In this guide · 4 sections
Philadelphia's gay-friendly and gay-owned hotels cluster in and around Center City. That puts you close to the Gayborhood, the main restaurant strip, and the big cultural sites. The city's much cheaper than New York, and that goes for hotels too. You'll find solid mid-range rooms here for what a budget option costs in Manhattan.
Where to stay
Center City is the obvious pick if you're coming for the Gayborhood. It's walkable, and SEPTA will get you to other parts of the city.
Stay near Rittenhouse Square — a couple blocks west of the Gayborhood — and you're in one of Center City's nicer residential spots. The square itself is a meeting point when it's warm.
Washington Square West pretty much overlaps with the Gayborhood; you're right on 13th Street. If bars are your priority, book here. The neighborhood has a mix of boutique hotels, guesthouses, and apartments, from cheap to genuinely fancy.
Old City, east of Center City by the Delaware River, is the historic district. It's further from the Gayborhood than Rittenhouse or Washington Square West, but you can still walk or take a short rideshare. Some visitors prefer the old-world feel here and being close to the main historic sites.
Booking and timing
Philadelphia hotels fill up during Pride week in June and for other big events. OutFest in October also drives up demand. Outside those times, you'll usually find rooms. The city doesn't have New York's year-round pressure, so last-minute bookings are often possible. But during specific conference weeks and Philly events, things can tighten fast.
Rates are lower Sunday through Thursday than on weekends. That's because the city gets both leisure and business travelers. If your dates are flexible and you're here for the bars, not an event, a midweek trip saves money. Plus, the Gayborhood is noticeably quieter then, which can be a good thing.
The hotels
Practical notes
Philadelphia International Airport is about 20 minutes from Center City by car. Or, take the Airport Line commuter rail (SEPTA) for roughly 25 minutes to Jefferson Station in Center City. Amtrak pulls into 30th Street Station in West Philadelphia, a short cab or SEPTA ride from Center City hotels. For more on Philadelphia, see the Gay Philadelphia Guide.
