Element Philadelphia Downtown

Positives: Comfort and friendly staff.

Positives: Morning breakfast and comfy bed

Positives: The buffet breakfast was much better than typical.

Positives: Location was nice

Positives: I arrived just an hour before I had to be at a concert at the Kimmel Center. I didn’t understand exactly how/where I was supposed to park the car (it is valet only): it was dark, raining, the traffic was crazy, and the street where the hotel is was partially blocked. I got on the phone with the front desk and a young woman guided me expertly. The valet staff was fantastic: helpful, courteous, considerate (they even let me access my car the next morning to change my shoes). Checkin took mere moments and I was up in my room. All staff were friendly and helpful. I was happy to discover that the $72 parking payment allowed me to stay as long as I wanted the next day (Sunday), even though I checked out of the hotel at 11. I do not know if this is SOP. Also, don’t be fooled by other parking lots that may seem cheaper…their rates don’t include tax, and the hotel’s does. breakfast was very, very nice. The room was comfortable and clean except for a few stray hairs in the shower and sink. Is it weird that if you wanted to watch streaming services you had to sign in under your own account? I dunno. I thought the price was high for one night ($230 ish) but I was told that Sat nights are more expensive than other days. You can’t beat the location if you want a Center City experience. I will definitely be patronizing this hotel again, and hopefully pay less. It is owned by Marriott, so frequent flier status might help. I think I’ll take the train next time.