In the 18th & 19th century, Old City, due to it's proximity to the port, was the commercial hub of the city. Businesses and banking were centered in the area, as were early railroad lines. Many hotels were located here to serve travelers, businessmen and merchants.
Third Street Hall was a popular hotel, located at the N.W. corner of Third and Willow Streets. It was located by the starting point for the cars of the Peoples' Line, connecting to Pittsburgh, and also for vehicles of the Philadelphia & Trenton Railroad. The hotel was built in 1833 by Enoch Middleton and contained 100 rooms. It also served as a railway depot.
The United States Hotel opened in 1826 at 419 Chestnut Street and only lasted 30 years. It was torn down and replaced by the Bank of Pennsylvania; the building still stands today.
The Eagle Hotel stood at 227 N 3rd St from the mid 1800's and was torn down in the 1920's as part of the approach to the Delaware River (now Ben Franklin) Bridge.
The Merchants' Hotel, 40 - 50 N 4th St., was built in 1837 by Philadelphia architect William Strickland. For decades it was considered one of the best hotels of its class in the country. It was said the hotel could house up to 500 guests. The Merchant's Hotel was visited by the Presidents Van Buren, Pierce, and Buchanan. With commerce shifting uptown to the area near City Hall, the Merchant's Hotel was eventually converted to warehousing and offices. A fire on February 9, 1966 destroyed the building. The Wyndham Hotel now sits on the site.
Other 19th century hotels included Hotel Carrollton at 309 Arch St.; William Penn Hotel at 327 Market St; Judd's Hotel opened in 1819 at 27 S 3rd St; The St Elmo Hotel at 319 Arch St; Ullman's Hotel at 312 Race St; City Hotel at 296 Arch St; Red Lion Hotel at 200 Market St; Bald Eagle Hotel at 414 North 3rd Street; Barley Sheaf Hotel at 257 North 2nd Street and Ridgeway House at Front & Market St. Franklin Square House sat across the street from the west side of Franklin Square.
St Charles Hotel at 60 - 66 N 3rd St. was built in 1851. The hotel featured eating and drinking saloons, a ladies’ parlor and 50 guest rooms. The hotel still exists as St Charles Court apartments.
Third Street Hall, 1833 United States Hotel, 1859 Eagle Hotel
Merchants Hotel, 1830's Merchant in 1962 Hotel Carrollton, 1910
Ridgeway House, 1913 Franklin Sq. House St Charles Court, current