Philadelphia has plenty of hotel options, but for this trip, the choice was easy. We were attending an event along the river, and the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing is the only major hotel directly on the Delaware waterfront. Its location made it the most convenient option, and we were curious to see how it stacked up compared to our usual Center City picks.
Booking
For our two-night stay at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, we used a combination of points and cash. One night was booked using the Free Night Reward from our Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card—an excellent value considering the cash rate was over $300 that night. The second night was paid out of pocket at a rate of $250.
We also received the $50 quarterly statement credit that comes with the Surpass card when you use it to pay for a Hilton stay. That helped soften the blow of the second night’s cost and made the overall stay more affordable.
Room
We were assigned Room 1712, a corner king room on a high floor with panoramic views of both the Delaware River and the city. The room was quite spacious, with two large windows bringing in a ton of natural light. We had a clear look at the docked historic ships and the waterfront walkway below.
The spacious room had three large windows and a dedicated workspace.
Standard Hilton furnishings, including a TV and dresser combo
A separate chair provided a nice spot to relax by the window
The bathroom was large, with a granite vanity and backlit mirror. While not recently renovated, it was clean and well-lit. The shower-tub combo featured mounted bulk toiletries, and there was a window in the bathroom offering river views—though privacy is managed by blinds, of course.
The shower/tub combo featured Hilton’s bulk bath amenities.
There were some signs of wear, especially in the furniture and carpet, but nothing that interfered with the stay.
Hotel Amenities
While we didn’t take advantage of the hotel’s amenities during our two-night stay, the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing does offer a solid range of features for guests. There’s an indoor pool and fitness center, and the hotel boasts riverfront dining at Keating’s Rope & Anchor, Bar + Kitchen. There’s also a small lobby coffee bar serving Ellis Coffee and a sundry shop called Penn’s Corner for snacks and last-minute essentials.
The lobby-level coffee bar serves Ellis Coffee and light fare.
The Penn’s Corner shop had snacks, drinks, and essentials.
On-site dining is available at Keating’s Rope & Anchor.
Valet parking and self-parking are available (for a fee), and the hotel has event and meeting space as well, including waterfront banquet rooms popular for weddings and conferences.
Elite Benefits
As Hilton Honors Gold members, we received a few nice perks during our stay. At check-in, we were given an upgraded room—a higher-floor corner king with fantastic river views, which was definitely a step up from the standard room we booked.
We also received a daily Food & Beverage credit as part of Hilton’s U.S. elite benefits. We used the credit toward dinner one evening at Keating’s Rope & Anchor and again for breakfast at the lobby-level coffee shop.
Location
The Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing sits right on the Delaware River, offering beautiful waterfront views and a quieter setting compared to the busier parts of Center City. Despite the more relaxed vibe, it’s still incredibly convenient for sightseeing. In fact, there’s a local bus that stops nearby and takes you directly to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historic landmarks in Old City.
If you prefer to walk, many of Philadelphia’s most famous attractions—including the Museum of the American Revolution, Spruce Street Harbor Park (in season), and the cobblestone streets of Old City—are all within a 10- to 20-minute stroll. The riverwalk right outside the hotel is perfect for a morning or evening walk with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the marina.
Final Thought
While we typically prefer to stay in Center City, this trip called for accommodations near the river—and the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing fit the bill. It’s definitely more of a convention-style hotel, with a slightly corporate feel, but the location offers scenic views and easy access to the historic heart of the city.
Although it wasn’t a budget stay, using a Free Night Certificate and applying the Surpass card’s quarterly credit helped make the cost more manageable. Overall, it’s a solid option for travelers who want to be near the waterfront while still staying close to Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks.
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