Frommer's Review
The largest hotel in the state, and then some, the thrice-incarnated Philadelphia Marriott is high volume -- and surprisingly high service. Marriott opened the biggest hotel in Pennsylvania in January 1995, linked by an elevated covered walkway to the Reading Terminal Shed of the Convention Center. In 1999, Marriott converted the historic 1926 City Hall Annex across 13th Street at Filbert into a 500-room Courtyard by Marriott, the largest in the Courtyard division, and, in 2004, Courtyard gained neighbor Residence Inn, which added 269 suites to the stew. So all together, you have your choice of more than 2,100 rooms, three fitness centers, and 10 restaurants and lounges -- all linked with one another and with the Convention Center. Guests at any of the locations would be smart to join Marriott's rewards program, which offers automatic discounts to members.
Marriott's major auto entrance is on Filbert Street (two-way between Market and Arch sts.), with a grand pedestrian entrance adjoining Champions Sports Bar and retail on Market Street. The main lobby is sliced up into a five-story atrium, enlivened by a 10,000-square-foot water sculpture, a lobby bar, and a Starbucks. Setbacks and terraces provide plenty of natural light and views from the rooms on floors 6 to 23. Rooms are tastefully outfitted with dark woods, maroon and green drapes and bedspreads, a TV armoire, a desk, a club chair and ottoman, and a round table, but, overall, are slightly less elegant than those at the top hotels. Comfortably sized bathrooms have heavy chrome fixtures and sinks and counters tucked in the corners for more dressing room space. Closets are spacious; there are large desks -- and some amazing views of City Hall -- in guest rooms of Residence Inn and Courtyard. Service throughout the megaplex is impeccable, thanks to the well-trained, knowledgeable staff.
Facilities:
Restaurant; indoor pool; fitness center
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
