Archives: Places

Overview The Philadelphia Downtown Courtyard opened it´s doors after a grand $75 million restoration, recapturing the grandeur of its 1926 origins while incorporating state of the art systems throughout. Designed by renowned architect Phillip H. Johnson, the 18-story, 498-room hotel is listed on the “National Register of Historic Places” and stands as a charming testament to time with elegant bronze work, plaster detailing, striking marble finishes and unique architectural details. Catering to both leisure and business travelers, the historic full-service hotel is ideally located in the “Heart of Center City” across from City Hall, one block to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and within walking distance of the Financial & Historic Districts, Avenue of the Arts and some of the finest restaurants and shopping the city has to offer. Guestroom Features The hotel features stylishly appointed oversized guestrooms with 11ft-high ceilings, a 42” LCD TV, Refrigerator, I-Pod Docking Station Alarm Clock, complimentary Wireless or Wired internet access, and Marriott´s plush Revive bedding package. In addition, the property offers 61 suites for those who like additional room and added comfort as well as 50 rooms which include a striking Wall Mural of Philadelphia´s Independence Hall. Hotel Services As the largest Courtyard by Marriott in the United States, this hotel is truly unique offering all the full-service features and amenities you would expect from a premier hotel. The Annex Grille & Lounge serves American Cuisine for breakfast, lunch & dinner as well as is a great location for a refreshing beverage or cocktail. Or you can dine in the convenience of your guestroom with the hotel´s evening Room Service. The hotel´s Lobby Concierge Services and Bellman are ready to assist you with any request as well as information on all Philadelphia has to offer. Stay in shape in the hotel´s State of the Art Fitness Center, and then unwind in the Indoor Pool and Whirlpool. If you are looking for a quiet place to getaway, visit our Philip H. Johnson Library where you can read all about Historic Philadelphia. Meetings & Events Recently featured on WE TV´s “My Fair Wedding”, the Courtyard Marriott Philadelphia is one of the city´s leading venues for corporate and social affairs with over 10,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space, including two Grand Ballrooms each with over 3,000 square feet accommodating up to 250 people. In addition, the hotel has a total of 11 meeting rooms making it an ideal home for all occasions. The hotel boasts an experienced full-service Event and Culinary Teams, ready to take care of all the details and ensure your event is not only a success, but a lasting memory.

The Chestnut Hill Hotel is located in the historic community of Chestnut Hill, approximately nine miles northwest from Center City Philadelphia. Although Chestnut Hill is close to Center City by today´s standards, it was originally a distant “suburb” on the outskirts of the Philadelphia countryside. Today, it is one of the region´s most charming neighborhoods. Tree-lined streets and grand estates surround its main street, Germantown Avenue, where you can stroll and shop at more than 200 specialty shops and restaurants, along with trendy salons and other modern boutiques. The Chestnut Hill Hotel fits perfectly in this setting – the hotel´s 36 rooms and suites, decorated in an 18th-century style, hold the hotel to its boutique roots. It´s a perfect place at which to enjoy a romantic getaway in Philadelphia.

The Experience A towering gilded statue of the Buddha generates elegant calm in this 175-seat, Pan Asian restaurant with sleek, modern decor. Immensely popular, Buddakan is a restaurant that is great for both large parties and intimate dinners. Located in the heart of the bustling Old City neighborhood, Buddakan features two full bars as well as a popular (and hard to reserve) 20-person, lit-from-within, community table for sharing food and conversation. The fare is top notch – appetizers include seared kobe beef carpaccio, endamme ravioli, miso tuna tartare and tea smoked spareribs. For the main course, delve into delicious dishes like Japanese black cod, wasabi crusted filet mignon, roasted ponzu chicken and collosal tempura shrimp. For dessert, the chocolate bento box will please just about anyone. Be sure to make your reservation before coming to town as Buddakan fills up quickly especially on weekends. Better yet, make your reservation right now .

The Alexander Inn is one of Philadelphia´s most popular and reasonably priced small hotels. Conveniently located in the heart of the Washington Square West neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia, the Alexander Inn is a great place to base your stay in Philadelphia. The décor of the hotel´s 48 designer rooms is inspired by the style of the grand cruise ships of the 1930s, which is reflected in the rooms’ hand selected furnishings, fabrics and accessories. Beautiful artwork adorns the walls of each rooms, which all include private baths with plush towels. Rooms are also fitted with DirecTV (including many complimentary channels like CNN, ESPN, eight movie channels, etc.) and telephones with modem ports and direct dial. You will also have access to the hotel´s free 24-hour fitness and e-mail centers.

Audacious Freedom, the major, new exhibit at the African American Museum in Philadelphia , explores the lives of people of African descent living in Philadelphia between 1776 and 1876. Discover how African Americans in Philadelphia lived and worked while helping to shape the young nation in its formative stages. Exhibit themes include entrepreneurship, environment, education, religion and family traditions of the African American population, played out through interactive displays, video projections and vivid photography. The groundbreaking exhibit allows visitors to “walk the streets” of Historic Philadelphia using a large-scale map. Young children can join the action with Children´s Corner, which highlights the daily lives of children during that period.

The Alexander Inn is one of Philadelphia´s most popular and reasonably priced small hotels. Conveniently located in the heart of the Washington Square West neighborhood in Center City Philadelphia, the Alexander Inn is a great place to base your stay in Philadelphia. The décor of the hotel´s 48 designer rooms is inspired by the style of the grand cruise ships of the 1930s, which is reflected in the rooms’ hand selected furnishings, fabrics and accessories. Beautiful artwork adorns the walls of each rooms, which all include private baths with plush towels. Rooms are also fitted with DirecTV (including many complimentary channels like CNN, ESPN, eight movie channels, etc.) and telephones with modem ports and direct dial. You will also have access to the hotel´s free 24-hour fitness and e-mail centers.