Philadelphia Hotels
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$200 to US$300)
$$ (US$100 to US$200)
$ (under US$100)
Check hotel websites for online specials. Breakfast is not included unless specified.
Business
Beautifully set in the heart of the historic district, the Omni Hotel offers opulent décor and spacious guest rooms. For business travellers, the hotel has complimentary high-speed Internet access, high-tech meeting rooms and a business centre. All rooms have desks with two-line cordless telephones and modems. There is also a fitness centre and swimming pool. But the best part of this country-style hotel is the location. Overlooking leafy Independence National Historic Park, the Omni is a short stroll away from historic sights like the old Statehouse and the Liberty Bell, as well as museums, small galleries and several very good restaurants. The old-style Azalea restaurant overlooks the busy Chestnut Street.
401 Chestnut Street, at South 4th Street
Tel: (215) 925 0000 or 1 888 444 OMNI.
Website: www.omnihotels.com
Price: From $$-$$$
Set in the top eight floors of the landmark 1904 Bellevue Building, the Park Hyatt ranks among the most elegant hotels in Philadelphia. Opulent retailers (like Tiffany & Co) are set among the marble and mosaic-filled ground floor. From there an elevator whisks guests to the glitzy, domed lobby on the 19th floor. The rooms here are decorated in classic old-world style with all the modern luxuries, including goose-down duvets, Wi-Fi access and handsome marble bathrooms (some with TVs). Extremely knowledgeable concierges provide top-notch service, and guests can freely utilise the enormous Michael Graves-designed health club next door.
200 South Broad Street at Walnut Street
Tel: (215) 893 1234.
Website: www.parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Luxury
A little distance from the centre of Philadelphia, this hotel is located near the wide sweep of the avenue that leads to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The hotel's interior owes its inspiration to the Federal period, with elegant furnishings, vast colourful carpets and lush floral displays. The Four Seasons is also home to the exquisite candle-lit dining room in the Fountain Restaurant as well as the Swann Lounge, which offers proper tea service. The Four Seasons has a sumptuous air throughout, including the bedrooms. Elegance is always combined with facilities; the 365 rooms have voice-mail, two-line telephones and modems. The hotel also has extensive meeting facilities (and these rooms too are functional and impressive), a health club, pool and spa.
1 Logan Square
Tel: (215) 963 1500.
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Price: $$$$
Quite simply, one of the best addresses in town. Located beside Philadelphia's City Hall on the Avenue of the Arts, The Ritz-Carlton occupies a grandiose one-time bank - the old domed banking hall is now the reception, while the vault is a cigar and brandy bar (the marble steps on the way down are worn where once ladies descended to retrieve their gems from strong boxes). The lobby has plenty of sitting space and a handsome bar, while just off it is a breakfast restaurant and its upscale restaurant, The Grill. Guest rooms are huge and the bathrooms luxurious. Facilities include voice-mail, multi-line telephones, computer and fax hook-ups and modem points. Further in-room business facilities are available in the ‘Club' rooms on the four upper floors, which also have an opulent lounge with views, and free drinks and snacks in the evening. There is also a range of meeting rooms, with state-of-the-art equipment, and banqueting halls, and a conference planning team on hand.
10 Avenue of the Arts, at Broad Street
Tel: (215) 523 8000.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Price: From $$$$
Moderate
Despite the rather plain modern facade, the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn offers excellent value for all the amenities. It boasts a central location next-door to the Conference Centre, with the historic sights of Philly just a short stroll from the hotel. The coach and rail stations and the many shops of Market Street are also nearby. The 279 guest rooms offer straightforward comfort but good business facilities, like a spacious work desk with two two-line telephones, voice-mail and free high-speed Internet access plus a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a newly renovated fitness centre and 24-hour business centre. Great views can be had from the airy restaurant beside an expansive bar on the top floor.
1100 Arch Street, at North 11th Street
Tel: (215) 923 0100 or 1 877 782 9444 (reservations).
Website: www.hiltongardenphilly.com
Price: $$
A cosier alternative to high-rise hotels is the charming Thomas Bond House. This bed and breakfast is set in a converted Georgian style home that dates back to 1769, and is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. The 12 guest rooms are handsomely furnished with period antiques, and two of the rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Hosts give a warm welcome with wine and cheese in the evenings, and there's usually sherry and homemade cookies on hand. The excellent assortment of restaurants of the Old City lie just outside the door.
129 South 2nd Street, at Sansom Street
Tel: (215) 923 8523 or 1 800 845 2663.
Website: www.thomasbondhousebandb.com
Price: From $$ (breakfast included)
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