by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: November 28, 2008

Philadelphia is the cradle of the American Revolution making it one of America's most historic cities. What better way to celebrate that than staying at a hotel that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Courtyard by Marriott is located in a renovated building that was built in 1926 and spent it's first incarnation as the Annex to City Hall which is located right across the street. It is an architectural gem done in Art Deco style. You will be impressed from the moment you enter the magnificent lobby with chandeliers, coffered ceiling and bank of shining brass elevators. With 18 floors and 498 rooms it is largest enough to get lost in but yet intimate enough to feel very welcoming. This is one of the best hotels in its class and at a price that won't leave you in sticker shock.

While the building is historic, the amenities are 21st century. It also has that much sought after commodity location! It is one block from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, convenient to the Avenue of the Arts and right around the corner from the Reading Terminal Market. Market Street is just outside the door and you can walk to much of the downtown and the historic district. If you do not want to walk, the Phlash has a stop very close by and there are always taxis readily available.

The rooms are everything you would expect from a Courtyard. Luxuriously plush beds with great white bedding guarantee a good night's sleep. If you get chilly while you are working, there is a throw across the foot of the bed. There is a great desk and workstation and high-speed Internet connection for the business traveler. A comfortable chair and great lighting complete your home away from home. There is of course an armoire housing a remote controlled TV.

The bathroom has the granite-topped vanity outside the door and is the home of the coffee maker. It is the new pod type so you brew one cup at a time. While Courtyard by Marriott has a reputation as a business-oriented hotel, this location has everything any family would want. There is a fitness center on site and a swimming pool and hot tub. There is also a restaurant with a simple enough menu that children would be appeased. The restaurant also offers room service.

If you did not bring your own computer there is a business center in the lobby as well as a small self-service store. Staff is very pleasant and check-in and checkout is a breeze. In the lobby, there were complimentary cold drinks available all day and in the sweltering summer heat, that is a welcome respite. Valet Parking is offered if you drive into the city, thought he $42 charge is a bit prohibitive. .

This hotel has it all, a wonderfully historic building which has been beautifully restored, top notice service and amenities, reasonable prices and best of all location, location, location.

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