Agree with etsmyers -- not sure that the renovation is such big or good news. The last few times we have stayed it has been in xx02 rooms: essentially Diamond upgrade to corner room with nice sitting areas. But the bathrooms are still small, the dressing closets still funky; and my wife, in particular, thinks the old design stuff worked better when it was still looking like an old hotel. Anyhow, to each, their own tastes ....

All this said -- and I don't know why I am writing this, since room prices would stay lower if this place were less solicited -- this strikes me as one of the gems of the Hyatt system. I mean, it's a category 4, so for the $75 AF on the Chase Hyatt Visa you can get a room at a very cool hotel in a terrific location in Philadelphia. (I'm talking about the free night here.) Also, all three aspects of XIX -- the restaurant, the bar, and the breakfast area -- are exceptional. These (if not the rooms and the service) are equivalent to features at many so-called luxury hotels, at affordable if not cheap prices. Very cool environment.

Anyhow, we find the place super-functional, especially when the rooms are cheap (which seems less and less frequent since the renovation; hello C+P!).