HotelChatter

Check-In:

Upon arrival we made my way over to the elongated onyx reception desk and waited patiently for the person in front of us to finish their business while a cluster of fresh-off-the-bus tourists began to coalesce behind us. Instantly, the sharp eyes of the reception clerk caught onto the crowd and dispensed a team of trusty staffers to take the load off.  From then on it was smooth sailing. Service, check.

The Rooms:

Though we had not visited this particular Loews pre-reno, our research led us to conclude that the new white 300-count sheets and maroon tootsie-roll decorative pillows were a definite step-up from the tacky pink polyester spreads from days of old. Same goes for the sleek headboards, fresh wallpaper, mini-fridge (instead of the antiquated icebox) and modern bubble-shaped lamps. The pièce de résistance, a 32" flat screen TV, topped off the sleeping quarters nicely.

Next up, the bathroom. Subtle changes like a curved shower curtain bar, generic artwork, and lighted make up mirror were noted, yet the space retained that austere look all too common of hotel restrooms.  

The Price:

At $299 this baby clocks in a bit high. However, it redeems itself with its stellar location: Market Street and 12th is just a stone's throw away from the gourmet farmers' market, the Reading Terminal, City Hall, and the Historical District.

The Conclusion:

For the most part, this was $9 million well spent. Though, as with before, the room aesthetic is far from timeless and will likely need another face lift in seven years. But in the spirit of brotherly love, we won't hate on it too much lest angry Will Smith fans send us hate mail.

Tags: Hotel News / Hotel Renovations / Philadelphia Hotel Reviews / Loews Hotels

by alyshabrown