Le Méridien Philadelphia

"Philly’s French predilections are long-standing, dating back to Ben Franklin’s sojourn in Paris during the Revolutionary War. At the turn of the 20th century, French-born architect Paul Cret redesigned Rittenhouse Square with Paris in mind, and today it hosts a thriving café culture. Philly’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway connects Center City to a corridor of museums including the Rodin Museum, the largest collection of the French sculptor’s work outside of Paris. Le Meridien Philadelphia fits the city to a T. Set across from JFK Plaza, this stylish stay puts guests steps from Philly’s acclaimed art museums and lauded bistros. The hotel is housed in a 10-story Georgian-revival building that started life in 1912 as a YMCA by famed architect Horace Trumbauer. Collegiate details include a gorgeous wood-paneled library, soaring ceilings, and stone fireplace living rooms. After a four-year, multimillion-dollar renovation, the building was reborn as Le Meridien Philadelphia in 2010, incorporating Trumbauer’s original details with a rotating roster of modern art and urban musts such as a hip lobby bar that’s the first thing guests see when entering (hang a left into the parlor for personalized check-in). Each of the 202 guestrooms and suites is unique in layout, and all accommodations are set around a 75-foot atrium at the center of the building. As such, some rooms have internal atrium views while others peer out over the bustling city below."

"So, can you give us a little bit of background on this place?Judging by its Georgian Revival-style facade, Le Méridien looks like a lovingly restored time capsule (it was actually once the home to Philadelphia’s main YMCA). But behind that century-old exterior lies an airy lobby, filled with ornate woodwork, sky-high windows, modern furnishings, and abstract artwork. Sounds lovely. What’s the crowd like?The hotel sees a mix of leisure and business travelers, owing to its location just a block from Love Park and City Hall, and six minutes on foot from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The sleek guest rooms and lobby bar make it an especially ideal basecamp for couples—though if you have small children in tow, you might find more family-friendly lodging elsewhere. Got it. Now, onto the good stuff: Tell us about your room.Each of the 202 rooms and suites has a minimalist-chic feel, with a patterned accent wall and pops of bold red or yellow. Don’t expect any knick-knacks on the desk or bedside tables, which don’t even have drawers to hide them in. The interior of the hotel is built around a central courtyard, accessible via the fifth floor and illuminated by a skylight. If you prefer lots of natural light, request a room facing Arch Street, instead of the interior; bonus points for the City Hall views. Oh, we will—thanks for the tip. How about the little things, like the mini-bar, or shower goodies? What made your stay more (or less) comfortable?Wi-Fi is only free in the public spaces, which is a bit of a drag. To gain wireless access in your guest room, you’ll have to pay $3.95 per day for basic email/browsing services or $9.95 per day for high-speed Internet. Maybe we'll bring a book, instead. How about room service, or the dining options in general? Worth it?Sure, there’s a French brasserie and 24-hour room service, but Philly is where you want to sample the local grub. By day, pop down the street to Reading Terminal Market, the nation's oldest continuously operating farmers’ market; at night, eat out or ask the hotel to arrange dinner delivery from a local restaurant. Noted. Any other services or features you'd like to shout out? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.There’s a 24-hour fitness facility, but it’s pretty basic. Crossfit types will be better served by booking a class at Ripped, a HITT studio on Walnut Street that will leave you so sore you might need a cab back to the hotel. Alright. So, bottom line: worth it, and why?Le Méridien offers a modern, convenient, and often affordable stay just steps from some of Philadelphia’s most scenic attractions." - Katie James Watkinson