Le Meridien Philadelphia [Master Thread]
Jul 1, 2013, 5:31 am
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Jul 1, 2013, 9:23 am
#62
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: NY
Programs: SPG Plat(100), Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Gold, Avis First, United Gold
Posts: 93
1. Le Meridien
2. Westin
3. Sheraton Society Hill
4. Sherato Downtown
5. Four Points
At Le Meridien I have approx 90% of the time an upgrade to a suite, once got the family 2 brm suite.
Plat breakfast is great, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread, granola, juice, coffee.
Whenever the rate is acceptable, I stay at Le Meridien, otherwise the Sheraton. Westin is too expensive for what you get.
Oct 2, 2013, 10:47 am
#63
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: DC|NYC
Programs: UA GS, DL Plat, Marriott Bonvoy LIfetime Titanium/SPG refugee, Hertz Prez, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,201
Hit and Miss
Just spent four nights here. My summary is I'd go back to the Westin to stay but walk over the LM for the restaurant and bar.
No plat upgrade or even recognition at check-in. Like most hotels, they had the gold/plat check-in sign up but nobody behind it. Two big weddings while I was there made any interaction with the front desk painful although most everyone that works behind the front desk is quite nice. Room was a bit on the older side and the tv was placed such that you can't see it when in bed. (Other than maybe a small town Holiday Inn Express, I can't ever remember staying somewhere and not watching the tv in bed.) Service was a bit spotty. Sometimes the person at the service desk was on top of things and sometimes I had to call back or help them help me. Two days I got a paper and two days I did not. Evening housekeeping sometimes brought fresh towels, sometimes not; sometimes took used towels away, sometimes not; sometimes removed trash, sometimes not. It's a cool physical property but I wouldn't want to stay four nights again. One night would be fine. But the cocktail list in the lobby bar is cool and the food in the restaurant quite good.
No plat upgrade or even recognition at check-in. Like most hotels, they had the gold/plat check-in sign up but nobody behind it. Two big weddings while I was there made any interaction with the front desk painful although most everyone that works behind the front desk is quite nice. Room was a bit on the older side and the tv was placed such that you can't see it when in bed. (Other than maybe a small town Holiday Inn Express, I can't ever remember staying somewhere and not watching the tv in bed.) Service was a bit spotty. Sometimes the person at the service desk was on top of things and sometimes I had to call back or help them help me. Two days I got a paper and two days I did not. Evening housekeeping sometimes brought fresh towels, sometimes not; sometimes took used towels away, sometimes not; sometimes removed trash, sometimes not. It's a cool physical property but I wouldn't want to stay four nights again. One night would be fine. But the cocktail list in the lobby bar is cool and the food in the restaurant quite good.
Oct 2, 2013, 12:04 pm
#64
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Just spent four nights here. My summary is I'd go back to the Westin to stay but walk over the LM for the restaurant and bar.
No plat upgrade or even recognition at check-in. Like most hotels, they had the gold/plat check-in sign up but nobody behind it. Two big weddings while I was there made any interaction with the front desk painful although most everyone that works behind the front desk is quite nice. Room was a bit on the older side and the tv was placed such that you can't see it when in bed. (Other than maybe a small town Holiday Inn Express, I can't ever remember staying somewhere and not watching the tv in bed.) Service was a bit spotty. Sometimes the person at the service desk was on top of things and sometimes I had to call back or help them help me. Two days I got a paper and two days I did not. Evening housekeeping sometimes brought fresh towels, sometimes not; sometimes took used towels away, sometimes not; sometimes removed trash, sometimes not. It's a cool physical property but I wouldn't want to stay four nights again. One night would be fine. But the cocktail list in the lobby bar is cool and the food in the restaurant quite good.
No plat upgrade or even recognition at check-in. Like most hotels, they had the gold/plat check-in sign up but nobody behind it. Two big weddings while I was there made any interaction with the front desk painful although most everyone that works behind the front desk is quite nice. Room was a bit on the older side and the tv was placed such that you can't see it when in bed. (Other than maybe a small town Holiday Inn Express, I can't ever remember staying somewhere and not watching the tv in bed.) Service was a bit spotty. Sometimes the person at the service desk was on top of things and sometimes I had to call back or help them help me. Two days I got a paper and two days I did not. Evening housekeeping sometimes brought fresh towels, sometimes not; sometimes took used towels away, sometimes not; sometimes removed trash, sometimes not. It's a cool physical property but I wouldn't want to stay four nights again. One night would be fine. But the cocktail list in the lobby bar is cool and the food in the restaurant quite good.
One thing I dont understand is the highlighted text. The property has been open just over three years. Can you explain what you mean when you describe the room as "older"?
I've been in a regular guest room (a non elite friend stayed there), Amuse lobby bar and the clerestory/atrium. Both those areas look nice and inviting.
Oct 2, 2013, 12:53 pm
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Interesting. I've never stayed at this property, but was planning to on my next trip to Philly.
One thing I dont understand is the highlighted text. The property has been open just over three years. Can you explain what you mean when you describe the room as "older"?
I've been in a regular guest room (a non elite friend stayed there), Amuse lobby bar and the clerestory/atrium. Both those areas look nice and inviting.
One thing I dont understand is the highlighted text. The property has been open just over three years. Can you explain what you mean when you describe the room as "older"?
I've been in a regular guest room (a non elite friend stayed there), Amuse lobby bar and the clerestory/atrium. Both those areas look nice and inviting.
Oct 2, 2013, 2:19 pm
#66
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Oct 2, 2013, 2:53 pm
#67
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Texas
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 244
I would also echo this - go stay at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and you'll know what an aged hotel is. The Le Meridien is far and away better.
There is one room per floor that is right by the elevator that the bed is around the corner to the right - and the tv is perpendicular to the bed off to the left where it is impossible to see it while in bed. They should have mounted it on the wall straight ahead between the windows.
There is one room per floor that is right by the elevator that the bed is around the corner to the right - and the tv is perpendicular to the bed off to the left where it is impossible to see it while in bed. They should have mounted it on the wall straight ahead between the windows.
Oct 2, 2013, 9:32 pm
#68
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
I would also echo this - go stay at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown and you'll know what an aged hotel is. The Le Meridien is far and away better.
There is one room per floor that is right by the elevator that the bed is around the corner to the right - and the tv is perpendicular to the bed off to the left where it is impossible to see it while in bed. They should have mounted it on the wall straight ahead between the windows.
There is one room per floor that is right by the elevator that the bed is around the corner to the right - and the tv is perpendicular to the bed off to the left where it is impossible to see it while in bed. They should have mounted it on the wall straight ahead between the windows.
Oct 3, 2013, 8:48 am
#69
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: DC|NYC
Programs: UA GS, DL Plat, Marriott Bonvoy LIfetime Titanium/SPG refugee, Hertz Prez, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,201
Interesting. I've never stayed at this property, but was planning to on my next trip to Philly.
One thing I dont understand is the highlighted text. The property has been open just over three years. Can you explain what you mean when you describe the room as "older"?
I've been in a regular guest room (a non elite friend stayed there), Amuse lobby bar and the clerestory/atrium. Both those areas look nice and inviting.
One thing I dont understand is the highlighted text. The property has been open just over three years. Can you explain what you mean when you describe the room as "older"?
I've been in a regular guest room (a non elite friend stayed there), Amuse lobby bar and the clerestory/atrium. Both those areas look nice and inviting.
Oct 3, 2013, 10:25 am
#70
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
I'm not trying to be difficult, but really trying to understand what you've written in your posts. 
When I don't understand something I ask a lot of questions, so I can fully understand what a person(s) is trying to convey.- Are you aware if other rooms have "large gaps"?
- Windows painted shut? I the guest rooms or on the property in general?
I know in some US cities there are laws the prevent the windows from opening unless their is a device in place to prevent a person(s)/item(s) from falling out. IIRC, this is a Philadelphia historic property, so maybe they can't change the (original) architecture integrity of the windows, so they are sealed?
Oct 28, 2013, 12:57 am
#71
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 211
You guys sure pay close attention to detail! 
I don't remember if there were "large gaps" at the bottom of the doors but I do remember that you couldn't open the windows. From the LM website, it says that this used to be a YMCA.
Looking back at the hotels I've stayed at so far this year, the LM Philly is easily one of my favorites. I really liked the atrium and the modern feel. I've also stayed at the two Hyatts in Philly and this one is definitely my favorite (although the Hyatt at the Bellevue provided access to the Sporting Club, which was very nice). I haven't stayed at the Westin and would only stay there if the rate was cheaper than the LM.
Here are some pictures that I took back in March. This is just a standard two double bed room. Note that the flat screen TV is angled so it can be problematic watching the TV from one of the beds.
Room
Bathroom (accessible)
Atrium
I don't remember if there were "large gaps" at the bottom of the doors but I do remember that you couldn't open the windows. From the LM website, it says that this used to be a YMCA.Looking back at the hotels I've stayed at so far this year, the LM Philly is easily one of my favorites. I really liked the atrium and the modern feel. I've also stayed at the two Hyatts in Philly and this one is definitely my favorite (although the Hyatt at the Bellevue provided access to the Sporting Club, which was very nice). I haven't stayed at the Westin and would only stay there if the rate was cheaper than the LM.
Here are some pictures that I took back in March. This is just a standard two double bed room. Note that the flat screen TV is angled so it can be problematic watching the TV from one of the beds.
Room
Bathroom (accessible)
Atrium
Dec 30, 2013, 10:25 am
#72
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: USA
Programs: Biggly ones everywhere
Posts: 108
Offhand: Large door gaps are for air handling in some hotels, fire systems in others.
As for teh hotel:
A dozen stays at least. Great rooms, but if you want guaranteed quiet, ask for a room not facing Race Street, it can get rowdy on the weekend. Room sizes are excellent, bar is a great value for PA generally among the most expensive booze towns. The Bistro does good breakfast at a fair price and fine bistro food.
Biggest negative for me is valet, but that is a personal dislike.
As for teh hotel:
A dozen stays at least. Great rooms, but if you want guaranteed quiet, ask for a room not facing Race Street, it can get rowdy on the weekend. Room sizes are excellent, bar is a great value for PA generally among the most expensive booze towns. The Bistro does good breakfast at a fair price and fine bistro food.
Biggest negative for me is valet, but that is a personal dislike.
Dec 30, 2013, 1:01 pm
#73
Used to be bulldoggolfer05
Join Date: May 2007
Location: São Paulo, BR/Miami Beach, FL/NYC/DXB
Programs: HGP DMD, HHonors DMD, SPG PLT, MR PLT
Posts: 2,295
I went back to my pics from a stay back in 2010 at this property and found this:
So the gap, while not small, isn't as large as in many other hotels that I have stayed in...
So the gap, while not small, isn't as large as in many other hotels that I have stayed in...
Jan 29, 2014, 10:39 pm
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,832
Just checked in tonight. Physical property is beautiful. Really fits my eye. Location is great, and I have a nice view, even if it's blocked a bit...room 941.
When I checked in the front desk worker talked so softly, I had to hover over the desk and keep asking him to repeat himself...and my hearing is excellent! ;-)
Got no platinum recognition whatsoever.
Room is nice, but the desk and chair are very uncomfortable, and unfortunately, I have about 5 hours of desk time planned before my afternoon meeting...ugh!
When I checked in the front desk worker talked so softly, I had to hover over the desk and keep asking him to repeat himself...and my hearing is excellent! ;-)
Got no platinum recognition whatsoever.
Room is nice, but the desk and chair are very uncomfortable, and unfortunately, I have about 5 hours of desk time planned before my afternoon meeting...ugh!
Jan 30, 2014, 3:49 pm
#75
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC area
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, American Platinum Pro, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 106
Funny how many different perspectives you can about the same hotel. I stayed there two summers ago with my wife and daughter. They acknowledged my Platinum status and gave me a one bedroom suite facing City Hall. Great, updated rooms and stylish lobby and bar, Amuse. Parking has been an issue for many guests, but was not a big deal for me. Good location and friendly, helpful staff. Hope this is helpful.