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36 reviews for Sofitel Philadelphia
One of Sofitel Philadelphia's Favorite Reviews What's This?
I wish I could live here! One of the best hotels I have ever stayed it. Great service, great neighborhood, AMAZING bed! I could go on and on about this bed...I did not want to leave the bed. I ordered room service, just so we could stay in the bed.
They have flat screen tv's that actually are hooked up correctly to display HD. The staff here is great! They are nice a quiet in the morning, which is great if you haven't had your coffee yet and you don't want someone who is all loud and cheering to be the first person you see.
I have heard that it's expensive, but I got a good deal on http://Hotels.com
if i could live in this hotel room, i would've. it is perfection. i cannot stress that enough. if you are looking for a place to stay in philly, this is the place. and i'm sure the bf would happily concur.
the location? perfect. - it's right in the middle of the city, within walking distance of rittenhouse, shops, bars, restaurants, and even redding termincal market and liberty bell (if you choose to trek the distance!)
the hotel service? perfect. - the staff is courteous, prompt, and professional. i have no complaints and nothing but praise for the entire staff!
the hotel amenities? perfect. - the ambiance of the hotel is great. swanky but classic.
the TV? perfect. - awesome flat screen that actually hooks up to a VCR...
the bathroom amenities? perfect. - full sized tub and shower in the regular room, not even the suites...
the bed? PERFECT. - seriously, i don't think i've slept in a more comfortable bed including my own bed at home. comfortable is too lousy of a word to even begin to describe the wonderfulness that was the sleeping conditions of this hotel room!!!
i cannot wait to go back to philly and stay at the sofitel again!!!
Same monthly business trip... New fabulous hotel digs... What a world of difference!
3 cheers for Sofitel Philly and it's lovely, extremely well-appointed elegance. From gleaming granite and marble to deep, dark woods and streamlined chic furniture, the lobby welcomes your weary traveling self in absolute style. The friendly staff are clearly trained in 'soothing voice' technique (love it!) and ooze an effortless air of service and accommodation. Very ahhhhh-worthy.
Was pleased with my room - especially the bathroom! Loads of glorious granite, a convenient full length mirror, picture perfect lighting and a wonderfully spacious glass enclosed multiple jet shower with separate jacuzzi tub. Score!! Other amenities like a cushy king sized bed with overstuffed crisp duvet, in-room wi-fi and nice little living room/work space area made things easy breezy and almost homey.
The Sofitel has a great breakfast spot (Chez Colette) and also a sweet lounge/bar which stays open 'til 2am... if you're feeling adventurous, put on your walking shoes as this hotel location puts you smack dab in the Rittenhouse Square action strolling distance from lively bars, outdoor bistros, really cute creperies and TONS of phenom shopping!
The valet and oddly situated corner driveway here are often a bit of a clusterf**k, but don't let that cramp your style... Sofitel is as good as it gets for your Phillyfied home away from home!
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Over the weekend, I stayed here again at an amazing rate for a girlfriend's night away. It was marvelous! Our room had a great view, the beds were super comfy, and the entire staff was professional and courteous. The entire hotel was booked but you couldn't tell because there were no elevator waits, no mass confusion, lines at checkin or checkout, etc.
One of my girlfriends got bumped into a suite and we all pre-gamed there. The hotel is beautiful and so convenient to great shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. I will definitely be back...again.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/3/2009
The Mister and I stayed in the Sofitel this past weekend to hang with some out-of-town friends. This… Read more »
This hotel is great! Really close to Rittenhouse. The beds are like if a marshmallow and a fluffy cloud had a bastard baby. They have flat screen tvs with HD cable service, but ironically when I visited this French hotel they did not have VersusHD which is covering the Tour De France.
The staff and bar were very accommodating of the wedding party that I was with which arrived here after the reception. We stayed until the bar closed and then moved up to the hotel rooms after buying ridiculous amounts of champagne. After getting busted for being too loud in the rooms, the staff didn't mind while we drank and accidentally broke glasses in their carport at 4am.
I would love to stay here again but maybe without all the breaking things and drunken rowdiness.
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Superb overall.
As other's have said, the bed was beyond dreamy. I'm a pretty light sleeper and usually wake up at least once a nigh, but I slept like a rock both nights and wish I could buy the bed to have it home. Seriously, it's that good.
We were both impressed with how large both the room and bathroom were as well as the desk area.
The only "eh" issue was the fact that the shower door somehow leaked, so the bathmat would be soaked after each shower. Kind of a pain.
I will definitely stay at the Sofitel again. You can't beat the location or service.
The room service is so terrible, they were completely wrong on everything we ordered. Either missing things from our order, cooked wrong... or just not listening to our requests to change certain things. Also, it took forever.
The bed was comfortable though.
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Considering all the research we had done and the reviews we had read we knew this place was going to be Posh. And let me just say this place was major! The hotel had a very well lit entrance that was very open and welcoming. You pretty much walk into the lobby bar which is where your vacation should start anyway. The bar is lined with floor to ceiling glass windows, great for people watching as you sip worries of our economy away.
Our room was very modern with earth tone colors. My favorite part of the room though was the bathroom. This is the kind of bathroom that both men and women love. Chicks will dig the enticing tub to bathe in and men the phone with a speaker next to the toilet. Imagine that...you can order room service while you do your business or check on the dogs or kids back at home on the comfort of a toilet. There is also a glass encased shower. Very spacious with big mirrors to primp on. The bed is also worth mentioning. Who cares if you got duped into buying that $1000 Serta bed. Wait till you lay in one of these beds, its borderline orgasmic. And speaking of, if you get an itch you can order all kinds of porn. Vanilla to the really kinky freaky stuff. Whatever floats your boat.
Overall a beautiful place to stay at. The staff is friendly and is willing to assist with anything.
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May I just say: most comfortable bed ever. Ever. And I love my bed at home. But still. Good God, I could hardly drag myself out of bed while staying at the Sofitel. Service was also quite good, and the location can't be beat. Highly recommended!
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One of my favorite places to stay. Their rooms are well decorated and spacious, they are centrally located, you have your choice of a separate bathtub / glass enclosed shower, flatscreen TV, nice lobby bar, great toiletries (Roger & Gallet), and a bed that you can sink into for the night. Their Pacific Coast featherbed was so comfortable, I had to buy one for my house.
Breakfast at Chez Colette is the added bonus - nothing says "breakfast" like fresh squeezed juice, french press coffee, and waffles (or omelette with a croissant).
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Note: I have never stayed here - this review is based on the great job Sofitel did catering our Corporate Holiday party in 2006.
Gorgeous ballrooms, great services, fantastic food. (We had stations - multiple stattions - with delicious food.)
Even getting a cab home was organized and well executed. GREAT JOB SOFITEL.
Review of bar food by Chez Colette at Sofitel:
Let me make it clear that I am reviweing the restaurant in the BAR AREA at the Sofitel - but it is the same menu and same kitchen as Chez Colette.
Service here has always been great for us - we come for lunch and I usually get the Salmon over butternut squash risotto - which is a rich, delicious meal.
My friend usually will get a burger that is served with an enormous cone of thinly cut greasy fries. (Yes - they are a little BKish.)
The food was really good - and I had freshly squeezed OJ.
Eat in the bar - for the comfy couches and big tables and people watching. The main restaurant (which I have never sat in) is usually dead empty.
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real niceeeeeee
bed were cloudlicious
room service excellent
wake up call excellent
not so good bell person/door person service
hotel bar was great
great location in downtown area
lost keys there and called and the mgmt had everyone search for them and they called me back and found the keys=they mailed them to me too!
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Love the idea that in a hotel in Philly they answer the phone"Bon jour".It really is a first rate hotel, bath robes too. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious and well appointed and the beds are wonderful. The lobby bar and seating area as well as the restaurant are really the prime amenities. First morning, I called RS and asked if they had pain au chocolat. Silence then "sorry sir but we don't have pounds of chocolate". That's OK , love the Sofitel.
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My parents got a good deal on this hotel (including air fare) for their trip to Philadelphia. As first time Sofitel customers, this was definitely worth the stay. Rooms are rather spacious and very well lit. I mean, there were lights everywhere! Beds were so comfy...you practically fall into the bed because they were so soft. The bathroom was really nice and roomy, with French doors, a separate tub and shower! My dad's complaint was that they received more body lotion than they did shampoo and conditioner every day, which I thought was very random. Service was excellent, though, as each day my parents requested more shampoo they got it wthin seconds. It was like as though they were waiting for the call? Ha!
The elevator situation was a little irritating. For security reasons (and I am all about knowing that such care to ensure all hotel goers are protected), room key cards are needed for the elevator to get to each floor. During the stay here, my parents had to get their cards re-activated at least once a day, if not more. It was kind of a pain, but after over-hearing other customers complain, it was a relief knowing we weren't the only ones. I'd definitely come back again, or at least look in the Sofitel if I were to come back to Philadelphia....that is, if I got a good price deal.
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You know what I realized sitting here in the Philly Int'l Airport today? No one writes letters anymore. It's becoming a lost art, so today is the day I will make my move to change that!
Dear Sofitel Bed,
It's been pretty amazing getting to know you this week. Your plush king-sized comforter, your 4 super squishy, large and delectable pillows, your thick and floating happy on cloud soft pad underneath your bottom sheet and your headboard that framed your entire self so well. I really couldn't have slept without ya, so thank you for everything. I'll call ya and maybe we'll do it again sometime ;) huh huh, I said do it.
Sincerely,
Stephy "12 year-old sense of humor" S.
Dear Room Service Menu,
Are you serious? Dang, spenny is an understatement. And while I know that room service is always a rip off, $16 for a latte and a somewhat stale bagel with cream cheese seems a bit extreme, don't you think? Yes, I think you do.
Take care,
Stephy "Puhh to the mo fo lease" S.
Dear Sofitel Bathroom,
You are pretty cool and super spacious and I LOVED the fact that you actually had counter space for me to sprawl all of my crap on. Far too often other hotel banos simply don't have enough space for girlie needs like makeup, perfume and other things that make us rock, so I truly appreciate your attention to details.
Much love,
Stephy "I feel purdy!" S.
Eh, letters are far too exhausting. I'll just stick to reviews, hehe, see ya!
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Amazing suites. Amazing Bed. Perfect gym. Perfect service.
I think this is my favorite hotel I have stayed in to date.
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After a considerable amount of research before traveling, we determined the Sofitel was the best balance of cost, location, reputation and quality.
That said, be prepared for an above adequate experience at best. We recently enjoyed a stay at the Sofitel in Manhattan which was exquisite. The Philadelphia location does has the French charm and elegance and we found the staff to express the same genuine warmth and hospitality of the New York location. However be prepared for rooms with absolutely no view, hands down the coldest hallways of any hotel we've ever been to and rooms that smell strongly of carpet deoderizer.
Room service was fine but expensive (typical). The valet was accomodating, even though we pushed them to the limit with how many times a car could be brought in and out and not driven away. Someone else mentioned the beds are of poor quality and THEY ARE. I have attached a picture. The beds are FAR PAST DUE for replacing. The mattresses sag in something terrible and the Sofitel has tried to camoflauge this by adding a puffy (and comfortable) feather top. I slept OK, but I did expect a lot more for $200/night.
In short we'd stay here again. Part of that decision is based on the less desirable (either by price, quality, location) of the other hotels in Philly. For example we went to the Four Seasons for afternoon drinks and I could not believe it wasn't just a souped-up Courtyard Marriott. So, if you're deciding between the Four Seasons at $400/night and the Sofitel, put on your winter coat and brave the ice-cold hallways to your floppy bed paradise!
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Stayed here for three nights this past week for work. Overall it was a great experience. Didn't get a free drink card that Ken H. mentioned though.
Checking in was fast and easy... all the staff were friendly -- all offered a greeting whenever I pasted them in the lobby/hallways.
What I liked:
- Great, central location
- Very stylish rooms, super-soft, feather-bed-topped mattresses
- Large 42"(?) LCDs
- Spacious bathroom with a separate shower and tub (didn't get to enjoy it this past trip... maybe next time).
- Bathrobes provided.
- Nightly turn-down service with a mini evian water on your nightstand.
- Alarm clock that can attach to my iPod.
What I didn't like:
- $30 Valet is only parking option provided by the hotel. The parking is also off-site I believe, so it takes a good 15-20 minutes for your car to be brought to you.
- Non-HD/digital tv service on a LCD = lousy television viewing
- Though they did provide both green and red apples in the fitness room... neither of the water fountains in the fitness room worked. No fountain, no bottled water = dehydrated, shortened work-outs.
Even with the negatives... I'd definitely be back.
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Sofitel gets 4 starts because I got stuck with a smoking room and then got too lazy to pack up and switch to a non-smoking room. I think I was so amazed that there were still smoking rooms I couldn't believe it.
It finally dawned on me I was in a smoking room when I was talking to hubby back home and told him how happy I was to get some matches (no one has matches on the West Coast with the whole, no smoking any where laws). Then I saw that the matches were in an ashtray...on my desk next to my laptop...in my room. Then the subtle smell of smoke seemed to get stronger and stronger. I think I may take up smoking now. At least I have a box of cool Sofitel matches to start with.
The room is gorgeous and the bathroom is HUMONGOUS. I mean gigantico. The shower has glass doors and is HUGE. Very cool, love the bathroom. It's the size of some rooms - it's BIG.
Bed is so soft it rivals that Heavenly Bed. Big plasma televisions - that's heaven for me.
Nice hotel - go figure, there are a lot of guests who speak French. Cool.
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Loved it. That bed is the best thing. Wow. We woke up and called downstairs to find out exactly when check-out was so we could figure out exactly how long we could stay in that bed and still get out of the room in time. Normally I'm up and racing to brunch on a Sunday, but brunch can wait when you are in a bed that comfy. I asked for a great view, so they put us on the top floor and we got exactly what we asked for. The window in the room covered the entire wall end to end. Clean and nicely decorated, nice big flat screen tv, nice marble bathroom, nice plush robes, nice toiletries in the bathroom.
What more could you want? Oh, how about you have a relative ask if you can emergency dog-sit and you call the Sofitel in Philly where you have a room booked and ask if the dog can come and stay in their luxury rooms too and they say, "Sure! We don't have any weight limits or breed restrictions and don't need you to pay a fee, pay a deposit, sign anything, or do anything other than give us your phone number so we can reach you." Wow. Thanks Sofitel.
Note that parking is $30.
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We stayed here during the weekend of our wedding and it was fantastic. The fact that they were so upscale AND dog-friendly was wonderful. The design of the rooms are so unique and much different than anything else you see in Philly. I would trade my apartment to live in their gorgeous, massive bathrooms any day.
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So nice, for so many reasons. The location is wonderful, as my friends and I were able to just walk out the door and head in any direction to a nice restaurant or pub. And safely too. In the mornings, you can walk out the door, turn right, and head to the waffle spot to have the best breakfast ever (okay, so I really like waffles).
The hotel itself is very nice. The bar downstairs is very cool to hangout at, and the bar snacks were perfectly seasoned. Seemed to be a lot of locals hanging out there afer work, so that's always a good sign. The hotel staff were all very kind and polite.
But the room. Oh, what a wonderful room! Very large, very comfortable, and CLEAN! The bathroom was also spacious and CLEAN! And the products, not only did it get me CLEAN but they were of generous portions. The bed was heaven, so soft, that I swear it was a two inch feather bed atop the already soft mattress.
I love the Sofitel. Me love them long time.
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The Sofitel is one of my favorite hotels in Philadelphia. I always recommend it to friends and family coming to Philadelphia from out of town. Great rooms, modern finishings, good service, excellent location.
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After two visits, the Sofitel has emerged as my first choice hotel in Center City Philadelphia. I'm generally a fan of the Sofitel chain, and this property in particular boasts a great location. It's near Rittenhouse Square but also walkable to the Convention Center. It's a good place for convention and trade show attendees who want to be close to the exhibit hall but in a slightly more subdued and classy environment. This hotel is also just a few blocks from Suburban Station, allowing those who travel light to skip the cab and use the SEPTA R1 train for transfers to and from the airport.
The hotel is of moderate size. There's seldom a wait for check-in or an elevator. The lobby level has an attractive bar facing Sansom Street with a nice selection of wines by the glass and even a few good draft beers. Off to the side of the bar, there are three computers and a printer, a welcome amenity for guests needing to print a boarding pass, check email, or do some Yelp research on local restaurants. Wi-fi is available in all guest rooms, but unfortunately there is a daily fee.
The guest rooms are attractively decorated but not over-the-top. The linens and beds are incredibly comfortable, and the hotel seems remarkably well sound-insulated. Even during a busy convention that most likely filled the hotel, getting a good night's sleep was never a problem. Street noise from below was also never an issue due to thick windows. Bathrooms are impressive with separate shower stalls and tubs.
Despite any stereotypes associated with a French-owned chain, the Sofitel has a boutique look without the dreaded boutique attitude. Staff are genuinely helpful and friendly, and there is none of the hipper-than-thou vibe that pervades some other hotels. About the only aspect of the Sofitel's atmosphere I didn't care for was the annoying "chill" music playing in the lobby. I know that gentle programmed beats and whispered vocals are all the rage in hotels, but I would have been so much more impressed with a hotel playing classic jazz or even some indy rock in its public areas.
The few other disadvantages with the hotel are issues I have with the overall Sofitel chain: no tea/coffee makers in guest rooms, minibars rather than refrigerators, a skeletal frequent guest program, and a charge for wireless Internet access. Still, these minor disadvantages are outweighed by the Sofitel's convenient location, quiet rooms, and friendly atmosphere. It's a great choice for anyone visiting Center City Philadelphia.
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This is a gorgeous boutique hotel! Have stayed here 2x for work and it is right in the middle of town. There is great shopping and good restaurants all within walking distance. It is a cab ride away to the tourist part/Old Town.
Super comfy beds with the down mattress pad, down comforter etc...they give you a bathrobe. The bathrooms are HUGE and marble and the product they give you is a great smelling french brand.
I stay here for work, but would actually fork out the cash to stay here myself too! Rooms have romantic feel to them. =)
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A nice clean building who offered a suite since I was only staying one night. The suite was SO awesome. That was the fluffiest bed I've ever been in. I'm glad all the reviews mentioned it, it's the #1 thing I loved about the room.
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Funny story-- my boyfriend and I stumbled into Sofitel after a night so debaucherous that we BOTH lost our sets of keys to our apartment. It was the only hotel with rooms available and it was too late even to be calling our friends who are nightly folk. No hotel room in Philly is worth 300 dollars a night but Sofitel IS nice. The bed was huge and comfy, the room was nice and well decorated. The circumstances were unfortunate and it was late otherwise we would have enjoyed it more.
On the flip side, if you can get a good online deal its well worth it. My mother lives out of the country and has stayed in many of the hotels in Philly. This was by far the best. You can not beat the location, the room service or the comfort factor.
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We have stayed at this Sofitel many times as a weekend getaway. This place never disappoints. The comfortable bed is dreamy. The room and bathroom are each spacious. Location near Rittenhouse Square is a convenient walk to several tony restaurants like Parc.
Service: The staff at the front desk have always been swift and professional. The attendants for the car service are friendly. They have provided much needed driving directions without hesitation. If you are leaving close to checkout time on a Sunday, there may be a long wait for your car to arrive. Plan your exit strategy accordingly.
Room: well appointed. Modern dark wood end tables beside the bed hold a selection of glossy magazines. Large windows go the width of the room, but are covered with thick drapes to keep out the morning sun. They offer a large LCD TV with High Definition service including HBO in HD.
My favorite zine in the room is "France". Reading each quarterly issue makes me feel like I have jetted into town from Paris on the Concord. Oui, oui?
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excellent room, stayed in a suite.
right price.
good front desk assistance.
exercise room is on par.
no pool/sauna/spa
only down side- horrendous valet service.
4 marks for the bar downstairs. I did not stay in a room. This is a pretty classy looking place. The service at the bar downstairs was great. This is pretty spacious place too, so you can position yourself to be out of the way of any lame patrons if needed.
I did not get a chance to try any of the food, but the complementary chips and olives were a nice touch.
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My favorite. I stayed here a lot when I lived outside of the city. They let you bring your dogs. the rooms are beautiful. room service menu is fab. and i love the bar.
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The beds at this place are two eyeblinks away from heaven. I jumped up and sunk into the sheets immediately. I almost didn't want to shop or eat or go out for drinks because all I wanted to do was swim in the sublime serenity of the sofitel bed.
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I love, love, love this hotel! Great decor, fun bar and fabulous location--super close to great restaurants and bars! Perfect Philly hotel for a night away.
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my favorite hotel in Philadelphia, including some of the ritzy ones. Just has a great feel, but not too pretentious. even give you a free drink card when you check in, that you can use at the way kewl bar downstaris where all the hipsters and conventioneers go. great, big rooms, wonderful decor and wood accents. wish I could get my place to look this sleek.
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I would NEVER recommend this hotel. After a long day of airline travel I got there to be told they over booked and didn't have a room. So they were giving me a "complimentary" room and 2 local phone calls at the Four Seasons for one night. Now I'm supposed to have a "super" reservation for tomorrow night. I will be sure to tell everyone I can not to go to this hotel. How does a confirmed reservation end up without a room??? And I will be sure to complain to my company who booked it so that they don't send anyone else to this hotel.
My new favorite hotel in Philadelphia. The prices are extremely reasonable at around $250 / night, I mean I think the courtyard marriot is $225. I was in town last night for a concert and thought I'd give this place a shot. The bar and lounge area is great with a big bar and lot's of leather seats everywhere. It's perfect for people watching. The entrance is very nice with marble everywhere and a very clean feel to the place. My room was fantastic. It was huge with enough seating for a group of 8. The bed was one of the most comfortable I've ever slept in (2nd only to maybe Four Seasons). The closet was huge, it was almost like a walk in. They had a very nice large screen plasma. The bathroom was also very large with a double doorway entrance (to the bathroom!). The bathroom had lots of marble and a separate shower stall from the bath. The only two things keeping me from giving this place five stars is they don't have a little shop inside the hotel to buy toothpaste, magazines, etc. And, they really don't have a business center, which is a must for me when I travel for business. They have a few computers in the lounge with internet access, but I don't even think they have a printer attached and their is no privacy. This is a place I'll stay when I go to Philly for fun like last night. The staff and concierge were also top notch. I stil can't believe you can get this caliber of hotel in center city for this price.
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