15 Best Cheap Philadelphia Hotels: Charming Boutique Hotels & Hostels from Downtown to Fishtown!

Philadelphia is annually named one of the greatest US cities to visit for its incredible culture and historic landmarks. With all of its iconic attractions and tourist destinations, lodging in the city can be expensive. This list highlights the top 15 cheap hotels in Philly, all conveniently located in safe neighborhoods! 

1. Alexander Inn: Cheap Philly Hotel with Best Service

  • Starting at $132/night

Quaint yet classy, the Alexander Inn is one of Philadelphia’s best-hidden gems. Located less than a mile from the famed Liberty Bell, this is a budgetary diamond you’ll be hard-pressed to find in other big cities. 

With customer service that is second to none, you won’t only find your stay as hospitable as possible, but it also includes some of the best and friendliest services of any hotel in Philly. Oh, and guess what? Alexander Inn is also pet friendly!

Amenities:

  • Free breakfast
  • Parking available
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Pet-friendly
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.5
  • Expedia.com 9.0
  • Hotels.com 9.0

Overall Score: 8.7

2. Morris House Hotel: Best Historic Cheap Hotel in Philadelphia

  • Starting at $129/night

It can be better to avoid rolling with a national hotel chain when you’re looking for affordability. Sometimes you get lucky and find that lodging diamond such as Morris House Hotel, a 15-room boutique hotel in a landmark building that comes equipped with a lovely garden and uniquely decorated rooms. The ambiance alone makes this historic stay one of the best cheap hotels in Philly!

Morris House is another rare hotel offering afternoon tea with homemade cookies, delicious ones at that. There are no elevators at the old Morris House, but the floors are accessible by stairs and each room has a view of either the city or the garden (or both).

Amenities:

  • Parking available
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Meeting Facilities

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 9.1
  • Expedia.com 9.4
  • Hotels.com 9.4

Overall Score: 9.2

3. The Maj Hotel: Best Modern Cheap Hotel in Philly

  • Starting at $129/night

If you seek that modern, upscale look in your lodging choice, then The Maj Hotel will suit you and your budget splendidly. You’ll immediately feel hip when you step inside your contemporary room at the Maj, and you won’t regret one minute after your first lovely night of sleep (their beds are phenomenal).

Set in a giant brick building, the Maj is another fabulously located around many of Philadelphia’s highlights. Only a 10-minute walk away is the Philadelphia Museum of Art and then you can do your best Rocky Balboa on the famous Rocky Steps on the way back.

Amenities: 

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Accessible
  • Air-conditioned
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kid-friendly

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.7
  • Expedia.com 9.2
  • Hotels.com 9.2

Overall Score: 9.0

4. Home2 Suites: Most Spacious Cheap Hotel in Philadelphia

  • Starting at $128/night

Across the street from the Philadelphia Convention Center, Home2 Suites Philadelphia Convention Center is a beautiful deal with its big rooms and free breakfast. There is also a small convenience store that sells snacks and drinks if needed. Aside from premium amenities, Home2 Suites also secured its spot on our list of top Philadelphia cheap hotels because of its stellar location. 

Within a mile are the Betsy Ross House, African American Museum, and Philadelphia City Hall. Making your stay at Home2 Suites Philadelphia Convention Center puts you a mere 600 feet from Jefferson Train station. You can get anywhere by train or just spend the day walking a mile radius of Home2 Suites Convention Center and you’ll have more to do than time to do it in.

Amenities:

  • Free breakfast
  • Free WiFi
  • Pet friendly
  • Gym
  • Kitchen
  • Non-smoking

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 7.5
  • Expedia.com 8.2
  • Hotels.com 8.2

Overall Score: 8.0

5. The Warwick: Best Cheap Hotel in Rittenhouse Square

  • Starting at $139/night

At Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square, you’re automatically dropped into one of the best locations you can be in as a visitor to Philly. Center City is where you’ll be and the Warwick will make you want to extend your stay with it as it’s a modernized four-star hotel at an affordable rate. 

With the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and The Franklin Insitute of Science within a mile’s distance, you’ll have plenty to do. When you’re relaxing at the hotel, expect exceptional service from the staff. The Warwick also has the added advantage of being pet-friendly plus their solid free breakfast makes it one of the best cheap hotels in downtown Philly.

Amenities:

  • Free WiFi
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Restaurant
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.0
  • Expedia.com 8.0
  • Hotels.com 8.0

Overall Score: 8.0

6. Courtyard by Marriott: Best Cheap Hotels for Families in Philly

  • Starting at $134/night

Sure, it’s a national chain but Courtyard by Marriot Philadelphia City Avenue is a clean, friendly, well-run, and affordable hotel. This is one of the best cheap Philly hotels for families or anyone planning to rent a car with Courtyard Philadelphia City Avenue a few miles from the big tourist attractions. It doesn’t matter because this is one of the best bangs for your buck in Philly.

While you’re not going to get the homey vibe you’d get from boutique hotels, what you do get with Courtyard Philadelphia City Avenue is dependability. There’s a train station nearby along with historical landmarks like Strawberry Mansion and Laurel Hill Cemetery. You’re also within a five-mile drive of cool stuff like the Mutter Museum and the Philadelphia Zoo.

Amenities:

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Restaurant
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 7.9
  • Expedia.com 8.0
  • Hotels.com 8.0

Overall Score: 8.0

7. Hotel Wyndham: Best Cheap Hotel in Philly’s Historic District

  • Starting at $124/night 

Another chain hotel but a good one, Hotel Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District is another top choice for cheap hotels in Philly. The rooms are comfortable whether you have to work from your room on business or are returning from a long day sightseeing and, in the warmer months, there’s a rooftop pool for guests to enjoy.

You have Center City within walking distance not to mention Adventure Aquarium is a 10-minute drive away, definitely worth a visit if you have children or love animals. You’re also in luck because Fork, perhaps the best brunch place in all of Philadelphia, is only a few blocks away on foot. They make a hell of a good dinner too.

Amenities:

  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Gym
  • Air conditioning
  • Microwave

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 7.7
  • Expedia.com 8.0
  • Hotels.com 8.0

Overall Score: 7.9

8. Four Points: Best Cheap Hotel with On-Site Dining in Philly 

  • Starting at $112/night

The Four Points Philadelphia City Center is a fantastic value for anyone visiting that prefers to be in the heart of the city. You’re bound to get as clean of a room as you’ll find in the city at Four Points City Center. A fitness center is available as well as a mini fridge if you request one from the front desk.

Technically, you won’t even need transportation at this location because you have a gazillion options within a mile of Four Points. If you’re interested in history there’s Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Betsy Ross House while readers and writers alike should check out the Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site.

With convenient on-site dining, reliable transportation options, and iconic city landmarks within walking distance, the Four Points has proven itself to be one of the best cheap hotels in Center City, Philadelphia! 

Amenities:

  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Gym
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 7.8
  • Expedia.com 7.6
  • Hotels.com 7.6

Overall Score: 7.7

9. Holiday Inn Express: Best Cheap Hotel in Midtown Philadelphia

Starting at $127/night

The Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Midtown location is a huge steal if there are rooms available. Not only are the rooms spacious, clean, and updated, but you get a free breakfast buffet every morning. Holiday Inn Express Midtown also has an outdoor pool for those warmer months.

We haven’t even mentioned the location yet. Smack in the middle of Philadelphia, you’re surrounded by the Liberty Bell, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the Avenue of the Arts. Far more is nearby. Do not miss out on Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia-Midtown because the price is right.

Amenities:

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast included
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Business services

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 7.9
  • Expedia.com 8.8
  • Hotels.com 8.8

Overall Score: 8.5

10. Hilton Garden Inn: Best Cheap Hotel in Center City, Philadelphia

  • Starting at $132/night

Hilton Garden Inn Center City provides excellent bang for your buck at this particular location, a stone’s throw from historic Philadelphia. In fact, you’re exactly 550 feet from Reading Terminal Market, an awesome indoor farmer’s market people from all over the city converge upon for great local produce and grocery goods.

Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows to give you great shots of the city. Breakfast is made-to-order at the Garden Grill & Bar and there’s a fitness center on-site if you need to get a workout in. You might need it because the scrumptious Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe is right nearby at the Reading Terminal for your sweet fix.

Between the wonderful location and consistently high-rated amenities, there is no doubt that the Hilton Garden Inn is one of the best cheap hotels in downtown Philadelphia! 

Amenities:

  • Free WiFi
  • Pet-friendly
  • Gym
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.1
  • Expedia.com 8.4
  • Hotels.com 8.4

Overall Score: 8.2

11. Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel: Best Cheap Hotel for Historic Sightseeing in Philly

Starting at $119/night

Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel is a top-notch hotel at an affordable price if you can even find a room. With your stay there, you get complimentary breakfast but best of all is the afternoon tea and snacks, which are surprisingly delightful. The staff also goes out of their way to be as welcoming as possible to accommodate any of your needs.

Located in Philadelphia’s government and corporate district, you’ll be close to the Benjamin Franklin Court and National Constitution Center, a must-see for history buffs. If you’re planning to get around the city and don’t want to rent a car, you’re in luck because the subway is less than 1000 feet away.

Amenities:

  • Free breakfast
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Gym
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.9
  • Expedia.com 8.8
  • Hotels.com 8.8

Overall Score: 8.8

12. The Philadelphia Hotel Bella Vista: Best Cheap Hotel Suites in Philly

  • Starting at $150/night

Independent, boutique, and woman-owned, the Hotel Bella Vista provides each guest with their own unique art collection for each room. The uniquely furnished rooms come with antique furniture and the warm, fabulous staff is a reason why Hotel Bella Vista is on the higher end of our cheap list.

Crisp and clean, the high ceilings make the rooms feel even more spacious. That you’re lodging in an old converted townhouse only adds to the charm of Hotel Bella Vista. South Street is nearby and you’re surrounded by a litany of great restaurants, including Angelo’s Pizzeria, which you can technically eat for every meal, it’s that good.

Amenities:

  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Lounge area
  • Bathtub

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.2
  • Expedia.com 8.2
  • Hotels.com 8.2

Overall Score: 8.2

13. Penn’s View Hotel: Best Cheap Hotel in Old City, Philadelphia

  • Starting at $154/night

If you can find a room at Penn’s View Hotel, a wonderfully elegant and desired budget-friendly, you’re in for a treat. Not only is it exquisite but its price and central location make this hotel one of the tops in the entire city of Philadelphia no matter your budget. Its authentic feeling will have you feeling like you’re staying inside a piece of history.

Amenities:

  • Free WiFi
  • Gym
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Bathtub

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.8
  • Expedia.com 9.0
  • Hotels.com 9.0

Overall Score: 8.9

14. Sonder The Arco: Best Cheap Hotel for Couples in Philly

  • Starting at $154/night

Right in the heart of Center City, Sonder The Arco is the modernized hotel that you can’t believe is within your budget. Comfy beds give you a good night’s rest and you don’t even have to leave the building for dinner with the fabulous Italian restaurant Little Nonna’s on the ground floor. With such a romantic eatery attached, it’s no wonder the hotel is ranked highly for couples in particular!

Housed in a charming Colonial-style building, the 24-room Sonder is also a gateway to Philadelphia’s best offerings. Landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall plus you’re less than three miles from the Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in the US. If you’re lucky enough to grab a room at Sonder, your trip to Philly is already a success.

Amenities:

  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 8.1
  • Expedia.com 8.4
  • Hotels.com 8.4

Overall Score: 8.3

15. Club Quarters Hotel: Best Cheap Hotel Accommodations in Philadelphia

  • Starting at $152/night

Comforting in an old-fashioned way, Club Quarters Hotel provides travelers with the peacefulness of feeling at home. Don’t expect a post-modernistic or modern hotel as this lodge aims to make your stay as pleasant as possible without the bells and whistles. Clean and cozy, the rooms are the perfect nesting spot whether it’s back from a long day out or lingering around. 

Loaner iPads are available along with mini-fridges upon request. Highlighting your stay will be the fantastic array of restaurants within walking distance such as The Dandelion, Abe Fisher, and Gran Caffe L’Aquila. With all of its wonderful amenities, it’s no wonder the Club Quarters Hotel is one of the top-rated cheap hotels in Philadelphia! 

Amenities:

  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Pet-friendly
  • Gym
  • Non-smoking
  • Air conditioning

Ratings (Out of 10)

  • Booking.com 7.7
  • Expedia.com 8.0
  • Hotels.com 8.0

Overall Score: 7.9

That completes our list of the top 15 hotels in Philadelphia with cheap rates, ideal locations, and reliable amenities! Be sure to head on over to Booking.com to book your stay today and get your next trip to Philly started on the right foot. 

    • A writer, educator, and sports nut, Aaron Kahle was born in Philadelphia where his fondest memories are drives around the different parts of the city with his aunt as a kid. South Philly and Center City are two of his favorite spots in town. When he’s not writing, Aaron is watching sports. Fly, Eagles, fly!

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