Best Luxury Hotels in Center City, Philadelphia

This 116-room luxury property has a prime location in the downtown area of Center City overlooking Rittenhouse Square. Its spacious rooms and suites have traditional furniture and modern amenities like iPod docks, though not all rooms have coffeemakers. The indoor pool and gorgeous spa are highlights, and the latter features a salon and sauna. The renowned fine dining at Lacroix, and afternoon tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room, are popular among guests. Although valet parking is pricey and breakfast isn't free, the hotel is among Philadelphia's most luxurious options. For a luxury property near tourist attractions, only the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia can compete.

The 230-room Palomar near Rittenhouse Square Park is one of the city's chicest boutiques, with bold, sleek style, excellent service, and contemporary rooms with plush, comfortable beds. The Palomar delivers the Kimpton chain's typical thoughtful extras -- an open-arms pet policy, a hopping nightly wine hour, free morning coffee and tea -- and the location on South 17th street is near some of the city's best restaurants, bars, and shopping. In Philadelphia, only Le Meridien offers a comparable boutique experience.

The Loews Philadelphia Hotel occupies a historic 1932 bank building that's considered America’s first modern skyscraper. The upscale hotel features original and restored architectural features, stylish Art Deco decor, a rustic American restaurant, a well-stocked lobby bar, a bright modern gym, and a heated indoor lap pool, not to mention over 47,000 square feet of stylish meeting and event space. The hotel’s 581 rooms and suites are comfortable and spacious, though they aren't quite as fashionable as public spaces. Still, high-end room amenities abound, like Keurig coffeemakers, minibars, LED TVs, and bathrobes. Plus, some upgraded rooms feature unparalleled city views. Kids, teens, and pets are welcomed with special treats, and the hotel offers concierge service and 24-hour room service. The Center City location is exceptional, but upscale alternatives abound in the area, like the opulent Hyatt at The Bellevue.

The 306-room Sofitel Philadelphia is a firmly upscale option that’s conveniently located in the downtown Rittenhouse Square shopping district. The elegant, modern lobby displays local artists’ work, while spacious rooms sport stylish decor. All rooms have Keurig coffeemakers, and many have separate lounges, though some furniture is worn. There’s an excellent breakfast buffet (not included), and the cozy a-la-carte restaurant and bar serves French-inspired meals and cocktails until the wee hours. Room service is available almost around the clock. The 24-hour gym is extensively equipped, the business center features Apple Macs, and conference rooms can host up to 250. Pets stay free, there’s free Wi-Fi throughout, and secure self-parking and valet parking are available for a fee. The Hotel Palomar Philadelphia across the street has more striking boutique style, though rates are higher.

This luxury hotel won't surprise anyone used to the elegance of a Four Seasons -- opulent decor, outstanding service, and a central location make it popular for business guests with an expense account, as well as leisure guests looking to stay in the lap of luxury. Meanwhile, locals are attracted to the top-rated Fountain Restaurant (reservations are necessary). There are 364 rooms in total, including 96 suites -- many with balconies overlooking Logan Square. Amenities include everything from wedding and business space, a fitness center, a pool, and a spa. The only disappointment here is the fee for Wi-Fi, which should be included in the room rate for such a high-end hotel. THIS HOTEL RE-OPENED ON DECEMBER 16, 2015 AS THE LOGAN PHILADELPHIA, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON. WE WILL UPDATE OUR REVIEW AS SOON AS WE CAN.

The Westin Philadelphia is an elegant hotel with a central location close to Rittenhouse Square, shopping, and dining. The lobby is tucked away on the second floor, giving the hotel a somewhat private feel. Marble floors and ample seating in the lobby create a lovely space to relax outside of the room. A total of 294 rooms and 19 suites feature trademark Westin Heavenly Beds and signature White Tea bath products, along with 55-inch flat-screen TVs, thick bathrobes, and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee. The hotel has a cramped fitness center, but no pool or spa, and fees for Wi-Fi and parking add up fast. For a Center City hotel with a large gym and the option of in-room spa services, consider the Hotel Monaco. 

A top option in Philadelphia, the Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square resides in a historic building -- but the overall vibe is supremely modern, from the lobby with bright furniture, funky lighting, and script along the walls, to the rooms with massive flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and leather furniture. Unlike the pricier Rittenhouse and the similarly-priced Hilton Philadelphia, it does not have a pool -- but there's a well-equipped fitness center and a cute coffee bar on-site.

Le Meridien is one of the most stylish hotels in Center City, with a striking combination of historical and modern design. Only the Hotel Palomar offers the same level of luxury boutique experience. But it's not quite perfect: Some rooms face an interior atrium and lack privacy.

The Ritz is housed in a stunning 1904 bank building designed after the Pantheon, and its grand rotunda lobby delivers serious "wow" factor. The terrific restaurant from celebrity chef Eric Ripert is also a highlight. But the large, bright rooms aren't as stylish or impressive as the public spaces.