Frequent travelers may often find themselves weary of staying in yet another conventional hotel, no matter how uber-stylish and centrally located it may be. What they truly crave is a place that feels more like home, offering a comforting sense of normalcy.
Enter ROOST Apartment Hotel, a pioneering hospitality brand that transcends the dichotomy between apartments and hotels. ROOST offers high-design flats equipped with the amenities of an independent hotel, creating a unique and inviting experience for guests. With locations in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Cleveland, ROOST gives travelers on week-long work trips, or those curious about living in these smaller cities, a chance to test the waters.
Just a 15-minute drive from Philadelphia’s Center City, we opted to stay at their newest outpost, ROOST Kelly Drive, in the quaint hamlet of East Falls. Its location, perched along the picturesque banks of the Schuylkill River, allows guests to experience a more local side of the city, where mom-and-pop shops and cafés are just steps away.
The most hands-on experience we had while staying here was the check-in process, as a 24/7 receptionist checked us in and handed over the key card to our studio. Interiorly, the hotel’s contemporary flair was immediately evident from the lobby area, adorned with a worn-in chocolate brown leather couch, potted plants, rugged stone-tiled flooring, and a natural oak wood front desk that greets guests with style.
The second and third floors contain the 33 fully-furnished apartments where we found our humble abode. One of the best parts of staying at an apartment-hotel is its amenities: stainless steel appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, complimentary housekeeping, fully-equipped kitchens with deluxe granite countertops, glassware, and cookware, plus a fridge waiting to be stocked.
Spacious, naturally lit bedrooms boast chic velvet emerald green king-sized bedframes and closets ready for you to unpack and get comfortable—here, there’s no question if you’re going to unpack your suitcase or not. En suite bathrooms and walk-in rainfall showers sport Le Labo bath products, adding to the luxe accommodation feel that boutique hotels offer.
Just like the rest of the complex, there’s a community co-working space designed to feel like a well-curated midcentury modern living room. Desks outfitted with charging outlets and a sleek billiards table, perfect for a quick game of pool, are all at your fingertips. Then, there’s the outdoor pool deck with lounge chairs for when you want to take a dip and catch some rays.
Before starting our day, we squeezed in a quick workout at the on-site fitness center, then rented complimentary bikes for an afternoon cruise along the river, all the way into Philly’s vibrant urban core. In the evening, we brought leftovers back from Mulherin’s Pizzeria and enjoyed the convenience of a full-sized refrigerator, a luxury we wouldn’t have at a typical hotel.
Top Takeaways
Location: East Falls, Philadelphia
Address: 4300 Kelly Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Rating: Four-Star
The vibe: An upscale apartment complex offering boutique hotel amenities, providing guests with a home-away-from-home experience during their stay.
Food + Drink: Since it’s an apartment-style hospitality experience, there’s no on-site restaurant. However, there are several restaurants in the quaint East Falls neighborhood, plus it’s just a 15-minute drive from Philadelphia’s Center City—where our guide to Philly’s prettiest restaurants tells you about the most aesthetically designed imbibing spots in the city.
What’s nearby? Fairmount Park; David Montgomery Field; Fairmount Park Athletic Field; Philadelphia Museum of Art; Rocky Steps
Amenities: Fitness center; Co-working space; Outdoor swimming pool; Bikes available; Full-equipped kitchens
Any personal neighborhood recs? In the morning, we’d grab an iced mocha at Thunder Mug Cafe, a charming local coffee shop in East Falls known for its superb coffee and delightful breakfast bites. We seriously considered trying their specialty cereal milk latte but ultimately couldn’t pull the trigger.
Rooms: 33
Pricing: Rates start at $163 per night.
Closest airport: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
