I have been going to Philly on a semi-regular basis, and more regularly in the recent past. While I used to be able to get a 3* (usually the Marriott) with a $46 bid, but for the past 4 wks or so, $46 is not enough for a 3* any more ( In Downtown that is) Having said that, 2.5* hotels are now coming up for $46. Lately, the Courtyard by Marriott has been coming up with a $46 bid. Having stayed at both the Marriott & the courtyard, I would say they are fairly comparable, and actually, to be quite honest, the Courtyard is a better value. Why, because you get free internet connection at the Courtyard, while you will have to pay about $10-$11 per day. Both have a 24 hr gym, both have an indoor pool and whirlpool (the pool @ the Marriott is MUCH larger, though) The Marriott's pool area locker rms do have a sauna & steam rm, which the Courtyard does not. Regarding rm quality, the rms at the Courtyard are large, clean, and have great beds and linens, and the bathrooms are new and just fine. The courtyard is in a historic office building, and they have done a GREAT job restoring it and converting it into a hotel. The lobby area kept the 1930's decor, and it's beautiful. Oh, and the Courtyard is literally next door to the Marriott. The other 2.5* hotel that comes up is the Hampton Inn, which is also in the Convention Ctr area. Having stayed there also, it's a new build hotel, and the rms are just fine too, but the beds and bedding is not your fancy, upgraded stuff - just your standard hotel bed and linens. It also has a small gym and inpool pool & whirlpool, and also provides free internet connection. The biggest bonus? It includes a free breakfast buffet - cereal, fruit, toast, bagels, waffles, hard boiled eggs, juice, coffee - you get the point. So IMHO, I would go ahead and bid $46 for a 2.5* in Downtown Philadelphia.
