Stayed at this hotel for two nights in June, 2008 during the Gymnastics Olympic trials. The hotel was packed with gymnasts and their families, along with the usual business travelers. The hotel connects with the Convention Center via enclosed skyway which is convenient for those attending the Center for whatever reason. Ours was a leisure trip. Yes, this is a busy hotel and the lobby is loud, but thats appropriate for a hotel in this location. We arrived about 2:30 P.M. and were in our room in under five minutes. Check-out is painless. We were pleasantly "bumped up" to the 23rd floor with concierge lounge. The hostesses in the lounge were very pleasant, always peeking out of the door as we were walking by asking if we needed anything. We did take advantage of the free service, grabbing quick breakfast in the morning, fruits/cheeses/quiche/drinks before heading out for dinner, and dessert, which was available until 10:30 P.M. One turn-off for a guest needing to work online is the $9.95 per day fee for Internet use. The hotel rate is high enough, and there's no valid reason to warrant this fee. C'mon guys, it's 2008. The valet parking is around $40.00 per night. No problem If your business is picking up the tab, but if you're looking to save money, there are other options. We found a place at 12th & Arch, just a few blocks from the hotel for $17.00 per night for indoor parking. The room was huge, and included a splendidly comfortable king bed with a lavish pillow assortment. Also had a wonderful view of the city. Turndown service with chocolates complimented the spotless room and maid service. The location was perfect for walking the city. Not too far from anything really. Check out Penang on 10th street in Chinatown for a fantastic dinner. It's only a five minute walk from the hotel.

Stayed at the downtown Marriott for two days during a layover between a meeting in Boston and a wedding the following weekend. I stayed by myself so my review may be biased due to this fact. Pros: 1. Location: Centrally located in downtown Philly. Easy walking distance to historic City Hall, Macy's, Philly's main shopping district and across the street from the Reading Terminal Market (and food market that is not to be missed). 2. Restraunt/Bar is above average for a Marriott property. 3. Staff was generally very friendly and helpful. 4. Extensive (for a hotel) workout facility and indoor pool. 5. King sized bed was very nice and comfortable. Cons: 1. Room was a bit dated; the property could use an overhaul. 2. Charge for internet access. 3. High parking charge. 4. Neighborhood tends to get a bit seedy after around 8pm. 5. A bit of a walk to Independence Mall.

I have to say, other than the hotel lobby, the overall hotel didn't live up to the Marriot name. Bear in mind this was an actual Marriot and not a sister/chain of Marriot like the Courtyard or Residence Inn. The lobby was absolutely lavish. When I waked in, it was like a 4-star hotel. Unfortunately the guest room was small and out-dated. The manager was very professional when I had issued with my room key, it didn't open the door. So, he said he gave me a new key and asked that I call from the house phone if it didn't work again. I tried several times, fast, slow, paused for the card to read but it didn't unlock. So, he sent security up to let me in. The security guy had to play around with the key also but he finally got it opened. He then called the manager back and said it was working just fine. If he had to play around with the key, how is that working "just fine". When I got into the room, I was disappointed. Everything felt icky and looked like it need a thourough cleaning. The chairs were all stained and the bathroom floor was sticky, not gooey sticky but felt like it needed a good mopping. I can't complain b/c I got the room on Priceline for $80. That's probably why I got stuck with an outdated room but if you have to pay the average price of $199 a night, I rather stay somewhere else. Parking is $41 (including tax). If you park at the lot on 10th b/t Market and Filbert (across from the Bus station in the convention center), it's only $10. I was lucky and found street parking. If you are there for the weekend, it's not bad considering street parking is free on Sundays.

I had to be in town for a convention and everyone was hoping to get the Marriot because it is attached to the convention center. I was one of the 'lucky' few. Hotel itself was great, very comfortable beds, great hotel staff, amazing location. My only real issue is that I'm pretty sure I had a ghost in my room. After 2 nights of waking up at 3am on the dot to strange sensations, sounds and odd things appearing I asked the hotel staff. I guess its an old railroad station and they have had plenty of complaints of ghosts (multiple hotel staff confirmed this). Made me feel a little better that I wasn't going crazy, however a little uneasy having never had an experience like this. They offered to switch my room and I didn't have anymore 3am 'visits'. Staff was great in that aspect and I had a much better nights sleep and enjoyed the rest of my stay!

I have stayed here twice and am I big fan. First of all, I love that you can take the subway from the airport to the hotel. I believe it was $7. The hotel is huge, near a bunch of cool stuff and there's a Starbucks (a real one) in the lobby. As I mentioned, you can take the subway either direction from just a few blocks away. Love the gym here, TV's with the treadmills and elipticals. Nice move there. I would recommend this place. Don't rent a car, just take the subway. It's fairly clean and safe, from what I gathered.