Guided by previous reviews, I was expecting something really special from this hotel.

We booked one of the "Prestige Suites" directly through Sofitel. These rooms are all at the front of the hotel. We were on Floor 8 of 14. Don't expect much of a view.

There is major refurbishing work going on directly opposite the hotel ,so expect noise from 7am onwards (mainly from rubbish being thrown into the back of skips from a great height).
No warning or mention of this inconvenience anywhere on the hotel website.
This work looks like going on for many months yet.

One bedroom suites are large, clean and chilled with a huge bathroom and plenty of wardrobe space, with loads of gadgets like a Bose sound system that I never worked out how to operate.

On the whole, the reception staff seem to feel that they have that air of superiority.

Continential breakfast included in the price was hugely disappointing. This consisted of two croissants and a slice of bread per person with fruit juice and tea/coffee. We were expecting cereal as well as cold meats/cheese like at other hotels, but this was all extra. Be aware that the "a la carte" breakfast during the week could turn out to be very expensive.

After a considerable amount of research before traveling, we determined the Sofitel was the best balance of cost, location, reputation and quality.

That said, be prepared for an above adequate experience at best. We recently enjoyed a stay at the Sofitel in Manhattan which was exquisite. The Philadelphia location does has the French charm and elegance and we found the staff to express the same genuine warmth and hospitality of the New York location. However be prepared for rooms with absolutely no view, hands down the coldest hallways of any hotel we’ve ever been to and rooms that smell strongly of carpet deoderizer.

Room service was fine but expensive (typical). The valet was accomodating, even though we pushed them to the limit with how many times a car could be brought in and out and not driven away. Someone else mentioned the beds are of poor quality and THEY ARE. I have attached a picture. The beds are FAR PAST DUE for replacing. The mattresses sag in something terrible and the Sofitel has tried to camoflauge this by adding a puffy (and comfortable) feather top. I slept OK, but I did expect a lot more for $200/night.

In short we’d stay here again. Part of that decision is based on the less desirable (either by price, quality, location) of the other hotels in Philly. For example we went to the Four Seasons for afternoon drinks and I could not believe it wasn’t just a souped-up Courtyard Marriott. So, if you’re deciding between the Four Seasons at $400/night and the Sofitel, put on your winter coat and brave the ice-cold hallways to your floppy bed paradise!

This hotel is absolutely fantastic. Everything you'd expect from a top-notch hotel. It is basically just shy of a Four seasons/Ritz type place. But the great thing is that it's about 33% of the cost of a Four Seasons/Ritz. I got a rate of $180 on the hotel website. It's in a great downtown location by Rittenhouse Square with easily walkable restaurants and shops. You're in the heart of things here. The rooms are great, and the bathroom's are immaculate.

Stay here in aug 2008 during an east coast visit with my family.Excelent hotel,with excelent staff and and great rooms!I never have such a great bed like this one in Sofitel Philadelphia!Front desk and concierge are excelent and do a great job!CONGRATULATIONS!
Location is a very good one in the very central of Phili!Shoping area and landmarks are walkable distance.A lot off restaurants nearby!
GREAT JOB!! KEEP IT SO!!