Midtown, United States
Good central location, just three blocks from iconic City Hall
Rooftop terrace with pool -- uncommon in the area
Modern rooms with air-conditioning and coffeemakers
Free buffet breakfast includes a pancake machine
Fitness room includes cardio equipment
Four meeting rooms and business center
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Breakfast can get busy
Not all rooms have mini-fridges
Gym is small and simple
Three-pearl Holiday Inn Express has a great location for both business travelers and tourists, right in the center of the city. It's within walking distance of shopping on Walnut Street, as well as attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Some perks stand out for this central Philly address, including the rooftop pool that's a great place to kick back. There's also a simple fitness room for cardio workouts when it's cold. A well-liked buffet breakfast is included in room rates, and the selections include a pancake machine. The 168 rooms are relatively spacious for a city-center property, and feature coffee machines, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, but some lack mini-fridges. Guests looking for more features could check out the huge Marriott Downtown, which has an indoor pool and larger gym, though it's more expensive.
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Scene
Modern chain hotel that's a great home base in Philadelphia's city center
The Holiday Inn Express is built for convenience, and while it's not the most stylish kid on the block, it's certainly a fresh and modern outpost in the chain. Once inside, decor is pleasant, if unmemorable -- think pale vertical striped wallpaper and mahogany cornices. Additionally, the common areas can be a bit dark due to the hotel's layout. In any case, no one is hanging out in the hotel's few common areas, as it's best used as a reliable home base for exploring central Philadelphia. Given this Holiday Inn's popularity, the hotel can be a bit busy, particularly around breakfast time. It's central location also means that the property draws a mix of guests -- with business travelers plus a range of tourists that range from young families to mature couples.
Location
On bustling Walnut Street in central Philadelphia, three blocks from iconic City Hall
This Holiday Inn Express has a top location right on on Walnut Street in central Philadelphia. This is one of the city's central shopping strips, and it's only a few minutes on foot to Tiffany's, or a 10-minute stroll to Liberty Place Mall. You'll also find all manner of trendy dining, bars, and boutiques by walking west toward buzzing Rittenhouse Square. The Walnut-Locust Metro station is just steps away, or the 13th Street station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, which connects to Penn's Landing and the waterfront in about 20 minutes. Iconic City Hall is only three blocks north, and Reading Terminal Market's bustling food hall is around 10 minutes away on foot. It's a 15-minute walk to Independence Hall. Though there's plenty to reach on foot, the easiest way around the city is probably the Phlash bus. From a stop on Market Street, two blocks from the hotel, it loops around the downtown area and travels to the zoo -- which takes about 30 minutes. Budget 20 minutes to reach the airport by car, or there's an airport train from Jefferson Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The trip takes about 40 minutes, door to door.
Rooms
Spacious and modern, with practical touches including coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi
Rooms are spacious, especially considering this hotel's prime city-center location, and the decor has a pleasantly modern look that includes natural green and brown hues plus attractive mahogany furniture. Black-and-white photos of the city add a touch of class and provide a nod to the hotel's setting -- they look sharp when added to the earth-toned mix of details. Beds are available in full or king options, include a both hard and soft pillow options -- standard for the brand. Practical touches include luggage space, large mirrors, and desks with ergonomic chairs. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and irons come standard. Some rooms have mini-fridges, but not all, so it's worth making a special request if that's an essential. Bathrooms again have natural colors, with stone tiles, shower/tub combos, a decent amount of marble counter space, toiletries, and hairdryers.
Features
Rooftop pool, free buffet breakfast with pancake maker, plus basic gym and meeting rooms
Holiday Inn Express has a rooftop pool, which is open during the summer months and surrounded by a terrace with tables and chairs. It's not exactly a common amenity in this part of town for a mid-range hotel, adding value to a stay here. A well-liked breakfast buffet is included in rates, with both hot and cold dishes plus a pancake maker. Keep in mind that breakfast time can be busy at this hotel. Room service is also available. The small fitness room has a handful of cardio equipment -- really only sufficient for a basic workout -- and there's a business center in the lobby with two PCs and a printer/scanner. There are four meeting rooms for corporate guests, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. On-site parking is also available for a fee.
