Homewood Suites by Hilton Philadelphia-City Avenue

This 122-room hotel sits in the shadow of its larger, slightly cheaper sister hotel, the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue, and can actually be difficult to locate. Once inside, guests will find the mostly dark brown decor functional -- if a bit austere -- and entirely befitting an establishment tailored to travelers on business. (Though a fair share of budget-minded families stay here instead of Center City to take advantage of the low rates and big suites.) Outside, the Homewood facade has little to offer in the way of appealing design. Inside the lobby, the public sitting area, with its accompanying fireplace and wall-mounted TV, is more welcoming but just short of cozy. The dining area is more spacious and geared toward efficient self-service.

The Homewood Suites, while situated atop a hill, does not occupy a particularly scenic location. It is essentially located on the backside of a bigger, more immediately recognizable Hilton hotel. Neither is the Homewood convenient to Center City or any of the city's best known tourist attractions. The Liberty Bell is over a 20-minute drive away. Philadelphia International Airport is even farther. Fortunately, the hotel does offer car rental on-site, and public transportation is accessible nearby. The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine is directly adjacent, Fairmont Park is a three-minute drive, and Saint Joseph's University is a five-minute drive. The University of Pennsylvania and the other institutions in University City are a 15-minute drive south. 

The rooms at the Homewood Suites are about what you would expect from a mid-range chain -- they're steeped in earth tones and decorated with dated wood furniture and wall-to-wall carpeting. A few well chosen pops of color and pattern give them just a touch of personality. Studios, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom Suites are available. As expected for a business-oriented property, each room features a desk, free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. Budget-minded families will likely appreciate the ample space, sofa beds, and kitchenettes with microwaves, full-size fridges, toasters, dishwashers, coffee machines, and two-burner stovetops. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and Neutrogena spa products. Mobility and hearing accessible rooms are available upon request.

In keeping with its business bent, the Homewood Suites has not one but two executive meeting areas ideal for conferences and presentations. There is also a business center with individual terminals; Wi-Fi is free throughout. The fitness center, which features weights and elliptical machines, is open 24 hours a day, as is the "Suite Shop" convenience store. There's a small laundry room on-site with two washer/dryer pairs. The hotel shares a well-lit, indoor pool with its neighbor, the Hilton. Free breakfast -- including DIY waffles -- can be found in the dining area every morning. Dinner is served from Mondays through Fridays, which adds tremendous value. Parking (not free) is off-site but within walking distance. Valet parking is available for a higher fee.