The Inn at Swarthmore

10 S Chester Rd, Swarthmore, PA 19081, Swarthmore, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

Overview

The Inn at Swarthmore is an unfussy, warm, informal 2-star hotel in the center of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. It’s positioned across from local shops and restaurants and is set up for easy in-town stays and quick trips into the Philadelphia area. The property displays artwork from Swarthmore College students and alumni, giving the interiors a campus-connected feel.

Location & Nearby

The hotel is about a 1-minute walk from the Swarthmore train station, making it convenient for transit-based sightseeing and day trips. Swarthmore College is roughly an 11-minute walk away, and Scott Arboretum is about a 9-minute walk. For Philadelphia attractions, points of interest such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art (~16.2 km), Liberty Bell (~17.9 km), and Philadelphia Zoo (~15.4 km) are within driving/transit range.

Rooms & Suites

Rooms are described as warm and informal, with free Wi‑Fi and flat-screen TVs. One-bedroom suites add a separate living room and a sofa bed. Guests also mention that rooms can be spacious and clean, while some furnishings may feel dated and lighting can be limited.

Dining & Social Spaces

On-site options include a casual restaurant/bar, and morning coffee is complimentary. Some guests note that the bar can close earlier than expected, which may affect late-evening plans. The hotel’s town-center setting also places additional dining choices just outside the doors.

Amenities & Practical Perks

The Inn at Swarthmore offers parking and a 24-hour gym. Complimentary Wi‑Fi is provided in guest rooms. Other amenities are not documented.

Best for

This hotel suits travelers who want to be in the heart of Swarthmore, steps from the train station and a short walk to Swarthmore College and Scott Arboretum. It’s also a good fit for guests who appreciate practical basics—free Wi‑Fi, parking, and a 24-hour gym—plus an on-site restaurant/bar. Visitors planning day trips to Philadelphia’s major museums and historic sites can use the location as a quieter base outside the city.

Travel tips

If you’re planning to use public transit, the Swarthmore train station is about a 1-minute walk away, which is handy for trips into nearby towns and toward Philadelphia. Swarthmore College is walkable in about 11 minutes, and Scott Arboretum in about 9 minutes, so consider packing for short walks. If you prefer evening drinks on-site, note that guests report the bar may close relatively early.

What guests say

Guests frequently highlight the convenient location in Swarthmore’s town center, along with easy access to the train station and nearby campus destinations. Service is a recurring positive theme, with staff described as notably helpful and attentive. Cleanliness and room size are mentioned favorably, and some guests report being upgraded to a suite. Negative notes include maintenance not feeling as strong as in the past, along with dated furniture and rooms that can feel not well lit. The on-site bar is appreciated, though some guests find it closes earlier than they expect.

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