Incredible setting in an early 20th-century building
Restaurants, shops, and public transit links within walking distance
Elegant rooms with soaring ceilings and period details
All rooms offer mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and iHome radios
Striking lobby with arched windows and coffered ceilings
Restaurant serves up approachable American classics
Spacious fitness center with a good range of equipment
Over 10,000 square feet of chic meeting and event space
Roomy business center with several workstations
Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast not included in room rates
Fee for parking (and valet service is slow)
Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown is a striking three-and-a-half-pearl property located across the street from City Hall. The hotel’s setting in a historic former City Hall Annex building makes for a grand backdrop, with its 498 guest rooms featuring 11-foot-high ceilings and original bronze work. Common areas also display beautiful plaster detailing. These stately 20th-century elements are nicely juxtaposed with snappy decor and modern amenities like iHome radios in rooms and gym equipment with built-in TVs in the fitness center. Travelers may also want to consider Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, another downtown hotel with comparable rates that has a pool -- although it lacks the Courtyard’s architectural charm.
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Scene
Well-located upper-middle-range hotel with an enchanting historic setting
With its striking white-stoned facade and lavish lobby, you’d never guess that Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown is a chain hotel. Part of the Marriott brand, it’s housed in a City Hall Annex building dating back to 1926 which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of the building’s original architectural features have been restored, with marble finishes, soaring coffered ceilings, and copper, brass, and bronze detailing all common themes throughout. The addition of contemporary jewel-toned fabrics and mirrored furniture creates a playful yet refined look.The hotel’s location appeals to both leisure and business travelers, with popular attractions and ample restaurants found within walking distance in addition to the Convention Center. On-site amenities are better suited to business travelers -- there’s a business center and numerous meeting rooms -- but the hotel’s intriguing design and convenient location end up drawing a wide variety of guests.
Location
Central location across the street from City Hall and near shops, restaurants, and the subway
Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown is set in the heart of the downtown area, less than a five-minute walk from both Reading Terminal Market and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within a 10-minute walk, including many familiar fast food chains. The Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, which is home to some of the city’s top restaurants and bars, can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot. Other major attractions such as the Shops at Liberty Place and Chinatown can be reached in a 15-minute walk. The 13th St subway station is about a block away, and Philadelphia International Airport can be reached in around 20 minutes by car.
Rooms
Sophisticated rooms feature dramatic high ceilings and convenient mini-fridges
Continuing the gorgeous look of public spaces, guest rooms in Courtyard Philadelphia have lofty, 11-foot ceilings and stylish furnishings. Tall headboards, ornate lamps, and black-and-white photos channel a vintage vibe, while boldly patterned carpets and vivid accent colors add touches of whimsy. All rooms include 42-inch LCD TVs, iHome radio docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges are also standard, along with a small sitting area with a wingback chair and jewel-toned ottoman. Single-cup coffeemakers are set on large wooden desks with ergonomic chairs. Bathrooms uphold the fashionable look with modern fixtures, subway tiles around shower/tub combos, and slate tiled floors. Hairdryers and Paul Mitchell bath products are provided. Suites add living areas with sofa beds, with some also featuring microwaves.
Features
Attractive restaurant serving all meals, diverse business facilities, and a great fitness center
Courtyard Philadelphia’s roster of features are well-rounded and handy for all guests, but they're particularly helpful for business travelers. The hotel’s restaurant, Nineteen 26, is an eye-catching space with vivid blue seating contrasting against orange accents. Named after the year the hotel was founded, the restaurant serves buffet and hot breakfast options (expect to pay extra for both), as well as classic American fare for lunch and dinner. There’s also a Starbucks in the hotel. Those looking to keep up their workout routine can take advantage of the hotel's big, bright fitness center. Blonde hardwood floors and an elevated ceiling make the space particularly appealing. It's outfitted with Life Fitness cardio equipment with built-in LCD TVs, along with a solid range of weight-lifting machines and free weights. The sleek business center is equipped with three Macs and ergonomic desk chairs. The hotel also includes 12 event spaces, the largest of which can accommodate up to 350 guests. Event spaces are handsome and modern, with most featuring navy-and-gray color schemes and many including interesting architectural details like coffered ceilings. There’s a simple guest laundry room with coin-operated machines. Valet parking is available for a fee, but many guests report service is slow and difficult. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout.
