The hype
Travelers rave about the prime location and the rooftop vibes, but the 'micro' room size is a shock to the system for many.
Motto By Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
$130-220/ night
Book this if You want a high-design crash pad in Philly's best neighborhood and plan to spend your money on mezcal, not square footage.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable Rittenhouse location for a fraction of the usual price
- El Techo rooftop bar has a retractable glass roof for year-round skyline views
- Clever micro-room design that feels efficient, not just small
Quick Take: It’s a glorified dorm room for adults with better taste and a much better budget.
Reviewed by @mrs.mcclainsbrains: I stayed at Motto Rittenhouse and it’s the ultimate city crash pad. The room was compact but super clever, and ending the night at El Techo rooftop bar with those skyline views was the highlight of my trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'soundproof' windows don't fully block the city sirens, and internal hallway noise is a frequent complaint due to thin doors.
- You are a solo traveler or a couple who packs light
- You prioritize a lively bar scene and great coffee over lounging in your room
- You want to be steps from Rittenhouse Square without paying Rittenhouse prices
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard and generally praised for efficiency.
- Bathroom hygiene: Modern and mold-free, though grout lines in showers show minor wear in older reviews.
- Maintenance: Newer build (2019/2021) means things still work, but expect scuffs on walls in such tight quarters.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white, and standard Hilton quality. No luxury thread counts here.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though hallway carpets can occasionally trap food smells from room service/delivery.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thumping bass from El Techo rooftop bar (affects upper floors)
- Street noise from 19th Street (sirens, traffic)
- Hallway conversations due to thin room doors
Before you book
Good to know
- There is no pool, despite the 'rooftop' hype (it's a bar).
- Housekeeping is daily, which is a rare luxury in this tier.
- You get unlimited access to Maha Yoga studio nearby — ask the front desk for the pass.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- A power strip (outlets can be oddly placed or limited in some micro layouts)
- Slippers (floors are hard surface laminate, no carpet)
Room Genie
Best picks
- 8th or 9th floor rooms (high enough for views, low enough to avoid rooftop noise)
- Corner Queen Studios (slightly more square footage and better light)
Rooms to avoid
- Any room on the 10th floor (directly under the bar dance floor)
- Lower floor rooms facing the street (maximum siren exposure)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a room on the 8th or 9th floor, away from the elevator. Please avoid the 10th floor as I am a light sleeper and concerned about noise from El Techo.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the room really that small?
Yes. 150-180 square feet is typical. You can touch opposite walls if you stretch. Pack light.
Is breakfast included?
No. There is a grab-and-go station and El Café downstairs, but you pay for what you eat.
Can I park my own car?
No, it's valet only ($50/night). There are public garages nearby on Sansom St if you want to save $10-15 and walk.
Is the rooftop bar open in winter?
Yes! El Techo has a retractable glass roof, so it's a year-round hotspot.
Does the room have a fridge?
Most standard rooms do NOT. You have to request one or book a Studio to be sure.
Is it pet friendly?
No, Motto Philadelphia generally has a no-pet policy, unlike many other Hiltons.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Maha Yoga' class pass is a legit perk worth $25+ per class — don't forget to claim it.
- ✨
El Café serves Stumptown coffee, which is arguably better than any in-room brew you'd get elsewhere.
- ✨
The elevators can be slow during Friday/Saturday evening rush due to rooftop bar traffic.
5 things to know before you go
💡The bathroom door is often semi-transparent or a sliding barn door that offers zero acoustic privacy.
💡You might hear the housekeeping carts rolling in the hallway at 8 AM because the doors are thin.
💡The 'City View' is often just the back of another building or an alleyway unless you are on a high floor.
💡There is no dedicated desk in many rooms, just a small collapsible tray table.
💡The lobby is more of a transit zone than a lounge; it's small and busy with restaurant traffic.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Motto By Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square is located and what's nearby.