Traveling solo can be a lot of fun, but it comes with a whole new set of challenges. What could be a safe stay option? Where can you meet new people? How to save money on food? Where can you discover exciting activities to explore the destination?
While there can be a range of suitable options to each of these questions, in my experience, nothing makes solo travel enjoyable, safe, budget-friendly, and exciting like choosing a youth hostel for your accommodation. That’s exactly what I did for the most part of my recent trip to Philly.
Surprisingly, Philadelphia only has one hostel in the city- Apple Hostel of Philadelphia. Fortunately, it ticked all the boxes of my requirements. Here’s a detailed review of my stay at this property.
Location of Apple Hostel of Philadelphia
While there are numerous great locations to stay in Philly, Apple Hostel probably takes the cake with one of the best locations in the city. Located in the Old City District on Bank Street, it is a stone’s throw away from the Museum of American Revolution. The nearest subway and bus stop is the 2nd Street Market a 3 minutes walk from the hostel. Penn’s Landing is about 10 minutes walking distance from the hostel and Independence Hall is about 15 minutes walk away.
The area is full of eateries and cafes, making it pretty much the perfect location to stay in Philadelphia.
PS: As a solo female traveler, this area for its proximity to the main street felt pretty safe to commute to even around midnight.
4 Bed & 6 Bed Female Dorm Room
I first stayed in a 6-bed female dorm and then a 4-bed female dorm. Both dorms were ventilated with large windows, yet a decent temperature control system. Linens and towels are provided at check-in and must be turned in during check-out. Both dorms did not have an in-room bathroom and a shared bathroom and toilet were available to use on the floor. Lockers were provided for each bed and locks could be bought/ rented from the reception.
In-room facilities included charging points and individual reading lights for each bed. While the rooms were perfect to sleep in, for any other task, the common room was the go-to option.
Despite the somewhat squeaky beds, the stay at this property was quite comfortable. The only difference between the 4-bed and 6-bed dorms was the privacy (considering the number of occupants) and the minor price difference.
USP of Apple Hostel of Philadelphia
As a hostel, that too the only hostel in Philly, the cost was obviously one of the key unique characteristics with rooms starting at as low as
Surprisingly enough, this is Philly’s only hostel. This huge hostel is divided into two buildings across the road.
Community, much like any other hostel is one of the best offerings at Apple Hostel. The hostel organizes daily tours/ events/ beer hangouts for free/ bare minimal costs for the residents. These activities give you the opportunity to meet fellow travelers, connect and have fun together.
Sustainability is an important focus of the hostel, with water filters to avoid plastic bottles, a community kitchen, recycling mechanisms, and energy-saving equipment in place.
Don’t forget to take suggestions from their super-friendly staff to explore Philly. They’ll tell of the most incredible places in the city!
Hostel Amenities: Free and Paid
Additional amenities at Apple Hostel of Philadelphia include:
- 24×7 check-in: With 24×7 reception, check-in is open at all hours. However, it is advised to inform prior to check-ins after 2 am.
- High-speed Wi-Fi across the property
- Common Area: The common area also includes ample seating space, a keyboard, a billiards table, board games, iPad, foosball table. You can sit, work, eat, connect with fellow travelers, or enjoy your downtime with an evening beer in the lounge.
- Community Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen with utensils, electric stove tops, electric kettle, fridge, and storage area is free to use from 5 am-10 pm daily
- Vending Machine: You can also buy a quick snack/ drink from the vending machine in the kitchen area
- Luggage Storage: If you arrive early or leave long after check out, you can store your luggage for free in the luggage room.
- Shared Bathrooms: There is liquid soap/shampoo in every cubicle, also a hair dryer to use for free
- Iron board: Every floor has an iron and iron board (mostly near the toilet) that is free to use
Cost of Stay
The cheapest bed per night is $28 in an 18-bed Male Dorm. The most expensive room is the Family room with a capacity of 4 for $138. Prices may vary on weekdays and weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Book directly with the hostel for a better deal.
Tip: Carry your own lock, if you want to store valuables in your room locker. I bought a lock from the hostel and had to school myself on using the dial locks.
You can book your stay at the Apple Hostel of Philadelphia here: https://applehostels.com/apple-reservations/
You can also check out my review of my stay at the Maj Hotel in Philadelphia.
Leave a Reply