The Inn at Swarthmore

That elevator needs fixing. It was out of order, though the stairs weren’t too bad and staff offered to take our luggage up. The rest of the stay was incredible: everything was clean, and the place had the feel of a bed and breakfast. The food was amazing, too. I never learned the name of the woman with the shaved head, but she made it feel like a family home. Whenever I passed her, at any hour, she remembered us and was lovely to talk to. It felt like having a friend or family member working there. I’ll definitely come back, especially since I’ll be working on the new hospital opening 10 minutes away.

We’re traveling through Pennsylvania on our first road trip together, and we couldn’t have been happier with our hotel choice. The place was beautiful, and breakfast had plenty of food. Everything was fantastic. Thanks, Swarthmore, we’ll definitely return!

Swarthmore College’s grounds were a lovely addition to the evening. We wandered past the gardens, stone paths, and tall trees in the crisp autumn air before the rehearsal dinner, and the arboretum-like campus felt almost like a botanical sanctuary. Swarthmore itself has a cozy, quietly magical feel, with a polished but welcoming character. The Inn’s locally inspired artwork and the town’s easy walkability, bookstore, coffee shop, and boutiques all added to that sense of community. We attended a wedding rehearsal dinner at The Inn at Swarthmore, and the evening went smoothly from cocktails through dinner. The staff were gracious, attentive, and professional. The food was fresh, nicely presented, and thoughtfully portioned, with creativity in every course. Inside, the clean modern lines were softened by warm décor. The staff also accommodated us and helped resolve an important issue without hassle. For an event, a college visit, or a weekend away, it brings together the college and town’s spirit with small-town warmth.

For the price, this place didn’t feel like it offered much value, and it came across as geared toward charging students’ parents. It was quiet, and there were a couple of restaurants nearby, which were the real positives. The bar and menu need a serious rethink: staff often didn’t know how to make basic drinks, and even the Caesar salad and avocado toast had unnecessary warm spice. There were only three small groups in the restaurant, yet they still forgot us, forgot utensils, mixed up bills, and changed double items. Then there was the loud ice machine dripping outside my room. I don’t think the Inn is worth what it costs.