Most Romantic 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.

Hotel Monaco's unique design featuring bright decor and stylishly mismatched furniture sets the hotel apart. Attractive rooms with high-end amenities, wonderful freebies, a beautiful rooftop bar, and a great restaurant all help round out the experience. Plus, the hotel’s location across the street from the Independence National Historic Park is convenient for business and leisure travelers alike.

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.

Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown is a striking three-and-a-half-pearl property located across the street from City Hall. The hotel’s setting in a historic former City Hall Annex building makes for a grand backdrop, with its 498 guest rooms featuring 11-foot-high ceilings and original bronze work. Common areas also display beautiful plaster detailing. These stately 20th-century elements are nicely juxtaposed with snappy decor and modern amenities like iHome radios in rooms and gym equipment with built-in TVs in the fitness center. Travelers may also want to consider Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, another downtown hotel with comparable rates that has a pool -- although it lacks the Courtyard’s architectural charm.

The Independent is a small and stylish mid-range boutique hotel with a great location and warm, homey decor. There are 24 spacious, traditional guest rooms and a cozy on-site Italian restaurant. This hotel is within walking distance of many popular destinations, including historical sites and the Convention Center, and the surrounding neighborhood is charming. The hotel hosts a free weekday wine reception and continental breakfast is delivered to guest rooms free of charge. Due to the central location, some rooms can be noisy, and while the property is smaller and does not feature as many features as some of the larger hotels nearby, guests have access to a nearby pool and fitness center.

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.

The 138-room Latham is a chic boutique hotel with a prime location near Rittenhouse Square Park, near some of the city's best restaurants, bars, and shopping. The lobby has bold retro-chic style, and rooms have chic blue and gold decor and modern technology features, though some are on the small side. Features are comparable to those offered by other upscale boutiques: There is a modern fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street, and a casual Italian restaurant serving all three meals. All in all, it's on par with the Hotel Palomar or Le Meridien, but rates here are sometimes lower.