City House Hostel Philadelphia

This was my first time living in a hostel. I enjoyed my stay thoroughly. The staff is friendly. Every evening they have Happy hours or something new for the guests. Clean. The staff makes sure that everyone maintains quite hours from 10pm to 10 am, to get a good night's sleep. You'll definitely make friends here.

Amazing staff, great people. Free towel, TV, utensils use, fridge, and cooking arrangements. Clean bathrooms, clean beds. Will come back 100% and I would recommend it to other people as well. I was in 12 bunk bed room. They have no alcohol, no noise after 10 pm policy. The night was pretty quiet, but it did get noisy in the morning because people upstairs we're moving around.

The beds were comfortable enough and had charging ports (in the 4 bed private bath at least.) Very clean as well. It was fine up until there was lots of music and loud chatting at 2am+ on the first floor community area (right on the other side of my room) despite "quiet" hours supposedly being from 10-10. I understand it's a hostel and the guests are mostly kids, but I still expect the rules to be enforced, especially after continuous traveling all day. Why else have them? I had about 5-6 hours of sleep total in the two nights staying there... Wasn't sure if it was staff or another guest, but when I came back to my room someone had left all their toiletries on my bed and used my towel in the private shower. Odd since no one else was staying in my room. Guess it wasn't a private bath then. I told the staff and they took the stuff, but I heard no resolution of whose stuff it was. They were nice enough to let me use another bunk.

This was my first hostel experience and I absolutely love it. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The accommodations were perfect upon my arrival and I didn't end up checking in until 10:30 PM, which was not a problem at all. I was worried about the size of the bed as I'm 6'3", but I fit fairly well and was comfortable. They provided a pillow, towel, and bedding, which was really helpful as I had more space to fill with clothes I didn't end up wearing on my trip. I locked up my laptop and other electronics in the locker in my room. Supply your own lock, though. This hostel is in a prime location for someone who wants to go out and experience the nightlife, but it's also a quiet neighborhood so it's possible to get some quality rest and just relax at night. Quiet hours are from 10 PM - 10 AM and everyone here has been respectful of that. At night there are activities that happen. You can also stay up until 4 AM just talking about anything and everything that comes to mind while watching TV and eating chips. Really just a great experience that has gotten me hooked on staying in hostels.

The hostel is OK, the rooms are clean and they are comfortable. The only problem with the beds is that they don't have any shelf to put the glasses or the mobile phone where you go to sleep and the lockers are a bit tiny (some of them where broken in my room too). But the best thing is the staff, specially Diego who was amazing all time. I'll always great memories of this place.

It’s a great hostel! The sheets are already on the bed when you arrive, which is really wonderful. The 10 PM to 10 AM quiet hours make it hard to get a shower if your day is full (I would suggest 7 AM morning stop to quiet time, or an option to wash away from the sleep areas.) Locked storage is large enough for a backpack only - but not a carry on suitcase and/or other items. Super-close to the subway (the Ell), and the neighborhood is charming, with lots to do and all of Philadelphia within reach. Overall, a great experience!!

Clean, very friendly and helpful staff. A great hostel overall, particularly if you want a hostel experience and to meet new people. My husband and I were just passing through and wanted hostel prices. We had a private room, which was nice but had no windows. The sheets and towels were all clean, but are showing some wear and tear and are low quality typical of most hostels. A good experience and would recommend if you need a quite clean budget friendly place to stay. I would give five stars if had better linens and pillows.

This is a great hostel. Very friendly staff, great atmosphere, nice and cozy cause it's small hostel. The other guests are very nice, furthermore the staff has free beer during happy hour (8 till 9 p.m.), and the facilities are tidy and clean for the most part. But this is somewhat of a party hostel, and the dorms are rather big (16 beds) so you have to take that in account when visiting here. If you're fine with that and you're visiting Philadelphia you definitely stay in this hostel!

I loved this hostel because of the staff. They were so easy to make friends with and came from all over. The common area was cozy and the kitchen was spacious and clean. I was happy to get a bottom bunk in a 4 bed dorm and never had problems sleeping. I liked that they have guests leave their shoes at the front to help with cleanliness. They seemed to care about and look after their guests.

Cute little hostel in the perfect location. I arrived in the middle of the night, rang the door bell, and was greeted by friendly staff. The check-in process was easy, and I was able to buy toothpaste and water at the desk. They have a few toiletries and snacks available for ~$1 - very convenient. After payment and a quick introduction I was shown to my bunk bed in a mixed dorm room of eight. Everybody was sleeping, and I appreciated the bathrooms being outside the bedroom, so I didn't have to wake anyone. There were three sinks in an open area, and two bathrooms with shower that you can lock. Everything was basic, but clean. Got sheets and a towel, and had a decent night (there was a snorer in the room :).) The mattress was on the soft side, wish it was firmer. The hostel location is super convenient, and close to everything. I felt safe, and it's off the main road. You'll hear some traffic and pedestrians walking outside, but nothing crazy. When you check-out, all you have to do is strip the bed and leave. Overall, an enjoyable experience. Paid $70 for the night, which is a lot for a bunk bed, but it's still one of the cheapest options in town.

My FIRST time staying at a Hostel and it was the best experience ever!!! The staff here are so incredible and friendly! I was in town for a conference and I was on a "shoestring" budget. I found this spot on Airbnb and I lucked out as it was just 3 nice blocks from my conference! This place is incredibly lean and organized. I felt very safe! It felt like college life! They have happy hour nightly from 8p-9p for guests and we played card games! We had a blast! I would definitely stay here again!

This hostel has an awesome location plus they will try to help you find what you want.  if they can't help you find what you want the Welcome Center is just blocks away by the Liberty Bell.   Hoste is also near the river front which has a number of exciting features that allows you to do what typical Philadelphians do eatery wise or entertainment in a variety.  Hostel is kept clean and sanitary. As for my bunkeys in the room go I had a mixed bag of strange people.  Not too friendly, they talked about going to bars and being high because it is sort of a party yet safe hostel from the crowd they draw.  What they get high on I only have one clue because many don't leave the hostel and they will stay down in the front room where the guests place their shoes on a shoe rack.  Shoesracks keep the hostel cleaner and allows your shoes to vent into the open front room.  So when my bunkeys behave strangely or if one of the Hostel Keepers do we will conclude what they happen breathing in.

Very clean and safe place. Looking to visit on a budget and let's face it so much to do in philly just need a cot and shower wasn't on planning to spend much time in a room . But got so much more , super friendly staff and guests . Chris up front was amazing heck everyone on the staff was amazing . Will stay again next year ..

So happy this was a 24hr check in spot as I was getting there around 2am. Cory was super nice and informative my whole stay. The hostel was neat and clean. It even had netflix and bar crawls to meet people. Location is filled with gret restaurants and museums/history. I knew I should have took a few pics of this place but I didn't have time

Conveniently located in Old City, the Philadelphia House is a great hostel. Free Wi-Fi, great staff and daily happy hour and socials to get acquainted with the city and make friends. There are four floors, each with beds and private bathrooms. Beware there is no parking lot, you will have to find parking on the street or in a lot.

Was not impressed at all. I stayed for the total of 14 days cause I work in Philadelphia and live in nyc and now at at apple. I have stayed in hostels all across the country and this was by far the worst experience. I need to start off when I checked in i got a very rude attitude like they didnt care about the job. And the staff was extremely rude and disrespectful as well. I was in a 12 bed mixed which was affordable I'll give them that and I met a great group of people but, forcing people to take part in happy hour and. Turn off the tv com mon. You shouldn't have to force some one to do anything they dont want to do and also the staff dosnt get paid

They treat their employees like slaves. This is rationalized by charging $800 a month to stay in bunk beds, while claiming to pay us minimum wage. In reality those earnings are applied toward the "rent" and the difference is magically forgotten about. I mean seriously, everyone hates it here, employees are simply hired based on their desperation for a place to sleep and kept here, usually broke, under contract and under fear of being forced on the streets again. So only come here if you want a modern look at indentured servants in whats basically a shady trap house with broken showers. AGAIN, THEY DO NOT PAY THEIR EMPLOYEES

First time in a hostel and I was impressed. Hostels aren't really an American type of accommodation but I wanted to try something different than a hotel since I knew I wasn't going to spending too much time in my room. I reserved a bunk in a 4 bedroom and it was clean. There was plenty of room for myself and roommates. I saw the 6 bed room and it appeared spacious as well. There are a total of 4 toilets and 3 showers and it seemed like it was always available for use. The staff cleans every shift. Most of them live there. Happy hour everyday and evening social events were fun. There's plenty of room in the common area to relax on the couches or have food in the kitchen area. The rooms are not gender based so you may share a room with the opposite sex. The location is perfect. Literally a block from the Liberty Bell and two blocks from the subway where you can access all of Philly. In this area both males and females can feel pretty safe walking alone at night. I would stay here again.

Having traveld from California to Philadelphia and believe hostels were generally friendly and attentuve ..not true here ..I been harassed and have a general fu attitude from the staff. That its a horrible experience ..cleanlieness and godleyness is not the quote to use about this place ..great location ..terrible staff ..not a single one gives a damn about whether U have a nice stay or not .

Be sure to check out my video of this trip (and many others) in addition to reading this review! Thanks! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_H2NeSdyvs This is my first hostel experience and is not my last (I have stayed other places so I feel as though I can compare this now). The hostel is nice. It's hard to find from the street as the signage is not great. I used google maps street view in order to find the place before arriving - and I'm glad I did. The location is nice. It's in the old section of town close to the river, parks, bars and historic sites. I found most main attractions were within 30 minute walk including a large market. The bus (both local and tourist (see my review for philly big bus company))stops were really close. I felt safe all hours of the day. The actual hostel is nice. Some people are complaining you cant wear shoes inside. Really? That's a problem? I think its nice. Floors are clean. Staff is very nice. Some live onsite while others do not. Check in was easy. New living area (big screen tv with netflix) is right as you walk in, followed by a brand new kitchen with stainless steel appliances. There is no dining table, and only a few stools at the island - so that's a con. They have all the cooking items you would need. The bedrooms are large. 4 bunks per room. I was top bunk near the door which was nice. The air conditioners are near the windows. I read other people said it was cold (which it likely was) but not where I was. Beds are comfy and linens provided. 1 bathroom per floor and I never had a problem getting to one. Individual showers in each bathroom like home. No breakfast - which was fine for me. You get 2 small cups of free beer per night as a thank you if you're so inclined. They also do random off site trips during the week (local). I would recommend this hostel to anyone. I paid about $37 USD a night for my stay. Was there for 4 nights. People were respectful and I slept well. It's a place I would visit again if in the area. Staff was super friendly. Free wifi. I drove down to Philly. There are lots of parking options in the area, but be prepared to pay. I believe it was $25/24 hours.

I stayed here overnight back in late October 2018 for the Terror Behind the Walls event at the Penitentiary. It was my first time staying in a hostel, and it was a great experience! The staff who run the hostel were really cool, friendly, and helpful. My room was clean when I had arrived, and I was given an acceptable time to leave my room (11:00). My room had sound proofing foam covering every wall every wall but I still could hear whom ever walked past the door, who ever was outside in the common area, and in the room above me. However that's because the building itself is old, like most of the buildings in that part of Philly. I was lucky and I had the room to myself, which was neat and clean. Same for the nice sized bathroom and shower stall. There were small lockers provided in the room for me to keep my stuff in. I thought they were kind of small, as I only had room for my stuffed backpack (which I had to put in horizontally to get it to fit) and my overnight bag, but otherwise it wasn't a problem for me. My only complaint about the room I stayed in was the mattress, it was too thin for me, but then again I am a bigger bloke so.... Anyways, they have a strict no food or drink policy in the rooms, however water is an exception to this rule. And they perform routine room checks starting around 8 in the morning, or so. The location is very convenient! There's a small book shoppe one door down, the Liberty Bell, Edgar Allen Poe's house, Penn's Landing, and Benjamin Franklin's Old House are all within walking distance right on or off of Market Street. It's also easy to get to the Reading Terminal Market, the Convention Center from there too if you use Market Street as a "main road" if you travel by foot. Final notes; this hostel sells locks for the lockers, some deodorants, toothpaste, and the like, however there is a 5 Below just up the road. And they do host event Nights-one of them is a Night at the nearby Dave and Busters! (Saturday, I think?) Anyways, I will stay here again in the future.

This was my first hostel experience and had me wondering why I have never stayed at a hostel before. First it's very affordable especially for what you get for the price. The best part about this place is the staff. They are all very kind and welcoming right from the start. They make you feel like you're part of a little family or something. They were very helpful when telling me great places to go around the city and how to get there. They have free happy hour and some sort of late night activity planned every single day. The facility is great. They have a great common area with a nice kitchen available for use. Also they have free Wi-Fi, TV with Netflix and wii, and a charging station for phones and tablets. The rooms are pretty nice as well as the bathrooms the only concern is really in the water in the showers ( water temperature is strange and also pressure is low) I will never stay at a hotel in Philadelphia or another hostel as long as this place is open. I had such an amazing experience.

Coming from NYC, it is reinvigorating to realize that good-hearted people still exist in the world. I walked into a space where Valerie's friendliness gave an immediate "you're home" vibe, Sergio went out of his way to share his funloving spirit and the best of Philly, Austin dispensed great honesty and hilarity at 2am, and Danny's energy/spirit was contagious. I was only there one night and can't wait to go back...

I have stayed at only one or two hostels that are nice, well staffed, and well located at this. ALL of the staff are super friendly and outgoing - I never had to pull information out of them and they were always available with suggestions, tips, a fresh cup of coffee or a conversation. Philadelphia has all the history of its famous past, all of the energy of a burgeoning foodie scene, lively music, and museums ---- and with The Philadelphia House, I was able to explore and love it all. Best. Hostel. Ever.

The worst place I have ever booked. It started first when I called to double check the booking once I had already booked at booking.com. The website was not requiring any specific time for check in and was showing that it is supposed to be 24 hours. But anyway I called to make sure they have received the booking because I booked at 12 o'clock in the night. the receptionist was some jerk who told me that i got 30 minutes to arrive otherwise he is going to sleep and he DOES NOT CARE. Even though it was already clear that the place was weird, it was late and I said ok. I came their 12:28, the receptionist was not there, i asked the other guests who were in lobby if they could call him. They told me that this weird receptionist guy is not getting well paid for the night shifts and be is just trying to avoid any night check-ins and he is always pissed. He came around 12:35, absolutely impolite and rudely was saying i was already cancelled and i had to leave. He just closed the door and thats it. Afterwards i called to booking.com and found out that nothing was cancelled, however they promised to settle this. It is still in progress. and then I checked the reviews and saw that they have done this before and did not reimburse to people anything. This is a disgusting situation which I can not believe is happening in this country, it is a pure robbery, to tell people through booking platform that they can book and check in anytime, and them leave them outside in the middle of the night and even have enough lack of conscience to refuse to reimburse the sum. In normal places when a booking is made and accommodation is refused on the location, the booked hostel is responsible to pay for an alternative. But this place is just unbelievable lawless robber. I am going to address the law and hopefully find some justice I strongly recommend the owner of the hostel to get rid of that inadequate receptionist immediately, if I remember correctly hist name must be Richard

It has been years since I've stayed in a hostel, and while I didn't get the total full experience (I stayed a very very short time and had a private room), I got enough to know I would love to stay again and I was tempted to stay one more night even though I needed to catch a train out of town. I was a single woman traveling alone who doesn't know Philly at all. It's an adorable place, very clean and coordinated, lots of space, games, charging areas and charging stations, fabulous location - walkable to all over Center City, about 3 miles from the Art Museum, but Reading Terminal Market, Liberty Bell, Chinatown, much closer, close to Elfreth's Alley. The rules seem well-regarded and enforced without being mean about it. The social activities are great, and I had a lot of fun. Felt very included and safe, and it really fostered a spirit of everyone being super friendly and nice. Just a great vibe. They were super accommodating when I needed storage of my backpack beyond the standard 8 pm hour, too. Notes: If you can, bring thick socks or slipper shoes, you have to remove your shoes in the house. Also be aware, lots and lots of steps. I was on the top floor and it was fine, but just a word to those for whom it matters. I'll be back to Philly and I'll be very, very happy to stay here again.

If I had the opportunity to give it more stars, I will. This is the best hostel that i have stayed recently and I enjoy all of the staff that work there. Danny, Bill, Valerie, Sterling, and Caroline do everything to make my visit as enjoyable as possible. I love how easy it was to meet other travelers and gave me a map to see the must see places of Philadelphia. I like how this hostel operated with activities each night and makes this as fun as possible for everybody. It is also very convenient to get to walk around and there is public transit nearby as well. I like how walkable Philadelphia is and the team is very passion about the city instead. I truly recommend anybody to check out Philadelphia and if they do, I will definitely recommend this awesome hostel.

If you are in Philadelphia then you must stay here! The staff are so helpful and told us all the sights to visit, there is Netflix in the communal area, happy hour with complementary beer, karaoke nights and the best nights sleep!! You would be a fool not to stay here! (Plus it is super central)

Was supposed to stay for two nights. On the second night, there was another individual in my bed before even canceling my reservation. Left some items on the bed assuming that I would be able to stay in the same bed since I had made a reservation for two nights but when I came back to grab my stuff and cancel, my items were nowhere to be found.

These folks have got this figured out. The attitude is professional yet informal, the amenities are excellent (not one but TWO guitars in the common room!), and the spacious common room allowed, for the open-minded traveler, an incredible opportunity to connect and make friends out of a situation that, had it been in a hotel, would have been a grim exercise in patience, isolation, and desperation. Well done.

I've stayed at a lot of hostels and this has to be one of the best.... I might even go as far as to say THE best! I was unfortunately only able to stay 2 nights and not extend - which was what the majority of people seemed to be doing. Danny, Valerie and the team really do live and breathe their 'a stranger is just a friend you've not yet met' policy: ultra friendly hostel, awesome vibe, constant fun, a true home away from home. Will definitely be back!

Amazing amazing experience here! Facilities are clean, great amenities. Free wifi, tv, wii, late night events. Even coffee and tea! Good private showers and rooms are either 4 beds, 8 beds or 12 beds bunk style. Really chill common area with couches, seats, and plugs for charging phones/laptops. The best thing about this place are the employees. Super chill, very helpful and sweet! They know all about the city and have great recommendations for things to do. If you are staying in Philly, STAY HERE! I will never stay at a hotel in Philly while this place is still open. It felt like home even for one night.

Just don't. Rooms are small as the inquisition, no windows and no,air. AC doesn't really do the job. Step away

Had an amazing stay here! Staff was very nice and accommodating to all of my needs during my stay! An amazing environment of cultural exchange, this place was like no other especially when ringing in the New Year! Side Notes: Parking is hard or expensive to find (but there is a metro a block away Prepare for steps Bring extra socks (shoes off policy)

This hostel was excellent in ever way. From the clean living space, friendly staff and superb location, this hostel is a great place to live for vacations to Philly.

I booked the hostel on hostel world at the last minute. I enjoyed every thing about this place. This was probably the nicest and cleanest hostel I've ever stayed in along side the circus hostel in Berlin. The staff was fun and accommodating. The kitchen is communal and all of the other guests were friendly and respectful. If I am ever in Philadelphia again I will probably stay here.

Great experience!! This was my first time staying in a hostel and the staff and accommodations were excellent. These people have got the hospitality thing down. Shout out to the girl who answered my questions on the phone! (Ana I think)

Very small and nice hostel. Location is great, but parking is expensive in that part of the city and street parking is not easily available. Staff is friendly and always helpful with finding places to see or eat breakfast at. The rooms and bathrooms are clean, but showering takes its time because of the low water pressure.

The premises are immaculate, the staff is extremely nice and considerate, and the location is pretty close to all the wonderfully touristy things in Philly. I very much enjoyed my stay, and would definitely consider returning.

A GREAT location, friendly staff, comfortable bed and accommodations, and a centralized spot to meet other travelers!