After reading all the reviews on this hotel, I had nightmares. Literally. I feared it would be dirty and unsafe. I found the hotel to be clean, the staff to be pleasant and helpful, and the location to be great. It was safe and a bargin for the city. However, the decor could use updating, and the hotel was dark. Since we were out sightseeing all day, it was the perfect place to sleep and not much else. I wouldn't stay here if you wanted to spend a ton of time in your hotel room, but it's a fine clean, safe, central location for tourists.

I stayed at this hotel because I was looking for a location close to the downtown area (Chestnut/Walnut/30th St, etc) without paying for the Sheraton or Loew's. The going rate was $165, I booked on Expedia for $145 (which is still the reg. price when you add local taxes, very clever, Expedia). Neither price is worth the simplicity and lack of fringes of this hotel, but maybe $165 doesn't go as far as it used to.

The hotel was clean, the epitome of basic. The desk people were polite. Despite the warmth outside, the room held a chill, which its heating system did not cure. I let it run on 75 for hours while I was out and returned to a cold room. Since I was only there to rest my head and luggage, I opted not to complain, but it was inconvenient.

The bed was comfortable w/the typically musty-looking comforter. The bathroom was average size, but the tub showed signs of wear (rusty brown stain around the drain). The dollar bill feeder on the 1st floor snack machine was broken. The blue paisley, fork-in-the-road design of the 2nd floor hallway looked like something out of The Shining as did the creaky, slow-moving elevator. There's one free computer for use in the lobby, so that was helpful.

Avoid the hot continental breakfast. I got sick to my stomach before it was digested fully. The pastries and juice are fine, but the sausage and egg did not go over well.

I was able to leave my luggage for later pick-up on check-out day and it was all returned to me intact.

Overall, I would've been miserable spending an entire weekend here, but for one night, my inner cheapskate was pleased.

Stayed April 11-13 and was very apprehensive beforehand because of previous reviews. But, I decided to take a chance because I wanted to be within walking distance of the Museum of Art for the Frida Kahlo exhibit. The outside is a bit run down, but the hallways & room were fine. Front desk was helpful in giving directions. The location is great for the museum area and Eastern State Penetentiary. The Rodin Museum is literally across the street. Breakfast buffet was pricey - $10.95, so we just had the continental for $7.95. Next morning we asked a local on the street for a breakfast place and there was a deli/restaurant across from the back motel parking lot(saw it the previous day but didn't realize it had an eating area). While the location is great for a hotel, apparently this one won't be there for very long. It is slated to be demolished in Oct. (they will be tearing down a building next door soon) to make way for high rise condominiums.
If you do stay check out Jack's Firehouse Restaurant on Fairmount (across from ESP) - about 5 blocks away. The food was good and fairly reasonable. If you don't go early, you probably need reservations for Sat nght.

I was here at this Best Western this weekend. It continues to be one of my favorite hotels in Philadelphia. Clerks allowed me to check in early. Housekeeping was extremely prompt in putting new batteries in remote. Very quiet, nice location, not too far from airport, very nice taxi stand!