DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

Rooms and decor

Picture a distinctive curved high-rise on Broad Street, the cultural strip locals call the Avenue of the Arts, lined with theaters and concert halls — that is the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, a big 481-room hotel planted right in the middle of town. What pulls a lot of families in is the range of rooms, from comfortable standards to suites with a kitchenette, of which there are about 48. Open the door and you get more space, a small kitchen corner with a fridge, microwave and a prep counter, and room for the family to spread out rather than pile onto one bed. Little ones can have their milk and food warmed right in the room. The decor runs to a warm, easy, lived-in look — soft beds, plenty of pillows, big windows onto the city's high-rises, and many upper-floor rooms looking out at the Center City skyline and the top of City Hall. A lot of reviews agree the beds are comfortable and the room size is fair for a central neighborhood like this. If you are several people and want the space and a kitchen corner, the suite is the answer.

Food and amenities

The bit kids get most excited about is the indoor pool and whirlpool, open all year — a big edge here, because whether Philly is under snow or baking in summer, the kids can swim off a full day of walking. Any afternoon their legs give out, you head up for a warm indoor swim. The other can't-miss is the warm chocolate-chip cookies DoubleTree hands out at check-in, a signature the brand is known for worldwide — soft and fragrant, pressed into your hand on arrival, and kids grin every time. There is a fitness center for parents who want to move before heading out, plus an in-house restaurant and bar for an easy meal or an evening drink without going far — ideal after a day on your feet. For families, the kitchenette suites with a fridge and microwave make warming food and keeping milk, water and snacks in the room simple, saving time and money on eating out. Plenty of reviews praise the helpful, friendly staff, which makes the stay feel relaxed.

Location and getting there

Location is the real ace here. The hotel stands on Broad Street, the Avenue of the Arts, in the heart of Center City, the most walkable part of Philadelphia. Step out the door and it is about a 5-minute walk to City Hall, the handsome civic building at the city's center, with a broad plaza for kids to run around. Carry on a little and you reach the historic district with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where U.S. independence was signed, about 15 minutes away — living history for the kids to see for real. Handiest of all, the hotel is right next to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and Reading Terminal Market, an old indoor market packed with good food, is not far — an easy lunch stop with the kids. For longer trips, the Broad Street Line subway at Walnut–Locust is near the hotel, a few stops to the stadiums down south or other neighborhoods. If you like ditching the car and exploring on foot plus transit, this location is a perfect ten for families.

Things to know before booking

Straight talk to help you decide. The thing reviews flag most is that this is a large older hotel — parts of the tower and some rooms look dated, the decor is not as current as a new property, and some standard rooms are not especially roomy. If you are several people or want a kitchen corner, book a suite with a kitchenette early; there are only 48, so reserve well ahead. Second, brace for the size and the crowds: with 481 rooms and the convention center next door, the lobby fills up during big conventions or events, the elevators can mean a wait, and the building gets lively at times — ask for a high floor away from the elevators if you want quiet. Third is parking, which is valet with a fairly steep separate per-night charge typical of downtown; if you do not need a car, walking plus transit is cheaper and easier. Rates can also climb when the convention center has a big event, so book ahead for a better price and the room type you want.

Our take

From reading through a lot of real reviews, the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City nails "central, walk-everywhere location, plus an indoor pool you can use all year, plus kitchenette suites that save a family trip" at a price you can reach. If your trip looks like walking the kids to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in the morning, lunch at Reading Terminal Market, a stroll around City Hall, then back for an indoor swim and a warm cookie in the lobby — with a suite and kitchen corner for the whole family to rest and warm food — this is a comfortable, good-value pick. If you expect a quiet, sleek boutique, the large older building and the convention crowds may not be your answer. Overall we give it 8.1/10, best for families and business travelers who value a central Center City location, a year-round indoor pool and usable space over luxury.