Appropriately rated as a 3* hotel. This hotel worked very well for me. It was about four blocks from Independence Hall and the other historical attractions. It was also on a quiet side street, so there was not much noise or traffic. I had requested a king non-smoking, but because I checked in so late (10pm), they only had double non-smoking rooms available. This was fine; there was still plenty of "floor space" in the room, as it was a very good size. There were the two double beds, a bedside table between them. There was also a desk with chair, an upholstered side chair with a small side table, and a very large armoir at the foot of the beds, which housed the TV (25", I believe), and the coffee maker. No safe or frig/mini-bar. The armoir had three very deep drawers, and a door that opened to reveal two shelves. Plenty of room for putting clothes away. There was also a large closet, with mirrored doors. The closet also held the iron and ironing board. The bathroom was good size, with a nice compliment of toiletries. A blow dryer was in the bathroom when I arrived; however, it wasn't the kind that is attached to the wall, so if you don't have one when you check in, call down and request one, as they obviously do have them available. The room and the bathroom were very clean and well kept. The room was conveniently located just off the elevator lobby (no noise from the elevator, fortunately). A version of WebTV was available for $9.95 plus tax a day. There was also a Nintendo option if you wanted to play videogames. I was given a free USA Today on the weekday mornings. The food costs (particularly breakfast) here are horrendous; I foolishly paid $13 plus tax my first morning for what was a basic (and not that great) bacon and eggs breakfast (price did include coffee and OJ, but still...). The second morning, I decided to see what was available in the neighborhood, which worked out well. I found a small diner just two blocks away on Chestnut Street called Eva's (between 2nd & 3rd). Very small, but clean, with good non-greasy food for a good price. There are other restaurants on Chestnut Street as well, plus if you go the opposite direction, there are lots of options on South Street, just four blocks away. I can also recommend Philadelphia Fish & Co. for a very good upscale lunch or dinner (corner of 2nd and Chestnut). All in all, I was very pleased with this hotel. The bellman and the front desk person were polite; no "Priceline" attitude at all. The location was fantastic for me, as I was primarily there to sight-see. If you need to catch the subway, their is a stop about three blocks away at 2nd and Market. The "trolley tour" company also has a stop at this hotel, if you decide to spring for that expense (worth it for me, but your mileage may vary). The only drawback for me was the lack of a safe; it would have been nice not to carry my Ipod with me at all times. Also, as I mentioned, food is expensive here, and mediocre. I'd be happy to answer any questions anyone may have regarding this hotel. Michelle
