Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia (formerly the Crowne Plaza Downtown) is a full-service, AAA approved 3-diamond hotel. The hotel’s upcoming re-design is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2013 and 1st quarter of 2014. Post re-design, Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia is positioned to be a 4-diamond hotel. The re-design and transformation of the entire hotel will feature a unique contemporary style with state of the art technology with a focus on the local art culture.
Located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, just minutes from the historic district and within walking distance to Art Museum, Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute, Rittenhouse Square, Avenue of the Arts, the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia is the perfect choice for any occasion.
We are also within walking distance to over 200 shops, restaurants and attractions. The rooftop seasonal pool has fabulous views of the city. The hotel is also an ideal location if you are visiting any of the local Universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Temple University. The hotel is a perfect spot for housing your guests for your wedding as the hotel is centrally located and easily accessible to all major wedding venues. Ask about our Wedding Block Packages. The hotel also offers complimentary State of the Art High Speed Wireless Connectivity in all of our 445 spacious Guest Rooms. The Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia is conveniently located seven miles from Philadelphia International Airport and one of the closest hotels to Amtrak’s 30th Street Station and a block away from Public Transportation. For additional information regarding the upcoming re-design, please contact your sales representative at the hotel.
Star Rating:
Local Attractions:
Museums, Rittenhouse Square, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Financial District, University area.
Art Museum, Rodin Museum, Franklin Institute. Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Historic District-Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center.
May 20, 2013
yardsaler2, East Coast | Trip type: Family
During our recent stay, the prices were increased for some reason. However, when paying over $400/night expectations should be met. The rooms are extremely small. The dresser drawers were broken...
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During our recent stay, the prices were increased for some reason. However, when paying over $400/night expectations should be met. The rooms are extremely small. The dresser drawers were broken and furniture worn looking. The bed was very clean and comfortable. However, the bathroom was two separate areas. One for the sink and one for the toilet/shower. The shower head was hanging off the wall and this space was so tiny, I was almost claustrophobic. PLUS, the rug had a hole and many stains!!! Checking in and out was abysmal. The room my mother had was later given out to my brother-in law. Luckily we caught it right away. Also, because we had two rooms under our name, they were charging us for two cars. We had one. Spending a lot of time in Philadelphia, we will never, ever stay here again. « less
“Excellent Customer Service”
May 12, 2013
fly14wta, Everett, Washington | Trip type: Business
You're in a strange city. You're on a business trip, so your mind is on other things all the time. You want the hotel to be a safe refuge from...
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You're in a strange city. You're on a business trip, so your mind is on other things all the time. You want the hotel to be a safe refuge from the rush of the day.
At the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia, mission accomplished.
Every single employee repeatedly provided high-quality, professional service. It wasn't just certain departments or particular staff members -- it was every one, every time.
There was a problem with the room phone and key card, but even those hiccups did not significantly impact the stay because they were handled professionally.
The room itself was certainly serviceable and indicative of this class of hotel. My only criticism of the room was the lack of power outlets near the bed. Otherwise, all was fine.
Another bonus is the hotel's location; it's a short walk from both the convention center and the Liberty Bell, as well as the Mutter Museum!
If my travels ever take me again to Philadelphia, this is my hotel. Absolutely. « less
Read management response to this review.
Management response from Ellen Archibald, Front Office Manager
Thank you for the lovely review and I am glad to hear that we exceeded your expectations! Our goal is to make our guests comfortable during their stay and help them have a pleasant experience in Philadelphia! We look forward to you returning and when you stay with us after renovation, you will notice that outlets are now located right next to bed in the nightstand. See you soon!
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“Disappointed”
May 7, 2013
GBM23
What a disappointment! Thankfully the hotel is scheduled for a renovation. This hotel is extremely dated! I think the television in the room is from 1982. The bed was not...
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What a disappointment! Thankfully the hotel is scheduled for a renovation. This hotel is extremely dated! I think the television in the room is from 1982. The bed was not comfortable and it had the smallest bathroom I've ever seen. The location is good (right on Market Street) and the staff was very pleasant. However for $300/night I expected a little more. « less
Read management response to this review.
Management response from Ellen Archibald, Front Office Manager
Your comments mean a lot to us and I thank you for sharing. We know that we have a great location and a wonderful team and soon, with our scheduled renovation at the end of the year, we will have an even better product! Some features of the renovated rooms that we are excited about are the new Flat Screen TVs, enlarged bathroom and modern décor! We hope that you will come back and see our new product!
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“Nice, But Average”
May 4, 2013
TravelinTodd, Lafayette, Indiana
The hotel was a Crowne Plaza. Under its new moniker, I expected something updated or a little better. I was disappointed. The hotel is in a great location. The hotel...
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The hotel was a Crowne Plaza. Under its new moniker, I expected something updated or a little better. I was disappointed. The hotel is in a great location. The hotel is very clean and staff is awesome. However, the rooms need updating (as indicated on all of the posters around the hotel). I was really sad to see that the soap, shampoo, & conditioner in dispensers (like an hourly motel). This is something I just can't wrap my head around. I ask myself "really?", this is the way they cut and control costs. Then I wonder what else they do (to cut costs), that I can't see. Yet, all-in-all a good place in Philly. « less
Read management response to this review.
Management response from Ellen Archibald, Front Office Manager
Dear TravelinTodd, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for your honest comments. We are excited about our renovation that will start at the end of this year as it will transform the hotel. The dispensers in the bathroom are also a way that the Sonesta Brand has chosen to be environmentally friendly. With the dispensers, we do not have the excess waste of the plastic bottles and we are proud that we can do our part to help. I hope that you will continue to stay with us and come see us after renovation!
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“Good thing a renovation is coming”
May 3, 2013
djr311, New York City, New York | Trip type: Business
Pros:
Location
Passes to Philadelphia Sports Club
Concierge lounge was OK
Cons:
Sheets were synthetic feeling
Bathroom was the smallest ever
No electrical plug
Old TV
Elevators stopping on every...
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Pros: Location Passes to Philadelphia Sports Club Concierge lounge was OK
Cons: Sheets were synthetic feeling Bathroom was the smallest ever No electrical plug Old TV Elevators stopping on every floor even though no buttons pushed
Management response from Ellen Archibald, Front Office Manager
Thank you for your comments for taking the time to write a review. The Philadelphia Sports Club provides a great alternative to our guests that are looking to use a variety of equipment for their workout. With our upcoming renovation we are excited about enlarging our bathrooms and updating our furnishings and TVs. We hope you will visit us again after renovation!
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These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
One Queen Bed, Club Level
One Queen Bed
This room measures 219 square feet (20 square meters). Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
One King Bed, Roll In Shower
One King Bed
This room measures 336 square feet (30 square meters). Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
One King Bed, Accessible
One King Bed
This room measures 336 square feet (30 square meters). Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Traditional, One Queen Bed
One Queen Bed
Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
One King Bed, Club Level
One King Bed
Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
One King Bed, Club Level
One King Bed
This room measures 336 square feet (30 square meters). Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Traditional, One King Bed
One King Bed
This room measures 336 square feet (30 square meters). Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and the 32-inch TVs offers pay movies. A coffee/tea maker is supplied. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer. A desk, complimentary newspapers, and a wake-up call service are among the conveniences offered. This room is Non-Smoking.
Amenities - Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia
Air conditioning
Alarm clock
ATM
Baggage storage facilities
Breakfast in room
Car rental
Central location
Charge for early check out
Clothes drying
Complimentary newspaper
Concierge service
Conference facilities
Credit card accepted: Mastercard/Visa
Credit card accepted: American Express
Credit card accepted: Discover
Credit card accepted: JCB
Dinner available
Electronic key card
Elevator
Facilities for the disabled
Fax available
Fitness and health center
Garage
Hairdryer available
Handicap accessible
Central heating
Ice Maker
Internet - wireless
Internet - ethernet
Internet is Complimentary
Jacuzzi
Laundry facilities
Licensed bar
Movies in room
Non-smoking rooms
24 hours opened
Office or business center
Private bathroom in room
Quiet location
Radio in room
Restaurant
Self controlled heating/cooling system
Shop
Shower
Swimming pool - outdoor
Tea and coffee making facilities
Telephone in all rooms
Television
Terrace
Travellers cheques accepted
Voicemail
Pet Friendly?
Sorry, pets are not allowed.
Airport & Shuttle Information - Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia
PHL - 7 miles or 20 minutes. Lady Liberty Shuttle - $10 each way, Taxi - $28 each way, SEPTA - $4.50 each way.
Airport Shuttle? Sorry, no airport shuttle available.
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Based on 528 traveler reviews 
Value
Cleanliness
“Overpriced/Underwhelmed”
“Nice, But Average”