
Fodor's Expert Review The Windsor Suites
1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, USA See on Map
This 24-story all-suites hotel caters to corporate business travelers as well as to vacationing families. Featuring both studio and one-bedroom spaces, the guest rooms are characterized by their muted color scheme, plus bells and whistles like a kitchen area equipped with a Keurig coffeemaker. Downstairs is Con Murphy's, a large Irish-themed pub with multiple seating areas and a well-rounded menu. Its Parkway location, within immediate walking distance of both the Museum District and Center City shopping and nightlife, along with staff's cozy welcoming treatment of guests as might be the Windsor's biggest selling point.
Nearby Maha Yoga classes are free when you show your room card, and once a week at 6:30 am staff lead guests on a jog, running on the famous Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
room
A full kitchen is in each room, as well as a two chair set dining room table, thus each room is a suite, which makes for an apartment style feel with hotel amenities like black-out curtains, adjustable temperature, cozy bed and standard sheets with softer pillow options.
bathroom
Each bathroom has a tub and shower and uses luxury Guild and Pepper products. Robes are available upon request.
lobby
The recently renovated lobby directly faces the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and has a bit of an esoteric theme with symbols from Franklin's life like the Free Mason symbol and the Illuminati mark.
pool
Expansive guests only outdoor pool on the roof, i.e. 24th floor is a great summer attraction for laying out. Towels and delivery options are available.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The pool is only open during the summertime, so three other seasons you're out of luck for a swim.
gym
A small 24-7 fitness center fits all the basics: cardio, weights, stretching area plus water and healthy snacks.
dining
Con Murphy’s very Irish pub with live music and a reception room upstairs features Irish and local staff serving fish and chips, steak, bacon scallops, the works down to Irish coffee. Quintessential Irish pub.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The only options for Breakfast is an a la carte menu breakfast at Con Murpy's. There is no room service, just delivery from the two partner restaurants, Con Murphy's and Asia on the Parkway. Con Murphy's can get rowdy on the weekends with the college crowd and a noisy reception area upstairs.
drinking
You only have two options again "on campus": Con Murphy’s for some excellent cocktails (try the Bulleit Bourbon Maple Syrup Old-Fashioned) and Asia on the Parkway for cocktails.
Tip: Every Tuesday nights from 6-7pm there is free beer and wine and appetizers at the “manager’s weekly."
LOCATION
Getting Around
All of Center City is in walking distance, it's a 5-minute walk to prime downtown city hall, 1 minute walk around the corner to #2 bus on 17th street to get from South to North Philly. A five-minute walk takes you to the Suburban Line, a more polished SEPTA called the regional rail at 17th and JFK.
Restaurants
Cleaver’s (15-minute walk) ) is the newest and a fave for cheesesteaks and boozy milkshakes. Lolita (15-minute walk) is upscale Mexican street food with specialty margaritas.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Nearly half of the hotel is residential and visitors will feel like they are welcomed home upon arrival by staff, who are all knowledgeable and helpful and treat guests and residents equally. All of the amenities are available to make one consider joining the permanent guests. Also, location, location, location.
QUICK FACTS
What’s Nearby
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