In Philly on business and arrived late evening. Easy enough to navigate to the hotel. Valet parking is available, but self parking (for a fee) is also available underground. Was a little miffed as to why the doorman wouldn't offer to take my bags to the front desk even though I was going to self park. After I parked the car, you take an elevator up to the main level - which is in a shopping mall. Unfortunately, when you exit the elevator there is a lack of signage telling you which way to go to get to the Westin. You have to walk a little ways through the mall to find the small door to the hotel. After you make it there, you need to go up an elevator to get to the main lobby and front desk. Check in was very easy - although they didn't realize I was an SPG gold member. I mentioned it, but don't know if it resulted in an upgrade or not. My room was just what I needed after my flight. Plenty of room with a good work desk and plasma tv. The bed was - heavenly. The bathroom was also in good working order and looked to be updated. I ordered breakfast which arrived on time and was very good.

Considering I was only in town for the evening - I didn't get a chance to get out and see the environs or get some local grub.

My girlfriend and I spent Memorial Day weekend at the Westin Philadelphia. It was an great stay and I highly recommend this hotel for any visitor to Philly.

We got a great rate through Hotwire ($134/nite) at the last minute and decided to cancel our existing reservation at another hotel. It was pretty easy to “guess” the hotel on Hotwire was the Westin. Check-in was a treat, with a very friendly and helpful staff. I really liked the brain-teaser workouts on the check-in desk. Despite using a third-party discount travel site, we had no trouble getting the keys to our requested King room very early (we arrived about 9am!).

I’m a Starwood Gold member and am a big fan of Westin’s product. Room was excellent and reflected typical Westin style. Heavenly Bed was great, as always. The Heavenly Bath was done in white marble, with lots of space, double showerhead and bowed shower curtain for extra elbow room in the shower. Everything was immaculate and super clean. The rooms included a very nice flat screen TV, minibar and very nice coffee maker with Starbucks coffee, large desk area, chaise and large closet (with robes). We were on the lowest floor (4th) but had a nice street level view over the valet entrance to the hotel and small urban park across the street.

The hotel had a nice bar in the City Grange restaurant, which was a very comfortable place to grab a drink, with lots of couches and comfortable chairs (did not eat at the restaurant). There was a nice workout facility on the 4th floor with good equipment. Hotel provides a great selection of morning newspapers (WSJ, NY Times, Philly Inquirer, FT). Only negative I would mention is no coffee in the lobby in the morning, which most Westin’s provide based on my experience.

The hotel’s location is outstanding, near Rittenhouse Square, lots of shops, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. We had an excellent brunch at The Continental (18th and Chestnut) and there’s a small market (Di Bruno Brothers) with great coffee and pastries around the corner from the hotel to start your day. Went to a Phillies game and you’re just a few blocks away from the subway station with express service to the sports complex. This is a mixed commercial/residential area so lots of lively activity on the weekend. Maybe not as convenient to the tourist attractions/Historic District as other properties but I preferred the livelier neighborhood vibe than found at hotels closer to City Hall/Convention Center.

I really enjoyed my stay at the Westin Philadelphia and would recommend it to anyone visiting the city. It will be at the top of my list the next time I’m in town.

The Westin in Philadelphia always has superb service! It used to be a Ritz Carlton property, which has been remolded to Westin standards.

I highly suggest staying at this property, but what I don't suggest is paying rack room rates! Always, if you can, head over to "priceline" or "hotwire" for better rates.

Should you go this route and NOT get the Westin, the worst you would get would be the Sofitel, which I recommend as well, or the Grand Hyatt.

Overall, I have stayed at this property twice and have used priceline twice and was able to retain the Westin. Make sure to only put in 4 Star, and the downtown area to better your chances. Usually $99 is the lowest they will except.

I travel fairly often for business and I always prefer Starwood Hotels. They never seem to disappoint and are often reliable. Westin was one of the lowest priced hotels on Expedia (I booked last minute) so I took a chance with Hotwire, gambling that I'd end up at the Westin. The lobby was really spacious and nice. The room was what I expected, new furniture, comfy bed, bathrobe and new LCD TV. Staff were really friendly and the doorman remembered us. Area is walk-friendly with the shops at Walnut just a couple of blocks away. Continental is a nice place for brunch on 18th and Chestnut.