Fodor's Expert Review Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue

Though not in Center City proper, the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue remains one of the city's most popular spots for weddings, charity events, bat and bar mitzvahs, etc. greeting guests with a refined marble lobby and a modern chandelier. On-site amenities including an indoor pool and on-site luxury dining options—the Polo Lounge, a tony fireplaced space for lunch, dinner, or cocktails; and Delmonico's, a high-end steakhouse serving aged prime beef and hundreds of wines.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel is walking distance to suburban shopping and a drive away to the top tourist sites of Philadelphia but is most certainly not in Center City Phiadelphia, it is in the wealthy suburb of Bala Cynwyd.

room

Standard rooms are spare, modern and clean. All have the luxurious new Hilton Serenity Bed (TM) a plush-top mattress with European-style linen, a designer throw blanket, 250 thread count sheets, feather or non-allergenic pillows and a leather headboard. There's high-speed wireless internet access and panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline. All rooms offer an in-room safe, two-line telephone with data ports, business desk with ergonomic chair, a simple cloth armchair with ottoman, coffee maker iron/board, and two floor-to-ceiling mirrors for those who care. Rooms are adjustable thermostat controlled. Other perks are black-out curtains, a complimentary pillow menu. and complimentary HBO on a flat panel widescreen TV with HD channels, an in-room movie channel, and free HBO, CNN, ESPN.

Only the odd numbered rooms have a panoramic view of either the Philadelphia skyline or the pretty greenspace Belmont Reservoir. Make a request for an odd numbered room --this is only possible upon arrival.

bathroom

Most Bathrooms have a European style shower with awesome rainfall showerheads and a handheld flexible wand. Amenities are by Crabtree & Evelyn and include bath soap, facial soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion, There are granite countertops for all-you-need provided vanities.

lobby

The new lobby also has new modern chandeliers shaped like two entwined wedding bands, mahogany walls and floor to ceiling windows. It's a little business professional but still elegant and clean. There are stuffed chairs and couches next to a concierge desk. There is an ATM, guest market, baggage storage service and all the amenities you need including multilingual staff at the front desk who serve as 24-7 concierges.

pool

There is a 5 ft indoor heated pool with lounge chairs but it's rather small and fits around 35 max. Pool hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

gym

There is a 24/7 self-service gym. Equipment includes free weights, exercise balls, and mats as well as lifecycle treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals.

dining

Swanky Delmonico’s Steak House is a destination unto itself and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (also all available by room service from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) Dinner is popular for their dry-aged prime beef steaks, hearty sides and hundreds of wines. Breakfast is a la carte, continental or a hot harvest buffet at Delmonico's, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekends. Polo Lounge is known for their cocktails but also has a great pub menu with items like grilled baba ghanoush, buffalo wings, entrees and pizzas.

drinking

The chic and fireplaced Polo Lounge is located next to Delmonaco's in the lobby and serves extensive cocktails alongside lunch and dinner.