The Independent Hotel in Philadelphia is a Boutique Choice

The Independent Hotel in Philadelphia is a boutique establishment that has quickly earned a reputation as a top-notch lodging facility. Opened in June 2008, it is owned by the Hersha Boutique family of hotels and is located in a fully-restored Georgian-Revival building in the Center City area, close to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, numerous theaters, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and Reading Terminal. This small hotel is also located about 8 blocks from the city's most popular historic attractions including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the U.S. Constitution Center, and The Philadelphia Mint. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The four-story hotel is a work of art. Its interior consists of a four-story atrium and lobby area, graced with a 30 foot by 8 foot mural designed especially for The Independent by local muralist, Kim Senior. The artwork is a colorful, contemporary depiction of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. It stretches three stories and is the centerpiece of the interior of the hotel.

The Independent Hotel consists of just 24 rooms. Room choices include the Queen Deluxe, King Deluxe, Double, King Suite, and Queen Loft Suite. Most rooms include beautiful hardwood floors with woolen area rugs, upgraded mattresses and bedding, custom window treatments, 32 inch flat panel televisions, microwaves, and refrigerators. The King Suite includes an additional sitting area, gas fireplace, and a small kitchenette. The two-story Queen Loft Suite has a living and dining area with fireplace on the first floor of the unit. The main sleeping area is on the 2nd floor but there is also a Murphy bed on the first floor to accommodate extra guests.

Additional amenities at The Independent Hotel of Philadelphia include complimentary wireless internet, a business center equipped with computers, printer, scanner, and fax machine, and complimentary European-style breakfast served each morning in the hotel's fireside lounge. Once a week, guests can also enjoy a happy hour event that features wine and hors d'oeuvres. Guests who wish to work out are granted passes to the nearby 12th Street Gym, within walking distance of the hotel.

The Independent Hotel regularly offers a large number of special packages to entice guests. They might include tickets to a special exhibition in the Philadelphia area at places like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or The Franklin Institute. Also available with package plans are tickets for a ride on the Spirit of Philadelphia dinner or lunch cruise or on the Philly Trolley Tour. Other specials include the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of the famous Wanamaker/Macy's building, located just a few blocks from the hotel, or a wine and dine night. Some packages are also offered seasonally, such as Romance Packages around Valentine's Day.

There is no restaurant at The Independent but there are many excellent eateries located within walking distance of the hotel, ranging from formal, sit-down restaurants to places that serve Philly's signature cheesesteaks and hoagies.