Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia

We were in Philly for a weekend getaway without the kids. We stayed in a room on the 24th floor (yes, do get a room as high up as possible to avoid street noise). Was told the room was "renovated" one, but it didn't look it - it still had the 1980s thermostat (as opposed to newer digital ones), but it was by no means "shabby" or old in quality. But I would be disappointed if this is what they call renovated. In any case, the room was comfortable. My wife liked the shampoo and other toiletries. There was no mini fridge in the room. I think that you can call the front desk and request one, though (not sure as we didn't need one and didn't bother to look into it). Location wise, this is great - it's centrally located between the museums and the constitutional attractions; about 20 minute walk in either direction. It's also convenient to the subway and bus stops. When we checked in, they gave us free access to their "Sonesta Club" which they were promoting heavily. Basically it's their frequent traveler club in which you earn extra amenities and benefits the more you travel. You also have access to the Club Lounge which was actually pretty good. We were told they had various snacks and non-aloholic drinks available throughout the day, but we found it was a bit more! On every occasion we went they had at least 1 hot h'ordeuvres and fresh fruit, plus a good selection of snacks and bottled drinks - they even offered us a complimentary beer or wine on each visit to the lounge. We ended eating breakfast there both mornings and one evening we even had our dinner their because the beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon was pretty filling! So win there in that we saved some good money on at least three meals. A couple things to note: the pool is only outside, so no swimming off season. the gym has a few treadmills and exercise machine, plus weights - standard fare for a hotel. Valet parking is a bit expensive, but you do have in-out privileges and it's a bit more safe than some of the cheaper overnight parking you can find on the street. All in all, we would definitely stay again at this Sonesta, and will most likely check out other Sonestas in other states (after all, we're members of the "club" :) ) Happy Travels!

I came to Philly to visit. The hotel is close to the 30th Street train station. They put me in a room next to construction that was going on and I had to be moved. There's a $50 per night incidental charge when you get to the hotel. They moved me to a new room. Room service was excellent. The breakfast lounge was was a very nice touch. The pub by the lobby can get to be really loud. The bathroom is small and they use dispensers for body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

Room was very comfortable, with a great mattress and just-right pillows. Water pressure was a little low in the shower, but had plenty of hot water. The room was clean and comfortable, except for a little dust in the corners of the room where it hadn't been completely vacuumed in some time. The only problem I had was with the door lock, where either the tumblers are wearing out or it needs a new battery, but the handle would only open consistently by pulling the handle up, and only sometimes pushing down. I slept very well, the room temperature was just right, and I'd definitely stay here again.

Hotel was at a good location for sporting and cultural events. Saw Eric Clapton and Steve Windwood at Wachovia Center, Star Trek and Gallileo exhibits at the Franklin Institute and two interleague games between the Red Sox and Phillies. The baseball park was accessible by subway, and the museum was within walking distance. The only parking option at the hotel was valet parking that we did not need and would have preferred cheaper, non-valet parking. Breakfast buffet was pricey and did not look very appetizing, but a coffee shop in the hotel was a reasonably priced and had delicious egg sandwiches as a breakfast alternative. Once we figured out the traffic flow in the city, the trip was as enjoyable as others taken to the city.

The shower handle fell off several times and every time we turned it on it made a very loud noise. We couldn't regulate the water flow well when the handle kept falling off. Fortunately we were only there one night. The room was small for three adult family members but we made it work. We have never stayed in Philadelphia previously because we have family and friends in the area.

they were in midst of doing construction in the hotel so there were many times when we had to wait for ONE elevator to transport the entire hotel. Valet parking was the worst. we were given an hour and half wait just to get our car out. no hotel should expect their customers to wait that long esp. when you're paying over 30 dollars to get it parked and returned to you. i could not sleep at night. the walls were so thin i could hear EVERYTHING that was going on in the hallways. it's probably not the hotel's fault for having unrespectable, noisy customers. otherwise, the hotel was fine.

The first room we were assigned was requested for non-smoking. We walked in and the smoke smell was overpowering. Ick! I called down to the front desk and they very nicely put us in a new room. Got to the new room and the TV made an annoying buzzing sound the whole time it was on and the remote didn't work. I asked for a new remote, which was brought up fairly quickly - the second remote did not work either. Tried to call down to room service at 10:30pm at night and kept being put through to the hotel's main reservation line. There is very limited dining. Even the vending machines only had soda. The room was clean, but very small, right next to the elevator. The staff was helpful and accommodating, but do not expect luxury (like a working TV). Location is okay and a reasonable walk from Amtrak station. The hotel is farther west, but Philadelphia is a very walkable city. Oh, and there is karaoke on Saturday nights...beware...

The hotel is nice. My room was next to the elevator and a bit noisy. The service was good.

The location is terrific and convenient. Loved the free internet access. Some staff were very friendly and helpful, others less so. The lobby is small and not welcoming (I needed to spend several hours working before my room was available.) The attached English pub was average--food not very good and draft beers available only in 20 ounce glasses.

Stayed one night because family came into town and the room was older and dusty with atiny bathroom which isn't a surprise in center city. Paid a high price and didn't expect anything spectacular but I stayed in a much nicer Embassy suites the next night for cheaper. Bottom line it is in a noisy part of the city and if you are just looking for a place to crash then try and get a cheap price for this hotel.