Hotel Review: Courtyard Marriott Philadelphia, Penn.

When staying in one of the most historic cities in the United States you might also want to stay in a historic hotel. The Courtyard Marriott Philadelphia fills that requirement to a tee. This magnificently restored building was the former Annex to City Hall, which is just across the street. You know as soon as you walk in the door that history has been made in this hotel.

Originally built in 1926, it is an Art Deco gem with coffered ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and shiny brass elevators. It is a tribute to the Marriott chain and the people of Philadelphia who did not let this wonderful building fall into decay after being abandoned for over ten years. With 18 stories and 498 rooms, it is one of the up and coming great hotels in Philadelphia. It has also earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.



While the building is historic, the amenities are definitely 21st century. It also has that much sought after commodity- location! It is one block from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, convenient to the Avenue of the Arts and right around the corner from the Reading Terminal Market. Market Street is just outside the door. You can walk to much of the downtown and the historic district. If you do not want to walk, the Phlash has a stop very close by and taxies readily available.

The rooms are everything you would expect from a Courtyard. Luxuriously plush beds with great white bedding guarantee a good night's sleep. If you get chilly while you are working, there is a throw across the foot of the bed. A great desk, workstation, and high-speed Internet connection are included for the business traveler. A comfortable chair and great lighting complete your home away from home along with a TV.

The bathroom has the granite-topped vanity outside the door and is the home of the coffee maker. It is the new pod type so you brew one cup at a time.

While Courtyard Marriott has a reputation as a business-oriented hotel, this location has everything any family would want. A fitness center onsite and a swimming pool and hot tub are welcome after a long day. The restaurant has a simple enough menu that children will be appeased. The restaurant also offers room service.

If you did not bring your own computer there is a business center in the lobby as well as a small self-service store. Staff is very pleasant and check-in and checkout is a breeze. In the lobby, there were complimentary cold drinks available all day and in the sweltering summer heat, that is a welcome respite. Valet Parking is offered if you drive into the city, thought the more than $40 charge is a bit prohibitive.

This hotel has it all, a wonderfully historic building which has been beautifully restored, top notice service and amenities, reasonable prices and best of all location, location, location.