Unfortunately I needed to alter my review because a huge problem arose after I departed the hotel and returned home. Upon checking my bank statement online on Jan 15, I noticed that Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center charged me more than what the Supervisor (Sheena) and her manager, another African American lady promised me they would charge me. I checked in on Jan 10, and paid through Priceline, I checked out on Jan 11 but came back later that evening to see if they still had availability and was told I could keep the same room and that they would match the price I had the night before. I had several other problems that I discussed over my breakfast with a manager (Asa) on Jan 13 before I checked out but for the most part they were resolved except for the complimentary drink that she said someone told her I was given when in actuality I never received. However I did switch rooms upon arrival because the bathroom was not clean in the first room on the 5th floor; I was later given a complimentary breakfast. Other problems arose during my stay such as on the third day I asked the young African American lady on duty if she could also match the price the way Sheena and her manager did but she said she could not and they were not supposed to do that and I would need to go back on Priceline for the same rate so I did. Before noon she was calling me for the confirmation number but I had gone back to sleep. When I answered my phone, it was not working and I could not hear her so after the 4th time of being disturbed, I called her on my cell phone and asked if I could help her at noon which is the time of checkout because I was still under the second reservation and was trying to sleep. I had already paid for the third night but I had to come downstairs and show her on my phone the confirmation for the third night and email it to her personally. According to her, Priceline did not send them the confirmation; she called my room 4 times before noon and later had a technician come to my room to repair the phone. For the inconvenience I was given a dinner voucher. Other issues arose such as the cleaning supervisor leaving my toilet seat up which disturbed me because I didn't leave it up and I was not expecting anyone to come and clean my room. When I discovered my rate was not matched as promised, for the second night I stayed there, I called several times to get the matter resolved. I spoke with the front desk on Jan 16 and was told by the lady, I believe her name is Meleine, she is a young Asian woman, (very helpful and polite) that she would leave a message for Asa or Aja, not sure of the spelling, but I did not hear back from Asa so I called her on Jan 17, she said that part had nothing to do with her and she would hand carry the message to Salema Gill. I did not hear from Salema that day so I called back that night and Sheena was on shift again and she transferred me to Salema's voicemail where I left a message. I called back on Jan 18 and the front desk person gave the phone to someone in the back office who told me they would also hand carry the message to Salema Gill. On Jan 11, I was told by Sheena and her manager that they would match my rate I paid on Jan 10 but later they did different and the charge came out Jan 14 in two different transactions totalling more than $30 than what I was promised. If the case was they could not match Priceline, I could have simply went back on Priceline and made the purchase like I did the first night I stayed there and the third night I stayed there. All this confusion and giving me the run-around is uncalled for. Not to receive a call back from Salema Gill is unacceptable. Charging me more than what you promised me is unethical and no explanation is sufficient; the promise needs to be honored. I gave a two star and not a one star because I appreciate the complimentary meals. However, ignoring my problem with being charged more than what I was promised as if it does not matter just because I am not present in your hotel will not be tolerated. I will continue to...
Read moreWell-sized, comfy, nicely decorated rooms with a plethora if different Wright and loft pillows and blankets; like sleeping on a cloud. True black-out curtains. Mostly quiet except when a convention is loading in; the hotel is behind this mammoth venue and you will hear the beeping if the trucks backing in well into the night. But that was only once in the weeks we were here.
Spacious enough wardrobe closet with real wooden hangers; but no drawers so you'll be living out if your suitcase. A spacious vestibule in our room (can't attest to the layout of others) gave plenty of room to place suitcase on luggage rack out if the way. Full length mirror so you can check your look before adventuring forth.
A good size gym in basement, and decent on-site casual restaurant open for breakfast and dinner -- but serve the whole menu regardless the mealtime. So have an omelet or eggs Benedict for dinner, if you like. Open all day on weekends. But... with the hotel on the edge of Chinatown (1 1/2 blocks from delicious, energetic Dim Sum Garden) and just one block from Reading Terminal Market and their array of delicious local and international fresh-prepared food vendors, craving more will draw you back again and again. Eat there or bring back to hotel. There's one table in lobby a few people could eat at, if not in your room watching the big 43" TV.
Hotel staff were professional, warm, helpful. At checkin, one directed me just a block away to way less expensive (and more secure) garage parking at 1030 Race St ($30/night ParkAmerica) than the overpriced Parkway open lot across the street ($45/night, self-pay at kiosk). Note: not all staff mention this more-reasonable option.
We felt comfortable here right away. Had to stay longer than expected and they were most accommodating.
We've traveled a lot and stayed at a great variety of hotels; this Four Points on Race Street is definitely among our better experiences and I'm including some far "Ritzier" places in comparison.
Only strikes against them are: although there are recycling bins in room and lobby, all trash is comingled when collected; NOT recycled at all. Also: no on-site laundry facility (yet?) and the prices for outside pickup service are insane. You could just buy new clothes for about the same price as cleaning them. (And still gender-biased pricing on some items. How 70s.) Bring a wire or plastic hanger if you might want to rinse and hang something to dry. In bathroom, shower door should open in, not out, to keep floor drier; and could use actual towel bars, not just tiny hooks right next to toilet. Small quibbles in otherwise lovely place.
Communal microwave and for-sale convenience beverages, snacks, and a few essentials in lobby rack behind desk. Just ask clerk for free shower hat, etc. It's their small way of cutting down waste to put things in every room that most won't use. But, you will find your own complementary coffee setup and small bottles of water (albeit Aquafina which gives me and my husband stomach upset the few times we tried it). Icemakers on several floors -- check in-room notes on where -- and ice bucket provided to go fetch it.
Full sized, refillable soap and shampoo dispensers on sink and in shower.
Just a really nice, pleasant, well-kept and...
Read moreDO NOT book this hotel, through a third party or in general. Disappointing service, a bunch of homeless laying outside (even during the day), and overall disregard for guests and their safety.
I stayed with this property back in June and my experience was less than satisfactory. At check-in, the representative was very kind and professional, but she forgot to give me my ID back. I had to call and request for the desk to return my ID to my room. No worries, I work in the hospitality industry and understand that mistakes happen. I chose to brush it off.
However, at check-in we requested a late-check out. My fiancé had an important zoom meeting he had to take at 11:00 AM. The representative told us that we had to call the front desk the next morning for a late check-out request. We followed the representatives instructions, and requested a late check out the following morning at 9:30 AM. The gentleman that we spoke with told us that we were granted a late check-out for 1:00 PM and if we needed longer to call down and he can check availability.
Around 11:15 AM, housekeeping began to knock on our door trying to kick us out. My fiancé explained that he requested an late-check out, she did not want to hear that. Rather than communicating with the desk, to see that they actually granted us the late-check out, she went to her manager. The housekeeping "supervisor" then proceeded to say that she called the POLICE on us and we had to leave IMMEDIATELY.
We went downstairs after packing our stuff and said that we would wait for the police to arrive - turns out they never even called. The housekeeping supervisor was standing behind the desk with a smug face, with the gentleman who granted us the late-check out. He didn't say a word. The manager was called, and couldn't give us any apologies, answers, or care. I have NEVER experienced such unprofessional staff in my life. As a manager, she should be ashamed to have such a disorganized staff. Communication goes a long way in this industry. Clearly her property and staff members are not properly trained in the same manner - not a single person on this property was on the same page.
The manager said that since our reservation came through Hotel Tonight, it did not matter to her. Only Marriott members are granted late check-outs. I am a Marriott Member and so is my fiancé, we travel quite often...
IHG properties have much more to offer in the Philadelphia area. Check out the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Kimpton Hotel Palomar, even the Holiday Inn Express - the service is MUCH better and the atmosphere is MUCH classier. Better value for your money and...
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