From booking to the stay itself, everything was a very positive experience. This is a cute, family run hotel that will elevate your stay in Philly! Note: there is not a front desk, so make sure you check your emails and text messages frequently for information.

Immediately after booking, I called to reserve parking. With it being my first time (and used to hotel chains), I assumed it would be a parking garage. Wrong! The parking is PHENOMENAL and not at all what I would have ever expected within Philadelphia. Make sure you reserve parking right away because it’s a private garage with only two spaces; the price wasn’t bad at all, it was $40, which is similar to the price if you park nearby in a public garage or lot.

I booked Kestrel Hotel because it was the closest hotel to Underground Arts; I felt incredibly safe walking to and from the venue! When you’re in the room, make sure you review the list of recommended restaurants and cafes… we went to Cafe Lift (listed as the owner’s favorite breakfast spot in the city) [the egg florentine was exceptional] and that alone was so delicious that I’m wanting to plan another trip back to try all their other recommendations!

Also worth noting, I booked the Loft District Suite, and the room itself was stocked with everything we needed. There’s an area to do laundry (dryer sheets were provided), complimentary drinks, plenty of extra towels, robes, makeup remover wipes, cookware, etc. This would be a great place to take the family…. And it’s pet friendly! (We didn’t bring our dog because we were going to a concert, but next time I’ll bring our pup along!) Additionally, the bed and pillows were SO SOFT, I had the best sleep!

I’ve noticed a few other reviews being critical of the communication, A/C, and cleaning fees. Don’t let this dissuade you. For the communication - call them! Every time I called with a question the owner picked up right away, he was very patient and helpful. After checking in, you will receive an email with instructions for adjusting the A/C (which goes back to my original comment about regularly checking your texts and emails since you’ll receive separate messages - one for a confirmation, another for a parking instructions, a third one for checking in to the hotel, a fourth for adjusting the temperature, and finally one for checking out and using the private, monitored luggage room if you want to stay longer). The temperature was never an issue for us, and we stayed during a very hot day mid-June! Finally, the cleaning fees. The Kestrel Hotel breaks down the costs of everything when you’re booking. You will know upfront what the cleaning fees are, this will not be a surprise charge. Compared to other hotels nearby, the total price is very competitive with the chain hotels. The difference is those other hotels include their cleaning fees in the cost of your overall stay, so at the end of the day you’re not paying any more - you can just see where the money is going.

If you spent the time reading this full review and still pondering whether it’s worth booking… it is. Go do yourself a favor and do it. In Philly, I promise you won’t find a more spacious, chic, and comfortable hotel than this.