Is Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel Worth It? A Comprehensive Review
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel stands as a notable mid-range accommodation option in one of America’s most historic cities. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s convention district, this property attracts business travelers, tourists, and families seeking convenient access to major attractions without premium pricing. But does it truly deliver value for your investment, or are there better alternatives worth considering?
This comprehensive review examines every aspect of the Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel, from room quality and amenities to location advantages and pricing strategy. We’ll help you determine whether this property aligns with your travel needs and budget expectations, comparing it against other options in Philadelphia’s competitive hospitality market.
Location and Accessibility
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel’s location represents one of its strongest selling points. Situated directly adjacent to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this property offers unparalleled convenience for convention attendees and business travelers. The hotel’s proximity to the convention center eliminates the need for shuttle services or lengthy commutes between your accommodation and event venues.
Beyond convention center access, the hotel’s downtown location provides excellent walkability to Philadelphia’s major attractions. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and historic Old City neighborhood are all within a 10-15 minute walk. The Reading Terminal Market, one of America’s oldest public markets, sits just blocks away, offering authentic local dining and shopping experiences. For those exploring the city’s cultural institutions, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rodin Museum are accessible via short public transit rides.
Public transportation connectivity enhances the location’s appeal significantly. The hotel sits near multiple SEPTA transit lines, making it easy to reach neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia without requiring a rental car. The SEPTA transit system provides comprehensive coverage of the city’s attractions, restaurants, and entertainment districts. Parking at the hotel is available, though street parking options abound in the surrounding convention district area.
For travelers arriving by air, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately 10 miles away. A taxi, rideshare service, or public transit ride from the airport takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This accessibility makes the hotel practical for both leisure and business travelers with time constraints.
Room Quality and Comfort
Guest rooms at the Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel reflect the brand’s mid-range positioning. Standard rooms feature clean, functional layouts with contemporary décor that avoids excessive ornamentation while maintaining professional aesthetics. Room sizes are adequate for single travelers and couples, though families with children may find standard accommodations slightly cramped.
Bedding quality represents a notable strength of the property. The hotel utilizes comfortable, well-maintained mattresses that generally receive positive feedback from guests. Rooms feature either one king bed or two queen beds, with quality linens that promote restful sleep. Pillows are adequately supportive, and housekeeping standards appear consistently maintained throughout the property.
Climate control systems function reliably, allowing guests to adjust room temperatures to personal preferences. The hotel’s HVAC systems operate quietly, minimizing noise disturbance from mechanical equipment. This attention to comfort details matters significantly for business travelers requiring focused work environments and leisure guests seeking restful stays.
Bathroom facilities meet contemporary standards with modern fixtures and adequate counter space. Showers feature good water pressure and temperature control consistency. Complimentary toiletries are provided, though many travelers appreciate bringing preferred personal care products. Bathroom ventilation systems effectively manage moisture, preventing mold and mildew issues common in older properties.
Technology amenities include flat-screen televisions with cable service and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the property. Modern outlets and USB charging ports accommodate contemporary device needs. Work desks in rooms provide adequate space for laptop-based productivity, important for business travelers who need functional workspaces.
Amenities and Features
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel offers a solid selection of amenities that justify its “Plus” designation within the Best Western portfolio. The property features a fitness center equipped with modern exercise equipment, allowing guests to maintain workout routines during their stay. The facility includes cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment suitable for various fitness levels.
The hotel maintains an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, providing recreation options for families and guests seeking relaxation. Pool hours are clearly posted, and maintenance standards appear well-managed. The pool area is adequately heated and chlorinated, creating a pleasant aquatic environment even during cooler months.
Business center facilities support professional needs with computers, printing services, and high-speed internet access. Conference and meeting rooms of varying sizes accommodate small gatherings through large-scale events. These spaces feature modern audiovisual equipment and technical support, making the hotel suitable for corporate meetings and convention-related gatherings.
Pet-friendly accommodations represent another valuable amenity. The hotel welcomes dogs and cats with reasonable pet fees, making it a practical choice for travelers with animal companions. If you’re interested in exploring dog friendly hotels near you, this property’s pet policy deserves consideration. Pet-designated rooms are clearly marked, and housekeeping protocols ensure appropriate cleanliness standards.
Common areas include a modest lobby with comfortable seating, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The front desk operates 24 hours, providing assistance with reservations, local information, and any guest needs requiring immediate attention.
Dining and Breakfast Options
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel includes a complimentary hot breakfast service, a significant value component for extended stays and budget-conscious travelers. The breakfast buffet features standard offerings including fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, yogurt, and bagels. Hot items typically include scrambled eggs, sausage, and breakfast potatoes. Coffee and juice are available throughout the morning service window.
While the breakfast selection won’t compete with upscale hotel offerings, it provides adequate nutrition for a full morning of sightseeing or business activities. The breakfast area maintains reasonable cleanliness standards, with staff replenishing items regularly during service hours. Timing your breakfast visit during off-peak hours avoids crowding, particularly during convention center events when the hotel operates at full capacity.
The hotel does not maintain an on-site restaurant, but this limitation is minimized by the surrounding neighborhood’s exceptional dining landscape. The Reading Terminal Market offers prepared food from dozens of vendors, ranging from traditional Philadelphia fare to international cuisine. Nearby restaurants span every price point and cuisine type imaginable, ensuring guests find dining options matching their preferences and budgets.
Room service availability is limited, but the hotel’s downtown location means food delivery services can reach your room quickly through third-party platforms. This flexibility allows guests to enjoy neighborhood restaurants without leaving their accommodations.
Business Services and Events
For business travelers and convention attendees, the Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel offers practical services supporting professional needs. The convention center location itself is the primary draw for corporate guests, eliminating transportation logistics that can complicate business travel schedules.
Meeting and event spaces accommodate conferences, seminars, training sessions, and social functions. The hotel’s technical infrastructure supports presentations, video conferencing, and multimedia events. Event planning staff assist with room setup, catering coordination, and technical requirements, allowing organizers to focus on content delivery rather than logistics.
Understanding hotel check-in and check-out times becomes particularly relevant for business travelers managing tight schedules. The hotel offers flexible check-in and check-out arrangements for guests with specific timing needs, accommodating early arrivals and late departures when possible.
High-speed internet connectivity is essential for modern business travel, and the Best Western Plus provides reliable Wi-Fi throughout the property. Wired internet connections are also available in rooms and business center areas, ensuring backup connectivity for guests with critical digital requirements.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel’s pricing strategy positions it as a value-focused option within Philadelphia’s competitive hotel market. Nightly rates typically range from $120-$200 depending on season, demand, and advance booking timing. Convention center events and major Philadelphia attractions drive peak pricing during summer months and special event weekends.
The included hot breakfast significantly improves value calculation. For guests planning to purchase breakfast separately, the daily savings of $12-$18 per person accumulates substantially over multi-night stays. This benefit particularly advantages families and extended-stay guests seeking budget optimization.
Comparing value against competing properties reveals the hotel’s positioning effectiveness. Premium properties like luxury hotels in New York City command significantly higher rates for marginally superior amenities. Meanwhile, budget chains sacrifice amenities that the Best Western Plus retains, creating a practical middle ground for many travelers.
Loyalty program participation offers additional value through points accumulation, room upgrades, and member-exclusive rates. Best Western’s rewards program provides genuine benefits for frequent travelers, making repeat stays increasingly cost-effective.
Extended stay discounts are often available for reservations exceeding five nights, providing meaningful savings for business travelers or tourists planning longer Philadelphia explorations. Negotiating directly with the hotel for extended stay rates sometimes yields better pricing than online booking platforms.
Overall Guest Experience
Guest reviews of the Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel generally reflect satisfaction with value and location, though experiences vary based on expectations and visit timing. Convention center guests consistently praise the proximity to event venues and hassle-free access. Business travelers appreciate the functional accommodations and business services supporting professional needs.
Cleanliness standards receive mixed feedback, with most guests reporting satisfactory housekeeping but occasional complaints about attention to detail in specific rooms. Requesting room changes when issues arise typically results in swift resolutions from management. Regular property maintenance appears adequate, though some guests note minor cosmetic wear consistent with mid-range hotel standards.
Staff responsiveness varies by shift and occupancy levels. Front desk personnel generally demonstrate helpfulness with local recommendations and guest requests. During peak occupancy periods when the convention center hosts major events, service responsiveness may decline due to volume demands.
Noise levels can be concerning for light sleepers, particularly when the hotel operates at full capacity. Convention center crowds may create hallway noise during late evening and early morning hours. Requesting rooms away from elevators and main corridors helps minimize disturbance.
The property’s age shows in certain areas, with updates and renovations addressing the most guest-facing elements while some back-of-house systems reflect their original installation. This is typical for mid-range chain hotels and doesn’t significantly detract from functionality, though luxury-minded travelers may notice the difference.
Alternative Accommodations in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers numerous accommodation alternatives worth considering based on your specific priorities. If luxury amenities and premium service define your preferences, luxury hotel experiences comparable to those in major markets are available at properties like the Four Seasons Philadelphia and the Rittenhouse Hotel, though at significantly higher price points.
Budget-conscious travelers might explore economy chains offering lower rates with minimal amenity sacrifice. However, these properties often lack the fitness center and breakfast inclusions that distinguish the Best Western Plus value proposition.
Boutique hotels in Old City and Rittenhouse Square neighborhoods offer distinctive character and personalized service at mid-range pricing. These properties appeal to travelers prioritizing unique experiences over conventional chain consistency.
For extended stays, apartment-style accommodations through services like Airbnb and furnished rental platforms provide flexibility and kitchen facilities that hotel rooms cannot match. These options often deliver better long-term value despite potentially higher nightly rates.
Convention-specific competitors include the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, both offering superior amenities at premium pricing. These properties justify higher costs through enhanced service, dining options, and room quality if budget permits.
Suburban alternatives in nearby areas like Center City or University City offer lower pricing with transit access to downtown attractions, though they sacrifice the convention center proximity advantage.
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel ultimately delivers solid value for travelers prioritizing location, budget consciousness, and functional accommodations. The convention center proximity alone justifies selection for business travelers managing event logistics. The included breakfast, fitness facilities, and pet-friendly policies enhance value for diverse guest categories.
However, this property isn’t optimal for travelers seeking luxury experiences, premium dining, or distinctive character. Guests with high expectations regarding room aesthetics or service standards may find the mid-range positioning disappointing. Similarly, visitors prioritizing walkability to specific neighborhoods might prefer properties in different Philadelphia locations.
Your decision ultimately depends on travel priorities, budget parameters, and specific Philadelphia plans. For convention center attendees, business travelers, and budget-focused families, the Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel represents a practical, reliable choice. For those seeking luxury experiences or distinctive character, exploring alternatives aligns better with expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking included at the Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel?
Parking is available at the hotel but typically requires an additional daily fee beyond room charges. However, the property’s downtown location provides alternative parking options on surrounding streets, and public transportation accessibility reduces parking necessity for many guests exploring Philadelphia attractions.
Are pets allowed, and what are the associated fees?
Yes, the hotel welcomes pets including dogs and cats. Pet fees typically range from $25-$50 per stay depending on pet size and length of stay. Pet-designated rooms are available, and housekeeping protocols ensure appropriate cleanliness standards for subsequent guests.
What time does breakfast service end?
Breakfast is typically served from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends. However, timing may vary seasonally or during special events. Confirming specific hours during your booking ensures you don’t miss the complimentary service.
Does the hotel offer shuttle service to Philadelphia International Airport?
The hotel does not provide complimentary airport shuttle service. However, paid shuttle arrangements can often be made through the front desk. Alternatively, rideshare services, traditional taxis, and public transit provide airport transportation options from the hotel’s accessible downtown location.
Are there hotels with electric vehicle chargers available at this property?
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel does not currently feature dedicated electric vehicle charging stations. Guests with electric vehicles should verify charging infrastructure at alternative properties or utilize public charging stations throughout Philadelphia’s downtown area.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary based on booking rate type and advance purchase timing. Most standard reservations allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival, while non-refundable rates forfeit payment upon booking. Always confirm specific cancellation terms during reservation to understand your commitment level.
How does this hotel compare to other Philadelphia properties?
The Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel occupies the mid-range market segment, offering better amenities and service than budget chains but at lower cost than premium properties. Its primary competitive advantage is convention center proximity, making it ideal for business travelers while remaining acceptable for leisure guests prioritizing budget and location over luxury.
