxing ambiance in the design of the rooms. You’ll find sleek wood and padded headboards with bedside touch control for all room lights. Brought leftovers back after a big dinner? Every room has a refrigerator and microwave so nothing goes to waste.

Housed in a restored four-story building that in a past life was a shop that made caps for Civil War soldiers, Lokal Old City offers six one-and- two bedroom self-catering apartments. In restoring the building, the owners used glass, windows and oak floorings from a local architectural salvage company. The owners, wanting to show support for the city’s artisans have decorated the walls with art by local artists.

The service is technology driven with automated check in and check out. Each apartment comes with an iPad loaded with room service apps. Just tap an app for restaurants, grocery stores, beer and essentials (ice cream, snack food) and to stream music.

Within ear shot of the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University is The Study at University City, ideal for parents visiting their kids in college. The style here is minimalist luxe. Rooms feature beds with Egyptian cotton bed linens, downtown views, and wall safes that fit your laptop. Several guest rooms are equipped with kitchenettes and sleep sofas for larger groups.

The on-site Co-op Restaurant has walls of glass and overhead garage-style doors that open to the sidewalks and offer views of the student-packed neighborhood. Dine on quinoa and salmon salad with dukkah spiced hummus or a burger with smoked cheddar and caramelized onions.

Like its sister property, the Hotel Monaco, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar has an ideal location—this one being in City Center. With its stunning 1929 Art Deco gold-plated front entrance on South 17th Street and its swanky lobby decorated with red, white and blue colored busts of Benjamin Franklin; the Hotel Palomar is all big city chic.

Guest rooms are decorated with sleek furnishings and feature oversized windows offering striking views of the city. The en-suite marble bathrooms have generous amounts of counter space surrounding the sinks.

Your pets will be treated like kings and queens here, showered with gifts of treats, beds, dishes, and food. If you want to leave your dog behind for some sightseeing, you can take advantage of the grooming, pet-sitting and walking services the hotel offers. After a day of sightseeing, relax over dinner in Square 1682, serving dishes prepared with locally raised beef and poultry.

Step outside the hustle and bustle of the city to the Victorian Gables Bed and Breakfast Philadelphia. Skyscrapers are replaced by Norway maple, Japanese cherry, dogwood and crab apple trees. Built in 1889, the house retains its original chestnut and cherry woodwork and oak flooring.

Each of the 10 guest rooms is tastefully decorated with Oriental rugs, antique quilts and period wallpaper and furnishings. Rooms offer either a sitting area in the room with plush club chairs or a three season porch with delicate white wicker settees.

The neighborhood, University City, has tree lined streets studded with 19th century Victorian homes. If you’re an eco-conscious or active traveler, you can hop on a SEPTA (Philly public transit) trolley to reach downtown and the Old City.

If you want a small, intimate place to lay your head, then look no farther than the Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast in University City. Nineteenth-century woodwork runs throughout the inn as do original hardwood floors and stained-glass windows.

Antique oriental rugs and brass, four poster and brocade head boards add to the richness of the small rooms. On the beds are high-count linens, vintage quilts and piles of beautiful throw pillows.

Tucked under the eaves in each room are cozy alcoves outfitted with chairs and ottomans. ideal for curling up with a book. Walnut armoires take the place of closets. Other amenities include desks with Queen Anne chairs, free WiFi and flat screen televisions.