I stayed at this hotel for business for two nights in early Feb 2012. I am a Marriott Visa cardholder, Marriott Gold Member (stay a certain number of nights each year ....) and Marriott Vacation Club owner (Hawaii - although I do not believe Marriott ownership is pertinent to guest treatment at Marriott hotels.) I stayed for business.

I chose this hotel because I make an effort to stay in Marriott properties when possible to earn points, and the Tripadvisor reviews made me think the hotel was acceptable for a business stay. Needless to say, this hotel needs attention.

I checked in on a Monday night at approx 7pm. I arrived in a cab that I had taken from the airport. A doorman did not greet me at the door. I pulled my 3 bags through the front doors and to the front desk. I was greeted by a front desk attendant who was cordial enough. However, it was apparent she was going through the motions. She greeted me, checked me in, acknowledged my Gold status and advised I was entitled to a free item (non-alcoholic) in the "market." Imagine lithe robot. I chose bottled water. She then gave me my room key, and I proceeded to my room.

The lobby is quite roomy and adequately decorated. It's not trendy but not HORRIBLY dated. There are two sets of elevators: one set off the main entrance and another set on the opposite side of the hotel). I chose to use the elevators closest to the front desk - main lobby. They were slow to say the least (consistent throughout my stay). I was assigned a king room on the 11th floor. When I stepped off the elevator onto the 11th floor, I was immediately taken aback by the smell of burnt sweat (probably not really burnt sweat but smelled as such). My room was small with a king size bed and a view of a parking lot. I tolerated this room for about 10 minutes then called to the front desk to ask for an Executive Suite. The attendant at the front desk with whom I spoke sounded less than enthused that I was asking for a room change but nonetheless said she would come up to my room personally to assist me with the room change. She arrived in approximately 15 minutes and escorted me to my new room on the 7th floor. This room was a corner room and much larger with a full seating area. Although the room was much more to my liking, neglect was apparent. I stayed in this room for two nights. The bed was comfortable. I believe it was memory foam. The sheets were also comfortable. Although the room size was acceptable, the room was less than clean. I found two hairs on the sheets, numerous unidentifiable stains on the couch, faux rose petals? underneath the bed (yes, I looked under the bed), and mildew? in the tub. The room was in serious need of updating. The bathroom sink and tub fixtures were scuffed and scratched, and the curtains and decor were inexplicably dated and tasteless.

When I left the hotel on the first morning there was no sign of a doorman to assist me with hailing a cab, and I hailed one myself. The second morning , a nice doorman did assist me with bags (as I was leaving to check in to a different hotel!) and hailed me a cab.

There is no room service other than from the Chili’s across the street. There is no breakfast room service and no room service after 10pm. The hotel lobby restaurant is about the same caliber food as Chili’s. The bright spot of my stay, were two very professional and efficient servers both nights I ate here: Siena (I didn't get the other server's name). There were only about 10 guests eating in the restaurant on each night, and this was good as I do not enjoy crowds when dining alone. I sat in one of the Courtyard semi-circle couch tables with personal T.V. to dine. This feature is one the of the several Courtyard features I enjoy. I ordered a turkey burger both nights which were surprisingly delicious.

I checked out after the second night and checked into a different hotel as I could not tolerate the smell, disregard of cleanliness and general lackadaisical attitude of the front desk staff for an entire week.

I used the "business center” my last morning to print some documents. The printer did print my documents without issue, and the online service was fast. Guests are charged to use the computers(via credit card portal on the computers). There are only two computers and one printer in the business center. Two computers and one printer. Really?

There is a bus stop and a train station outside the hotel right off of the “square.” Based on what I saw, I would not take either mode of transport. There was trash on the sidewalk area around the square – not inviting.

This property is very average (possibly below average). I do not plan to stay here in the future.

My husband and I traveled overnight this weekend to Philadelphia to see some sights, and we loved the location of this hotel. We enjoy walking, and it was within walking distance for us to everything we wanted to see (only a 20 min/ 1 mile walk down JFK blvd to the franklin institute, 10 min walk to lots of shops and restaurants, right behind the hotel is the reading terminal market which we fell in love with!)

I read some negative reviews about valet, but we drove in easily and valet parked our car at the hotel for just $38... well worth it to not deal with parking craziness. We called ahead in the morning for our car, and it was ready in the 15min quoted time which was great. Absolutely nothing but perfect service from the valet. We were also accomodated for an early checkin.

Room was comfy and clean, historical and pretty. Some lovely fella next door to us chose to slam his door about 67 times around 3am, but we didn't need to contact the desk as my husband took this matter into his own hands and resolved it quite quickly by confronting the noisy gentleman (gulp!), Anyway, great trip, great location, would stay here again for certain.

Stayed at the courtyard after a day of enjoying Philadelphia food culture. The location is great to use it as a base to hit the Market in the daytime and the better food joints and bars in the Rittenhouse, and Market Street Districts. A safe walk to most places. On arrival was offered an upgrade to a bigger executive room for 30 bucks. The room was huge, had a view, and was quiet. Better yet it was available at 11am. Check in was a breeze. Hotel also held bags after check out so I didn't have to lug them around the city. I recommend this place. The front desk even made it easy for me to leave a key at the door for my wife, who joined me later in the evening. I dint eat there since its location is so close to better food, nor did I use the pool or work out rooms. They did not offer in room movies which disapointed me.

We stay here at least once a year and have never been disappointed. This time we had a king room, which comes with a huge TV and spacious bathroom. It's always been clean and the bedding, while not luxe, is comfortable. The staff has been unfailingly pleasant and helpful. Best of all, it's right by City Hall, and a block from the Reading Terminal Market, where we had some tasty crepes for breakfast. Dining in the hotel is limited, but the Marriott Downtown next door has a nice bar and restaurants.