Hotel and Inn Review: Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A)

Date of Stay: June 26-28, 2017

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: ********

Rooms: ********

Condition and Cleanliness: ********

Staff Performance: ******

Room Comfort: ********

Food and Beverage: *******

Other Amenities: ******

Value for Money: *******

Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic, 18-storey full-service Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown, the largest Courtyard by Marriott in the United States, was designed by renowned architect Phillip H. Johnson. This charming testament to time just underwent a US$16 million renovation in March 2014 which retained the grandeur of its 1926 origins while incorporating state of the art systems throughout. 

When we entered the magnificent open lobby, we were surrounded by sophisticated décor and elegant furnishings reminiscent of the 1920s - elegant bronze work, plaster detailing, striking marble finishes and other unique architectural details. Our check-in was seamless and the staff was friendly and accommodating.

The hotel entrance

The contemporary, stylish guest room (one of 438) we stayed in (Room 612) had two comfortable supportive double beds with plush Revive bedding package; airconditioning with in-room climate control; magnetic key locks (room key is required in elevator to access the floor our room was on); phone; 42-in., flat-screen LCD TV with premium cable channels,  iPod docking station, coffee/tea maker, mini refrigerator,  expansive workstations, iron/ironing board and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi (also available in public areas)

Our private bathroom had a shower/bathtub combination (with free toiletries and hair dryer). We had plenty of room for our luggage and still was able to walk around.  We also loved the comfort and functionality provided in our spacious accommodations.

The magnificent lobby 

The 61 suites have separate living areas with pull-out sofas while upgraded suites have wet bars and microwaves. Connecting/adjoining rooms are also available. 

Its hip, metropolitan Nineteen 26 Restaurant & Bar, the on-site restaurant at the lobby level named after the year of the hotel's establishment, serves breakfast, a la carte  lunch and dinner as well as all-day drinks, including Starbucks coffee to help kick start your morning.

There's also a 24-hour Front Desk, business center with workstations and printers, a 24-hour, full-size fitness center (boasting updated Life Fitness cardio equipment, dumbbells and weight machines) and valet parking (for a fee). They also have over 10,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including two Grand Ballrooms (3,404 and 2944 sq. ft.) and accommodating up to 250 people, plus 11 meeting rooms.

The elevator lobby

The indoor swimming pool and whirlpool hot tub they advertised was not operational.  They also offer housekeeping, concierge, dry cleaning, laundry and room service (during limited hours). American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB International, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards are accepted.

The hotel, ideally located in the “Heart of Center City,” is located across from the City Hall; one block (3-min. walk from) to the Philadelphia Convention Center; and within walking distance of the financial and historic districts, Avenue of the Arts and some of the finest restaurants and shopping the city has to offer. In 2015, it received the Green Leader Bronze Award and  Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor.

It is 200 m. from Reading Terminal Market; 300 m. from Fairmount Park; 500 m. from The Art Institute of Philadelphia; 600 m. from The Historical Society of Pennsylvania and The Library Company of Philadelphia; 700 m. from Walnut Street; and 900 m. from the African American Museum and Atwater Kent Museum.

It is also 1.2 km. from Rittenhouse Square and Mütter Museum; 1.3 km. from Barnes Foundation; 1.4 km. from National Liberty Museum; 2.1 kms. from Philadelphia Museum of Art; 3.5 kms. from Philadelphia Zoo; 6.1 kms. from Liberty Bell Center and 10.9 kms. from Philadelphia International Airport.

Room 612

Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown: 21 N Juniper St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, U.S.A. Tel:+1 215-496-3200