You’re standing on a corner in Midtown Village, and the wind is whipping off the Delaware River, cutting right through your jacket. You just want a bed. But not just any bed—you want one that doesn't cost four hundred bucks a night because some tech convention is in town at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. That’s usually when people start looking at the Holiday Inn Express Walnut St Philly.
It’s an interesting spot. Honestly, it’s one of those hotels that people book because of the name, but they stay because of the zip code. Located at 1305 Walnut Street, it sits in this weirdly perfect pocket of Philadelphia. You’ve got the high-end glitz of Rittenhouse Square a few blocks west and the gritty, historic soul of Washington Square West right under your nose. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a world-class espresso at Elixr Coffee Growers in the morning and a cheap, greasy slice of pizza at 2 AM without walking more than five minutes.
People get the vibe of this place wrong all the time. They think "Holiday Inn Express" and imagine a roadside stop off I-95 with a flickering sign and a lukewarm cinnamon roll. This one is different. It’s tucked into a historic building. High ceilings. Tight elevators. It feels like Philly. It’s compact. It’s busy. It’s loud. But it works.
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The Reality of Staying on Walnut Street
Let's talk about the noise. If you’re looking for a library-quiet retreat, you’re in the wrong part of town. Walnut Street is a literal artery for the city. You’ve got SEPTA buses hissing, sirens heading toward Jefferson Hospital, and the general chatter of a city that doesn't really sleep as much as it just naps.
The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Midtown—which is the "official" name most locals use—are surprisingly efficient. They aren't massive. If you’re traveling with three kids and a Golden Retriever, you’re going to feel the squeeze. But for a business traveler or a couple in town for a show at the Academy of Music, it’s basically exactly what you need.
The décor doesn't try too hard. It’s that standard, clean Blue/White IHG aesthetic. You get the "Firm" and "Soft" pillows, which is a gimmick I actually appreciate because my neck is a disaster. The showers have decent pressure. That’s a win in an old building where plumbing can sometimes be "suggestive" rather than functional.
What about the breakfast?
Everyone asks about the breakfast. Look, it’s a Holiday Inn Express. You know the drill. There are the pancake machines that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. You press a button, a blob of batter hits a conveyor belt, and ninety seconds later, you have a hot disc of carbs. It’s glorious in its own way.
But here is the insider tip: don't eat there every day. You are literally steps away from some of the best food in the country. Middle Child is a short walk away. Their breakfast sandwiches are legendary. If you stay in the hotel and only eat the free eggs, you’re doing Philly wrong. You’re missing the point of being on Walnut Street.
Location: The Real Reason You Book This Place
Location is everything. If this hotel were five blocks south, it would be a different story. But at 13th and Walnut, you are the protagonist of the city.
The Kimmel Center is right there. You can walk to City Hall in ten minutes. The Liberty Bell is maybe a fifteen-minute stroll if you don't get distracted by the shops on Chestnut Street.
- Public Transit: The Broad Street Line (Orange Line) is at the Walnut-Locust station. It's half a block away. You can be at a Phillies or Eagles game in twenty minutes for two bucks.
- Dining: You’re in the heart of Midtown Village (or "Gayborhood"). Barbuzzo, Lolita, and Jamonera are all right there.
- Shopping: Macy’s (the one with the massive Wanamaker Organ) is just up the street.
I’ve seen people complain about the parking. Listen, parking in Center City is a nightmare. It’s expensive. It’s slow. The hotel offers valet, but it’ll cost you. If you can, take the train into 30th Street Station and Uber over. You don't want a car here. You’ll spend half your vacation looking for a spot or paying off a PPA ticket.
Dealing with the Mid-City Chaos
The lobby is small. Sometimes there's a line. Because it’s a high-volume hotel, the staff is usually moving at a Philly pace—which is to say, they are efficient but they aren't going to sit there and chat about the weather for twenty minutes. They’ve got people to check in and towels to move.
One thing that surprises people is the seasonal outdoor pool. It’s on a rooftop level. It’s not a Vegas resort pool. It’s a "cool off while looking at skyscrapers" pool. In the summer, it’s a godsend. In the winter, it’s a blue rectangle covered in a tarp. Such is life in the Northeast.
The fitness center is... fine. It has a treadmill and some weights. It’s enough to burn off the cheesesteak you had for lunch, but it’s not a Crossfit gym. Honestly, your best workout is just walking the city. Head over to the Schuylkill River Trail if you really want to run. It’s about a mile west and it’s beautiful.
Why This Hotel Still Matters in 2026
With Airbnb becoming a giant headache of cleaning fees and chore lists, these consistent hotel stays are making a comeback. You know the sheets are clean. You know there’s a guy at the front desk if your keycard stops working. There’s a security guard in the lobby at night, which, given the "urban" nature of 13th Street, is a good thing to have for peace of mind.
It’s not luxury. If you want luxury, go to the W or the Ritz-Carlton. This is the "I’m in Philly to see the city, not the inside of my hotel room" choice. It’s for the parents visiting their kids at Temple or Drexel. It’s for the history buffs who want to be near Independence Hall but don't want to stay in a "colonial-themed" B&B that smells like mothballs.
The Value Proposition
Let's talk numbers without being boring. Generally, you’re looking at a price point that sits 20-30% below the full-service Marriotts and Hiltons nearby. You save money on breakfast. You save money on the "destination fees" that some of the fancier boutiques try to tack on.
Is it perfect? No. The elevators can be slow during checkout. The hallways are a bit narrow. But the Wi-Fi is fast enough to stream Netflix, and the AC actually gets cold. In an old city like Philly, a powerful AC unit is a luxury you shouldn't take for granted.
Safety and the Neighborhood Vibe
There is a lot of talk about safety in cities these days. Midtown Village is generally very active. There are people out at all hours. However, it's a city. You’ll see unhoused individuals. You’ll hear loud cars. You’ll see the occasional "Philly character" doing something weird.
Most travelers feel perfectly safe walking back to the Holiday Inn Express Walnut St Philly after a late dinner. The street lighting is good, and the foot traffic is constant. Just keep your head up and your phone in your pocket while you're walking, same as you would in NYC or Chicago.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
There’s actually a decent amount of meeting space in this building. People don't think of it as a "convention hotel," but for small groups or local non-profits, it’s a hidden gem.
Also, the views from the upper floors on the south side of the building are surprisingly cool. You get a look at the architectural mish-mash of the city—old brick rowhomes tucked between modern glass towers. It reminds you that Philly is a city of layers.
Another tip: The hotel is very close to the PATCO Speedline. If you have business in New Jersey, you can walk a block, jump on the train, and be across the bridge in ten minutes. It’s often faster than driving.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book a room at the Holiday Inn Express Walnut St Philly, here is how you make the most of it:
1. Request a High Floor
Ask for a room on one of the top floors away from Walnut Street. The street noise is significantly muffled once you get up high. It makes a massive difference in your sleep quality.
2. Master the SEPTA Key
Don't bother with a rental car. Download the SEPTA app or buy a Key card at the Walnut-Locust station. The subway is right there, and the 12, 9, and 21 buses stop within a block.
3. Explore the "Lesser" Sights
Everyone goes to the Liberty Bell. Instead, walk two blocks to the Library Company of Philadelphia or the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. They are right around the corner and house some of the coolest artifacts in American history without the two-hour line.
4. Eat Like a Local
Skip the hotel coffee once and go to Last Drop Coffeehouse on 18th or Elixr on Sydenham. For dinner, Tria Cafe is close by and has an incredible wine and cheese list that feels very "sophisticated Philly."
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5. Check the Event Calendar
Before you book, check if there’s a massive show at the Kimmel Center or a parade on Broad Street. Prices spike, but more importantly, traffic becomes a standstill. If you're arriving during a parade, tell your Uber driver to drop you off a few blocks away and walk. You'll beat the car by twenty minutes.
The Holiday Inn Express on Walnut is basically the "utility player" of Philadelphia hotels. It’s not the star of the show, but it’s the one that makes the whole trip work. It’s reliable, it’s right where you need to be, and it leaves you with enough money in your pocket to actually enjoy the city’s incredible food scene. Just remember to pack some earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, and get ready to hit the pavement as soon as you drop your bags.
Philadelphia is a walking city, and you’re starting from one of the best jumping-off points in town. Enjoy the pancakes, but save room for a roast pork sandwich from DiNic’s at the Reading Terminal Market—it’s only a ten-minute walk north, and it’ll change your life. Regardless of why you're in town, this spot on Walnut Street puts the best of Philly within reach.