Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

The Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District is situated in a boxy brick building finished with even rows of windows. It's the sort of facade you'd expect from a big chain hotel that's designed to appeal to a range of travelers from tourists and families to business travelers and convention goers. The off-white lobby, part of the hotel's 2013/2014 renovations, is pleasantly neutral and contemporary, with "We the People" artwork behind the reception desk. Tasteful clusters of high-backed armchairs and couches provide seating on stylish carpets sporting geometric prints. The restaurant and bar, too, is stylish, if vaguely impersonal, with a marbled bar, refined lounge spaces, and art inspired by the city. Guest rooms can feel a touch dated, but the location is exceptional -- though prices are often get hiked up during conventions or other events. 

The hotel is located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, just a block from Market Street, a main drag that runs through the city. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, and a host of sights can be reached on foot in three to eight minutes, including the US Mint (right next door), Ben Franklin's grave (right out back), the Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. The Philadelphia Convention Center is also walkable in about 15 minutes, and there are a slew of government offices, corporate offices, and hospitals in walking distance. For sights farther out, the Independence Hall subway station is just a four-minute walk away, and buses and taxis are plentiful in the area. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a 10- to 20-minute drive, depending on traffic. Philadelphia International Airport is a 15- to 25-minute drive or can be reached by public transit in about 40 minutes.

Guest rooms have pleasant, if generic, transitional decor with a neutral color palette featuring beige, taupe, and cream walls and textiles and dark wood furniture. Bathrooms are decked out in granite sinks and combination showers and tubs with white subway tiling. While tasteful and comfortable, guests sometimes note that rooms can feel tired, with occasional complaints of scratched furniture or marks on bedding. 

The majority of rooms measure a reasonable 280 square feet and can host two to four guests. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers with Wolfgang Puck coffee, and work desks with ergonomic chairs. Bathrooms have hairdryers and free individual toiletries. The main difference between the Deluxe and Premium room categories is that Premium rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves and Deluxe Rooms don't. The hotel only has four suites, which have a roomy 400 square feet of space and sitting areas. 

The best possible view is probably that of the Quaker Meeting House on Fourth and Arch -- other views include the hotel's parking garage, the walls of the US Mint, or the graveyard -- though it is the cemetery where Ben Franklin is buried. Guests occasionally complain about noise from the street or adjacent rooms, so light sleepers might consider bringing earplugs.

This hotel has the sort of amenities guests expect from a large, chain hotel. There's a casual, modern restaurant and bar, Coin's Restaurant & Pub, situated near the lobby, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks. The decor is attractive, the restaurant serves some local fare (Philly Cheesesteak), and the bar offers local beers and cocktails until late, to a backdrop of Eagles games when possible. For breakfast, there are a la carte options and a full buffet -- guests find it pretty good, but pricey. Room service is available during limited hours.

Wellness facilities include a decent gym with a row of treadmills and a few other pieces of cardio equipment, a weight machine, and a full rack of free weights. There's also a rooftop pool, though it's modestly sized and only opened seasonally. 

There's also a host of family-friendly amenities, including loaner cribs and high-chairs, children's menus, and self-service laundry. The hotel offers concierge service and can arrange airport transfers, same-day dry cleaning, and more. Those planning events can rent out 8,000 square feet of meeting space, including a huge Grand Ballroom ideal for weddings. Catering and audiovisual services can be arranged through the hotel. There's an ATM on-site and Wi-Fi is free, though parking costs an extra fee.