Apple Hostels

Very clean facilities, right near some great bars and sights!
Perfect walking distance to hit up pretty much any of the drinking and eating spots. If not it’s a cheap Über ride away.
Staff was very friendly, and offered up different events each night of the week to do with fellow bunk mates. People in general are quiet during the night.

First time at a hostel and my experience was awesome. The staff was super nice and laid back. The décor was welcoming and appealing to the eyes. The bathroom could have been a little cleaner but otherwise I would stay there again. The area is very lively on the weekends.

Super friendly staff! this is the second time I stayed here, now they give you towels and you have a little curtain next to your bed to have more privacy. The environment is relax, colorful and welcoming. Super recommended.

I was worried about using a hostel for the first time in America (they have a reputation of not being as well kept as those in Europe) but Apple Hostels put all those fears at ease!
First off, the location is wonderful. In the center of everything and walking distance for almost every tourist-​y thing you could want to visit. The best thing is that it’s on a little side street so you don’t get any noise, but it’s two minutes walk from a plethora of bars and restaurants.
The staff is friendly and helpful. There are a lot of fun organized events including a movie night, ghost tours, free beer, and more! You’ll always find someone who’s friendly and hanging out in the lounge, dining room, or game area.
The rooms are comfortable and clean. All the little details that add up to a great stay were there: bedside storage and lamp, hostel-​provided towel, privacy curtains, and staff controlled overhead lights to prevent 2am party goers from waking everyone up.
The multiple access codes to get to rooms makes hostel-​goers feel safe and not loaded down with a swipe card or key to possibly lose. I would recommend this hostel to anyone and everyone looking for a convenient budget accommodation in downtown Philly.

I recently stayed here from 20^th — 22^nd November, 2015. I would recommend anyone to stay here. The location is perfect, walking distance from pretty much everything. The staff is super-​friendly and helpful. The hostel is clean and they have some kind of activity going in the evening everyday (Ghost Tour + Beer and Wine & Cheese for the 2 nights I stayed here) .
I gave it 4 stars just because I thought being a hostel, it could be more cheaper. And also the mattress could be changed, coz mine made a lot of noise even if I moved a little and that made me very conscious especially if I came in late and all the other people were sleeping, haha!!!
Would definitely stay here if I ever visited Philadelphia again!!!

Apple hostels was a fantastic experience from check in to check out. First of all, I booked my stay the night before I flew out, and the rates were super affordable. I made an error in booking the co ed dorm and I am a guy traveling alone, so I immediately emailed Marc about the issue and he was very helpful and accommodating. The place is located like two blocks from the liberty bell and independence hall which is incredible !
The check in process was smooth and the staff gave me excellent info on how to get around the city. They do social things every night which is really cool because you can get to meet some of the other people staying there. I really thought the rooms and community spaces were all very bright and clean which was lovely. There’s also a kitchen and laundry in the basement which is great ! Check out was smooth and easy. I really have to say my experience at Apple Hostels was really really wonderful and I thank Marc and his entire staff for a fantastic stay in Philadelphia!!!

While initially I gave this hostel 3 stars, I am now reducing it to 1. The hostel’s «president» Marc Desmarais via
apparently enjoys harassing reviewers who do not review to his liking. He has emailed me 4 times in the last 2 hours to badger me and argue that my review is wrong. Therefore, I will spread my review around like confetti. Enjoy!
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Cons: No a/​c in huge dorm room of 28 or so beds (only 1 oscillating fan), sometimes hot water in showers and sometimes ice cold water, lockers outside of dorm room, inner door code changes daily, no free breakfast Monday-​Friday, no parking, no paper towels or hand dryers (only 1 communal towel that’s been hanging there for who knows how long), no elevator, no water fountains (must use ice/​tap water or buy), sad flat pillow on ok bed, entrance in an alley across from an abandoned vampire hideout looking building
To get to the hostel from PHL I would NOT advise you follow their directions which include getting off at «Market East Station». One, there is no longer a «Market East Station». It was renamed «Jefferson Station» and that’s what is announced. Two, the area surrounding Jefferson Station is kind of sketch. The walk was interesting to say the least. Fear not, the area around the hostel itself is pretty nice though the alley entrance across from the abandoned no tell hotel of the dead is kind of creepy.
I learned after the fact that there is actually a closer station reached via the Market Frankfort-​Line (MFL). It will drop you off like 2 blocks from the hostel (though it will cost you an additional $ 2.50). You connect to it underground at the Jefferson Station. As the Airport train to City Centre is apparently run by a different agency, there is no transfer available. You pay the Airport train $ 8 (cash only) and you pay the MFL $ 2.50 (or use a token which costs $ 1.80 and FYI are sold at the hostel as well). Note: Pretty much every train from the airport goes to City Centre. Ask the conductor to be sure.
Ultimately, your fastest & cheapest option is the $ 10 shuttle van from the airport run by Lady Liberty Airport Shuttle.
The décor of the hostel overall is cute (especially the sky themed light fixture covers in the female dorm). There is a dart board, tv common area, computer area, fully stocked full sized kitchen with communal fridge, washer/​dryers etc.
The female dorm is one giant dorm room with a partial divider wall. There were approximately 14 beds on my side and I assume at least as many on the other. The top bunks are very low so one can barely sit up on the bottom bunks. There are however, individual lights, usb outlets and plugs at each bunk. While there is a/​c in the main rooms and restrooms (which were freezing by the way), there is no a/​c inside of the dorm room (only 1 fan for 28 or so beds). Needless to say it grew quite stuffy.
The rooms are completely away from the communal areas so there is no noise from them. However, with the massive dorm size, there is lots of noise from different people coming and going. There were partial curtains near each set of bunk beds; however, they did nothing to block light from the lower bunks.
Male staff would enter the dorm room without notice/​knocking to ask if anyone was in the restroom (I assume for cleaning). Still, this was a female dorm with beds completely visible from the entryway. As such, women would expect no male presence/​to be able to wear whatever or change their clothing in the room whenever, so this was extremely inappropriate.

Friendly staff. Very adorable. Located in a convenient location — close to center of the city with Market street being just a one minute walk away, but also private enough to have a sense of calm. The MFL line is also less than a block away!
Loved the amenities. Lights off at 11PM, ensuring that I got a good nights sleep. Events at night — free movie & beer night while I was there. Free tea and coffee in the kitchen. Provides shampoo/​body wash/​bed sheets/​the works.
Only downfall is that it is a little bit on the pricier side for a hostel.

Oh, you’re not sure if you want to stay in a hostel? Thinking of staying in one of Philly’s less convenient and drastically more expensive hotels? I urge you, think again.
This is a hostel in all the positive senses, and not at all in the negative ones. It was extremely clean and well managed, the staff is great (particularly one guy at the front desk who’s name I forget but who’s kindness I won’t), and it has plenty of amenities and space. I stayed in the women’s dorm and had the best night’s sleep of my two week trip on the East Coast. Lights go off automatically at 11 and everyone was quiet and respectful (I should note though that I stayed on a Tuesday night, so this may be different on a weekend).
The hostel is located in the heart of old city and is walking distance to many landmarks. It is also a block and a half from the subway station and numerous bus lines to take you wherever else you’d like to go. The guy at the front even let me borrow an umbrella on my trip out to Monk’s Café (which I HIGHLY recommend if you like good beer and fries!). Hands down, this is the best hostel I’ve stayed at. Apple Philly, you rock!

My brother & I stayed at Apple Hostels for 5 days/​4 nights (Thurs-​Tues) at this time last year. Staying here made for a great «homebase» and source of fun during our stay in Philadelphia. The hostel provides great accommodations at a budget price. I was able to meet people from around the world while staying in the male dorms. The staff at Apple is what I remember most. The staff were very helpful and friendly when it came to recommending some great bars, greasy spoons & cheesesteak spots within a block or two of the hostel. One of the receptionists (Bradley) was our host during ghost tours. Bradley’s tour added some quirky, entertaining local flavor to the city. You MUST go on one of these tours if they are offered during your stay at Apple Hostel!

My first time staying at a hostel! It was about $ 40 dollars for a thursday night and they had free booze when I came in because thursday night was their pub crawl night. Super safe with pass codes on the doors and the staff could not be nicer! I stayed in the girls only dorm there were probably about 8 or 9 bunk beds in there so fit about 20 people. Free cereal and oatmeal on Friday Saturday and Sunday mornings not much but really appreciated. I had an interview friday morning and slept pretty well, they also give out free ear plugs. Overall everything was clean and accommodating, best bang for you buck. I’ll definitely stay again if I find myself in the area.
OH also about 3 mins from a subway station and great cheesesteak around the corner.

It was my first time staying in a youth hostel So I cannot compare it to others. I don’t think it’s super clean, actually it’s not too dirty. I lived in Coed room which has about six bulk beds. People stay quiet after turning off lights at 11. I didn’t sleep well because of the creak from beds and people’s snore. U should definitely use earplugs if u r a light sleeper. I woke up when the first person got up. So yeah, it is a dorm, u get what u pay for.
P. s. It’s nice to meet people from all over the world. They have actives in the evening.

It seems great, though as one of only two hostels in the city (as far as I’m aware) I’m really surprised travelers may only stay two weeks or less in an entire year.

This hostel was amazing! They have events every day to help explore Philly or socialize with other hostel members. The staff was amazing also! And the place was better than any other motels that I could’ve went to. Definitely worth booking if you like places that are cleaner than a motel with dormitory feeling.

Best hostel experience ever! As a solo traveler I would highly recommend this hostel the atmosphere is extremely social and the staff highly recommend everyone gets involved. Every night free alcohol is provided which is a huge plus in my books and on the one night alcohol is not provided they do a free dinner another huge plus in my books. Staff are absolutely lovely and everyone staying there says hi in passing. I stayed here for ten days and would recommend anyone coming to philly to stay here!

Stayed for a night.
Excellent location, 3 blocks away from the Independence Mall and about 15 minute walk to the Market East. One thing I do want to mention is that the hostel is in an alley which may not be the safest for a single girl walking at night even though it’s just 300 feet into the alley. The hostel is very welcoming though, main lounge decorated in green and large lounging area. They were having a movie/​wine/​cheese night when I came which was perfect! 4 desktops for use and free wifi. Connectivity is not the best. dropped a few times. I was in the female room which is a large room with at least 25 bunk beds. There are 4 shower stalls and 4 toilets on that floor. The lights go off at 11pm but you can turn on your little light. In term of cleaniness, I do not feel like it is very clean or at least the front desk person made me feel that way. He was picking among the sheets in the bucket and finally he said «this one looks better. no stain, here you go.» Questionable huh?

Recently, I stayed at the Apple Hostel in Philadelphia for 7 nights 01÷18÷14−01÷25÷14 (I originally reserved for 6 nights, but I called and added an extra day to make sure that I could see some sights in the city). I was working on the production team for a TV show. If you’ve ever worked on a television show or a film, then you know that it’s LONG hours (16 – 18 hours/​Day)! So when I would finally end the day, it was great that to be able to go to a place that took me only 10 minutes to get to (it’s only three blocks from a nearby subway station, and the subway is pretty reliable). When I would reach the building, there was always a smile there waiting for me, something I hardly even get where I live (New York City)! Normally, at that time of night, I would talk to a receptionist named Gregory (I think that was his name, he had a full beard). Just to speak to someone who was willing to listen to me was just the thing I needed before I headed off to bed and wake up in 4 hours.
The second thing I enjoyed about Apple Hostel was the cleanliness and security there. Before I left for Philly, I mentioned to many people that I would be staying at a hostel. Many said that it was unsafe and dirty. While I can’t speak for others, I can say that, without a doubt, this one is the polar opposite from the rumors. I had brought a package of surface towelettes (wet naps) with me to the hostel, but at the end of my stay, I gave them to the receptionist Clarissa (who was also sweet and gave a great walking tour) since I never used them. In addition, the only time I felt that something was amiss was when I couldn’t find my keys or my wallet Friday morning, but I soon realized this was my own fault.
The third thing I enjoyed about my stay was the social atmosphere. Although I spent most of my time in Philadelphia working, I was able to enjoy some of the events that the hostel offered (the Haunted Walking Tour, the Pub Crawl, and the Wine & Cheese Event). Through this, I was able to achieve one of my goals for staying there; meeting international travelers. Now, being that I work in film, I have the opportunity to meet others from different parts of the country and beyond, but it’s usually in a professional manner. Here, I could be informal with others who represented Australia, Holland, Slovenia, Malaysia, and Italy! It was a wonderful experience!
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here. The price for a night is very cheap, and the intimate service and the atmosphere that I experienced here are almost invaluable.

Love this place! I highly recommend staying here if you are out of state, a student or traveler. The staff is so friendly and amazing resources for what is going on in the area. The price is definitely perfect for the budget tourist. It is such a wonderful experience to meet people who are from all over the world.
The neighborhood where the hostel is located is in a fun, young part of town, where there are lots of clubs and bars. Philly is an amazing place to stay. Everything is within reasonable walking distance. The history of the town from the Revolutionary War is something not to be missed!
Apple hostels has so many amenities, it will blow your mind. They offer free breakfast on the weekends, many activities throughout the week from ghost tours, to wine and cheese, movies, lots of opportunities for beer. The facilities are cleaner than most 3 star hotels I have stayed at.
If you get a chance, be sure to stop by here. I have been here twice and plan on coming back with friends, just so they can share in the experience of this great place.
I have stayed at numerous hostels across the US, from Miami, to Texas and this place is definitely #1 in my book!

My go to hostel in Philadelphia that always helps me in last minutes.
The first time I booked this hostel was for my mother for my graduation ceremony.
It happened that I couldn’t find any hotel in Philadelphia that had open room for the day she arrived from airport when I was looking through entire city. There was one near airport that you need a car for okay transportation with suit case that she carried with.
First I had to little concern about her who did not speak English and probably older compare to other travelers.
In fact we could book their private room she was quite happy with her stay there for a night. (I could book hotel for least of the days)
Second time was this thanksgiving holiday which this time I booked for myself. This time I also needed booking in last minutes for 27^th night.
Because it was only for me and wanted a place I can crash in at very late night if I didn’t stay awake all night to catch up with friends.
This hostel has friendly front staffs and generally the common areas are clean.
The bed is clean, they provide each guest clean beddings and bath towel.
The bathroom is spacey. Their Kitchen has almost every essential tools, oven and free coffee and tea and hot cocoa all day. Free Wi-​Fi and free use of computers in 1^st floor. They usually have free dinner and drinks at night at their kitchen, and free breakfast or coupon for nearby café and restaurants that serve good cheap breakfasts as well.
Their dorm space is separated for male and female and for couples.
I don’t expect making friends at hostel but you could totally make new friends there as they are all friendly and wanting to talk especially people who book the dorm room.
If I am not staying at friend’s place, this is the best way to stay night for me as I am not tourist who wants to enjoy high end hotel stay experience.
This is probably only option in my mind in Philadelphia I will actually pay for a place to stay for last minutes plans.
I love the fact that it is located in Old City.

I was looking for a cheap place in Philly and found this hostel. My trip was at the last minute so I ended up calling them for reservations when I was already at the airport. I was planning on staying for two nights (Friday and Saturday). The person I spoke to on the phone told me I will be staying in the «girls room» on Friday night then the «couples room» for Saturday night. I was fine with that.
My bus from New York arrived at around 11:30 and I ended walking to the hostel. As previous reviews have mentioned, the entrance was in an alley, but I feel safe anyway. I was greeted by the staff and they decided to let me stay in the couples room during my two night stay.
The beds and the bathrooms were clean, and the kitchen was well-​equipped. The also have different activities every night, such as tours, pasta night and movie night (sometimes includes beer…)
However… there is a club in front of the hostel, so it does get pretty loud until early morning. Also, the stairs. The couples room and semi-​private rooms are at the very top of the building, so keep this in mind when packing. I look forward to staying here again.