Hostel HI - Philadelphia - Chamounix Mansion
HI - Philadelphia - Chamounix Mansion
3250 Chamounix Drive
19131 Philadelphia
USA
Tel.
1 215 878 3676
Fax.
1 215 871 4313
Customer Rating
| 88% | ||
| 86% | ||
| 73% | ||
| 83% | ||
| 79% | ||
| 56% | ||
| 77% | ||
In the heart of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park, historic Chamounix Mansion has welcomed overnight guests and groups for forty years. Originally built in 1802 as a country home, the mansion rests on a scenic bluff above the Schulykill River, and is convenient to Philadelphia's cultural and historic attractions, sporting events, and restaurants. Chamounix (CHAM'-ah-nee) Mansion provides clean accommodations in a beautiful setting for the best price.
Hostel bed capacity
| Total beds: | 80 |
Opening times
| Opening times (daily/weekly): | 8-11am; 4:30 pm to 2 am(curfew) |
| Opening times (over the year): | Jan 15 - Dec 15 |
Street Map and Route Planning
Directions
| Bus: | SEPTA Bus #38 and #40 stop at the intersection of Ford and Cranston roads. From bus stop, walk down Ford, turn left onto Chamounix Drive and walk to the end (about 1 mile total). |
| Parking: | At hostel. Free. |
| Location: | In Fairmont Park: take exit #339 (City Ave.) off I-76, south on City Ave., left on Belmont, left on Ford Rd., left on Chamounix Dr. to dead end. |
| Rail: | From 30th St. Station: Go to SEPTA platform, take blue line subway to Suburban Station (free with your AMTRAK ticket stub). Walk outside to JFK Boulevard, take #38 bus west to Ford and Cranston. Walk down Ford, turn left at Chamounix Drive, continue walking to the dead end (about 1 mile) |
| Airport: | Philadelphia International Airport (13 miles): Taxi = $30; Lady Liberty Shuttle = $15.00. Public transportation: R1 train to Suburban Station. Walk outside to JFK Boulevard, take #38 bus west to Ford and Cranston. Walk down Ford, turn left at Chamounix Drive, continue walking to the dead end (about 1 mile). |
Attractions
 | Historical sites nearby | | River/harbour/lake nearby |
| Hiking area | | Botanical gardens nearby |
| Forested/wooded area | | Shopping centre/market nearby |
| Leisure facilities nearby | | Mountainous/hilly area |
| Meet other travellers! Read their tips for things to do in HI - Philadelphia - Chamounix Mansion |
Facilities
 | Family rooms available |  | Suitable for wheelchair users |
 | Breakfast in price |  | TV room |
 | Self-catering kitchen |  | Groups welcome |
 | Common room(s) |  | Sheets in price |
 | Laundry facilities |  | Cycle rental available at or near the hostel |
 | Air conditioning |  | Internet access |
 | Credit card accepted |  | Games room |
 | Individual traveller welcome |  | Luggage Store |
 | Lockers available |  | Non smoking room/area |
 | Basic store available at or near the hostel |  | Garden |
 | Rates include local tax |  | Cycle store at Hostel |
 | BBQ |
Customer Reviews HI - Philadelphia - Chamounix Mansion
| 12 May 2013 Richard, USA | 97% | |
| Fantastic! Never thought I could stay in an 1802 mansion so cheaply. Clean and comfortable, and its park location was quiet and peaceful. | ||
| 07 Apr 2013 Man Yee, Hong Kong | 93% | |
| Location is not very good. When I just arrive In Philadelphia is not easy to put down my luggage for day tour and then another hostel red apple, it can't help me to store my luggage.....and then the hostel is close from 11:00am to 16:30pm..... | ||
| 27 Mar 2013 Milton, USA | 87% | |
| Though a fellow traveller talked loudly to someone on his cell phone in the adjacent bathroom, at 3:00 AM, the room was OK (first night no heat; second night heat was on). I suggest, if this hasn't been considered, to carpet the third floor. The floorboards squeal as someone walks in the room, which can be a rude awakening at night. | ||
| 11 Feb 2013 Thomas, USA | 20% | |
| !!!! | ||
| 20 Nov 2012 Boyce, USA | 93% | |
| Historic 1803 building in a great park. Inconvenient location if you don't have a car. Three sets of sheets were too short. Bring safety pins to pin the sheets to the mattress. | ||
| 19 Oct 2012 Alison, USA | 100% | |
| Great! Will definitely return again and commute to downtown and other locations - price and accomodations much nicer than downtown Apple Hostel (it was OK but crowded, spartan and no parking available). | ||
| 19 Oct 2012 Thomas, Canada | 97% | |
| Impressed with the hostel. Good cooking facilities and location is located in a scenic green space of Philadelphia. Although approximately a 1 mile walk to the bus it was scenic walking past horse stables and a park. Many attractions nearby including King of Prussia shopping centre, Zoo, Touch Museum and easy access to Art Museum, East Penn Prison museum. Lots of space in the hostel and good wifi speeds. Also very economical in comparison to downtown hostels. The make your own pancakes and coffee for breakfast was another thumbs up in an enjoyable stay. | ||
| 13 Oct 2012 Alex, USA | 57% | |
| If you're a backpacker planning on staying here, I recommend trying somewhere else. Here's why:
Firstly, if you don't have a car, it takes almost a full hour to get into the city (including the walk to the bus stop) and then the same coming back. Even though I felt pretty safe, the area is not very well lit at night and was a little creepy without a flashlight (especially walking to and from the bus stop).
Secondly, the hostel has lockout hours during the day which I found a little bit annoying.
Thirdly, the rooms (at least the men's rooms on the third floor) smelled like a gym locker and were full of old cheap cots.
I ended up only staying for two of the four nights that I booked. I decided to pay more money for a hotel room in the city that was near everything and had no lockout hours.
In my opinion, the hostel would probably be better being refurnished and used as a Breakfast & Bed place. For the average backpacker, it's just not worth the headache. | ||
| 07 Oct 2012 Liangliang, USA | 87% | |
| if you like biking and hiking . this is the place. if you are alone ..don;t ever think about the location. it's in mountain.!!!!! | ||
| 26 Sep 2012 Daniela, Germany | 36% | |
| Wewe didn't get the email that we have to leave the house each day at 11 am. | ||
Top Hostels in USA
Who else will be there?
Build friendships – before you even get thereConnect with other travellers
