This boutique hotel was just what I expected from the images that we viewed on Expedia and other…read moresources. My husband really liked the historic appeal, and I liked the proximity to the historic sites. I also liked the promise of the continental breakfast and the images we saw promised more, but more on that later.
When we arrived in Philadelphia, we assumed that the "L" would bring us quicker to the hotel and closer than what we were informed. We were told by the hotel staff to get off at the 8th and Market stop, but instead followed the conductor's instructions, who told us to get off at Jefferson station, which we did. From the fashion shops at that station to the hotel, it was perhaps a few blocks or a 10 minute walk. We didn't mind, but I wouldn't consider this if I were traveling with children or a lot of luggage.
The hotel is located in an alleyway, and not what I pictured. There is a tall, modern apartment building in front of it and it is really close to a hospital, and lots of other very tall modern buildings. The hotel, like other old historic buildings, including nearby Independence Hall, are all surrounded by tall and modern buildings, again not what I pictured.
The staff at this hotel weren't on the same page as far as narrating this hotel's interesting history. The young lady who gave us a slight tour and showed us our room didn't tell us the history, such as an older woman who also works at the hotel gave other people some detail I had to listen in on.
The hotel is old and very classy. It is definitely a boutique hotel and not a place to stay with children. Our first room was delightfully beautiful. However, the mattress wasn't comfortable, and it felt as if we were sinking head down. We were in room 201 and found that you can hear street traffic from 8th street and particularly the after-hours door, shutting and closing pretty well to keep from a good night's sleep. I would suggest that the hotel fix the after hour's door problem because it's not only that people aren't cognizant of others sleeping above when they enter but that the door is truly noisy, especially when you must shut it firmly to make sure that it is shut.
The manager, fortunately, was accommodating and had reassigned us a different room on the other side of the hotel, away from the street and with a more comfortable bed.
The continental breakfast was satisfactory, to say the least. There was yogurt, muffins, bagels, small box cereal, small bonabell cheese, coffee, milk, and OJ. The eggs were what I found disappointing. I had seen elsewhere images of small quiches for breakfast, but instead, they had hardboiled eggs. This is not your continental breakfast that you get with waffles at Holiday Inn. There is a restaurant on site, but it opens for lunch and dinner, and I don't recommend it. I reviewed this separately. We ended up going to La Pien cafe and bakery down the street and also found a Starbucks nearby.
The best part about this hotel was how close it is to Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and, of course, Liberty Bell. I would recommend staying here if you've never been to Philly and want to visit the historic landmarks. F.Y.I take the Flash (a bus that can be located at the Visitor's center directly behind Liberty Bell). It costs like $5 a day for all main stops and was free the next day after the 4th of July.
