The Sofitel is fine, but it has a bit of a cold antiseptic feel. The Westin is a bit nicer. Here are some others:
Luxury: Four Seasons (215-963-1500); Ritz Carlton (215-735-7700); Rittenhouse (215-790-2502).
Moderate: Club Quarters, 17th & Chestnut, (215-282-5100)Renovated bank building containing rooms and restaurant, nice, clean, recently redone, comparable to Sofitel, probably less expensive; Marriott, 1201 Market, (215-625-2900); Park Hyuatt at the Bellvue (215-893-1776).

Enjoy Philadelphia!

ALW: Check out Philadelphia Citysearch, they give comments on the hotel from people who have actually stayed there. The lobby looked very elegant to me and keep in mind that the hotel is only 2 years old so everything should be relatively new and fresh.

I've noted all of the positive Westin recommendations, I assume they are quoting a substantially higher rate? I guess I mixed up the Westin and the Sofitel regarding which was the former home of the Ritz. For $129 I still say you got a great deal.

Ok, the Westin I can get for $145/night.

Is it that much better than the Sofitel?

Help!

ALW: You really seem to be in a quandry. You started off by saying you wanted something clean, convenient and affordable. You've gone from $99 to $129 and are considering $145. I know the problem, I've been there myself. You could always book both and cancel one just prior to your stay. I don't think you will go wrong with either. Check out the rants and raves on the Fodors site, both get good reviews. I did read somewhere that some of the rooms in the Westin have an atrium view, which I personally hate. If you book with the Westin you might want to check that out if it's an issue for you. In any event, you have 2 very good choices, neither up to the Ritz, or Four Seasons but actually better located. Enjoy.

LOL

Frank, you are too, too right! Next think I know, I'll be staying in the Ritz!

I'm going to check with the other party involved and see what he says...

THANKS to all!

Well, back from Philly!

The Sofitel was very nice, but I'm not sure I can see where the 5 stars come in...I would recommend it, especially for the price I got!, but think maybe next time I'll check out the Westin.

Morimoto, however, was FANTASTIC. Go, go, go, go, go!!! Worth every penny and then some!

Thanks again for all your advice! It was a lovely weekend!

ALW: Glad to hear you had a good time in Philly. I would agree that the Sofitel is not what I would consider 5 star, more like 4 stars. In my opinion the 5 star distinction belongs to the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons as far as Philly is concerned but than again the rates are alot higher. Did you get a chance to sample a cheesesteak?

Hi Frank!

Sadly, no cheesesteaks were harmed in the filming of our weekend...there were just too many other culinary experiences to satisfy us!

Next time, for sure...