By The Grand Laurel Hotel Team · Last updated 7th October 2026
If you’re visiting Philadelphia by car, staying in Mount Laurel, New Jersey can be easier than staying downtown. The Grand Laurel Hotel is about 11 miles from Historic Philadelphia and about 25 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport, with free self-parking, 279 rooms, and quick access to the NJ Turnpike and I-295. You get the city by day and a quieter home base at night, plus easy access to South Jersey.
Visiting Philadelphia doesn’t mean your hotel has to be in Center City. For families, couples, wedding guests, business travelers and road-trippers, a base just across the river can make the whole trip simpler.
The Grand Laurel at a glance
| Address | 915 NJ-73, Mount Laurel Township, NJ 08054 (Ramblewood area) |
| To Historic Philadelphia | About 11 miles |
| To the airport | About 25 minutes to Philadelphia International Airport |
| Highway access | Route 73 meets the NJ Turnpike at Exit 4 and I-295 at Exit 36 in Mount Laurel |
| Parking | Free self-parking |
| Rooms | 279 rooms, including 7 suites |
| Amenities | 24-hour fitness center, seasonal outdoor pool, bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, business center |
| Events | About 14,000 sq ft of meeting and event space; The Grand Legacy wedding ballroom on site |
| Nearby | About 2 miles from Cherry Hill Mall |
Travel times always depend on traffic, time of day and your exact destination.
Mount Laurel vs downtown Philadelphia: which suits your trip?
| Stay in Mount Laurel if… | Stay downtown if… |
| You’re traveling by car | You plan to walk or use transit everywhere |
| You want free, easy parking at your hotel | You don’t mind paying for city parking or valet |
| You want to visit South Jersey as well as Philadelphia | Your plans are almost entirely in Center City |
| You prefer a quieter place to come back to | You want to be in the middle of the nightlife |
| You’re attending a wedding or event in South Jersey | Your event is in the city |
Why Mount Laurel works as a Philadelphia base
Simpler driving and parking. Driving into a big city means busy streets, garages and luggage logistics. From Mount Laurel, you head into Philadelphia when sightseeing is on the agenda and come back to free parking at the hotel.
Two regions in one trip. Philadelphia doesn’t have to be your only destination. South Jersey attractions such as Adventure Aquarium, the Battleship New Jersey and Cooper River Park, plus shopping at nearby Cherry Hill Mall, can fit into the same trip without starting every day from Center City.
A quieter end to the day. City by day, suburban hotel by night. Families get downtime between busy days, couples get a calmer weekend base, and groups can stay together outside the busiest parts of the city.
Getting to Philadelphia from Mount Laurel
The Grand Laurel is on Route 73 in Mount Laurel. Route 73 connects with the NJ Turnpike at Exit 4 and with I-295 at Exit 36, and the main routes into Philadelphia cross the Delaware River from South Jersey. Historic Philadelphia is about 11 miles away.
Tips for a smooth day in the city:
- Group attractions by area. Historic sites can usually be seen together; museums can form another day.
- Check traffic before you leave, and allow extra time at rush hour, on busy weekends and around big sporting events.
- Plan parking before you arrive in a busy district, not after.
- Don’t overschedule. Leave time to enjoy your base.
A sample 3-day trip from Mount Laurel
| Day | Plan |
| Day 1 | Arrive, check in, park for free, and settle in with a workout or a swim (pool open seasonally) |
| Day 2 | Drive into Philadelphia for Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the historic district, lunch in the city, then back to Mount Laurel for a quiet evening |
| Day 3 | A South Jersey day: Adventure Aquarium or the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, Cooper River Park, or shopping at Cherry Hill Mall, then head home |
Who Mount Laurel works best for
| Traveler | Why it works |
| Families | Free parking, a pool in season and a quieter base between busy sightseeing days in Philadelphia and South Jersey |
| Weekend couples | Arrive Friday, spend Saturday in the city, keep Sunday for brunch, shopping or a South Jersey stop |
| Wedding guests | Stay where the celebration is: The Grand Legacy ballroom is inside the hotel |
| Business travelers | A middle point for meetings on both sides of the river, with Wi-Fi, a business center and meeting space |
| Groups and road-trippers | Rooms, parking and event space at one property |
Your home base: The Grand Laurel Hotel
The Grand Laurel Hotel is at 915 NJ-73 in Mount Laurel Township, with:
- 279 rooms, including 7 suites, with renovated areas, contemporary furnishings and refreshed lounges
- Free self-parking for your car or group vehicles
- A 24-hour fitness center and a seasonal outdoor pool
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, a business center and audiovisual capabilities
- About 14,000 sq ft of meeting and event space for meetings, conferences and celebrations
Weddings at The Grand Legacy
Coming to the area for a wedding, or planning one? The Grand Legacy is the ballroom wedding and event venue inside The Grand Laurel Hotel. Couples can host the ceremony and reception in the same ballroom, and guests can book rooms in the same hotel with special wedding room rates, so nobody has to drive after the reception. Rehearsal dinners, after-parties and post-wedding brunches can all happen at the same property.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Mount Laurel, NJ from Philadelphia? The Grand Laurel Hotel is about 11 miles from Historic Philadelphia. Travel time depends on traffic, time of day and where in the city you’re going.
How far is The Grand Laurel from Philadelphia International Airport? About 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Is it better to stay in New Jersey or Philadelphia? It depends on how you travel. If you have a car, want free parking and plan to visit South Jersey too, Mount Laurel is often easier. If you’ll walk or use transit everywhere and stay mostly in Center City, a downtown hotel may suit you better.
Does The Grand Laurel Hotel have free parking? Yes. Free self-parking is available on site.
What amenities does The Grand Laurel Hotel have? 279 rooms including 7 suites, a 24-hour fitness center, a seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, a business center, and about 14,000 sq ft of meeting and event space.
Is Mount Laurel good for families visiting Philadelphia? Yes, especially for families traveling by car. You can split days between Philadelphia’s historic sites and museums and South Jersey attractions like Adventure Aquarium, with a quieter hotel to return to.
Is The Grand Laurel a good hotel for wedding guests? Yes. The Grand Legacy wedding ballroom is inside the hotel, and wedding room rates and suites are available, so guests can celebrate and stay at the same property.
What is near The Grand Laurel Hotel? Cherry Hill Mall is about 2 miles away, and South Jersey attractions such as Adventure Aquarium, the Battleship New Jersey and Cooper River Park are within driving distance.
Make Mount Laurel part of your Philadelphia trip
A good Philadelphia trip isn’t only about how close your room is to a landmark. It’s about how easily you move between places, how simple parking is, and how comfortable you are at the end of the day. For visitors with a car, wedding guests and anyone planning to see both sides of the river, Mount Laurel makes a practical home base.
Book your stay at The Grand Laurel Hotel and explore Philadelphia and South Jersey from one easy base.