The Arco powered by SondervsApple Hostels Philadelphia
Both properties are rated very highly by professional reviewers. On balance, The Independent Hotel is preferred by most professionals compared to Apple Hostels Philadelphia. The Independent Hotel comes in at 85 with accolades from 11 publications such as Fodor's, BlackBook and Frommer's.
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1234 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 
From $72/night
- Bar/Lounge
 - Free Internet
 - Free Breakfast
 - Shuttle Bus
 - Laundry Service
 - Laundy Room
 
 "This restored Georgian Revival-turned-boutique hotel sits in the heart of Midtown Village, Washington West, and the Gayborhood, atop a popular restaurant and bar." Full review
 i 
Reopened under new ownership in 2008, the spacious, contemporary-meets-traditional guest rooms here vary in shape and style: Choose one with exposed brick, or a fireplace, a cathedral ceiling, or a loft sleeping area.
 "The Independent is among a handful of newer boutique alternatives to Philadelphia's big convention hotels." Full review
 "This sophisticated boutique hotel is housed in a restored Georgian Revival building in Center City’s hip, midtown village district." 
 "Located within a fully restored Georgian-Revival building, this property is only one block away from Philadelphia's thriving performing arts district." 
 "Cozy and charming, the newest (as of August '08) Independent Hotel boasts 24 sumptuous rooms in a restored Georgian-Revival building." 
3.7
 "An "awesome" location with "tons of things to do within walking distance" draws fans of this Georgian Revival--turned--boutique hotel in Midtown Village." 
 "Sophisticated boutique sleep in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood with a cozy Italian restaurant." Full review
8.0
 "The Independent Hotel, in Philadelphia’s funky Midtown Village, is within walking distance of the city’s downtown attractions: Independence Hall, cool restaurants and good shopping." Full review
 "Ideal because of its Midtown Village location...colorful artwork and soft, cozy lighting enhance each of the 24 rooms." Full review
 i 
Choose a spacious King Deluxe with dark wood furniture or a Double Queen Deluxe with an original tin ceiling.
 "The Independent Hotel is a charming and stylish 24-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Midtown Village neighborhood." Full review
Apple Hostels Philadelphia
 Rough Guide
 Frommer's
 Time Out
 Frommer's
 Lonely Planet
32 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 
From $19/night
- Free Internet
 - Laundry Service
 - Laundy Room
 - Multilingual
 - Kitchenette
 - Business Center
 
 "Friendly hostel wedged between Independence Hall National Park and Old City, with bunk beds from $30, some private rooms and free games, tea and coffee. No curfews." 
 "Cash-strapped visitors to Philly are in luck, because this stalwart hostel is planted right in the heart of Old City, just a few blocks from the marquee sights of Independence National Historic Park." Full review
 "Male, female and coed dorms and eight private rooms which feature a queen-sized bed and bunk beds or two sets of bunk beds with a private living area." Full review
 "Cash-strapped visitors to Philly are     in luck, because     this stalwart hostel is planted right in the     heart of Old City, just     a few blocks from the marquee sights of     Independence National     Historic Park—the Liberty Bell,     Independence Hall, and all the     rest—and right in the middle     of     the neighborhood's picturesque     cobblestoned streets lined     by     restaurants, art galleries, bars,     boutiques, and     colonial-era sights" Full review
Top choice
 "The Old City's best hostel is hidden down an alley and spans both sides of the street." Full review