Fodor's Expert Review Sonesta Philadelphia Downtown

Sonesta Philadelphia strives to please the business and leisure traveler to provide all amenities and services necessary for a relaxing and enjoyable stay in the City of Brotherly Love. The hotel’s 439 spacious, redesigned rooms and suites have an urbane design aesthetic, heavy on the blacks and reds and minimalist furniture that touch both common areas and private guest rooms. Sonesta Philadelphia boasts two in-house restaurants, the Art Bar and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, both located on the lobby level. Guests will have complimentary access to an outdoor pool, fitness center and business center.

room

Sonesta’s Club Level Guest Rooms are typically 340 square feet. All rooms come with views of Center City, stylish modern furnishes, Flat-screen LCD televisions, wireless internet service, an iHome docking station, a Keurig coffee machine, a mini-refrigerator and access to Sonesta’s club lounge featuring a daily continental breakfast, snacks throughout the day, hot and cold hors-d'oeuvres and two adult beverages in the evening.

Definitely utilize the club lounge.

bathroom

Bathrooms are modern spacious and bright with adequate amenities and lighting. Soaps, lotions and hair products are all via Poggesi whose fine Italian fragrances are made in Italy. All regular and club level rooms have bathtubs. Suites have free-standing glass enclosed showers.

lobby

The lobby’s color palette, scent and lighting create a warm and sophisticated experience for guests and you'll feel invited to sit down and relax. A lobby art gallery, locally curated in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA), leads guests into Sonesta’s Art Bar.

pool

The rooftop pool, located on the 8^thfloor of the hotel is large, heated and lovely! Lounge chairs surround with some couples couches and beds.

gym

Guests have complimentary access to the 24/7 fitness center. Machines include: elliptical, weight machines, free weights, treadmills, recumbent and upright bikes.

dining

The Sonesta Philadelphia has two in-house restaurants, the Art Bar and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, both located on the lobby level. Ruth's Chris' is a big chain, but it's still an upscale fine dining luxury steakhouse chain known for its steak, hospitality, crab stacks, and desserts like creme brulee.

The ArtBar at Sonesta serves breakfast, along with evening small plates. The theme is "Food is Art" so gastronomy aims to be tasty and eye-pleasing.

During the warmer weather dine alfresco at ArtBar’s outdoor seating along 18th street and people watch.

drinking

Art Bar offers up art-inspired (named) cocktails and small plates in a fresh and contemporary space located in the lobby.

Happy hour specials at Ruth’s Chris $9 Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl Happy Hour Monday’s – Fridays from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

Experience “Liquid Art” during happy hour from 5pm – 7pm.