Chestnut Hill Hotel, Philadelphia

Booked months in advance to attend a wedding. Wound up in a substandard, tattered room, with old furniture, stained rugs, dusty drapes and grimy windows. Hotel was fully booked, so room change was not possible. Visited other guests' rooms, and some rooms were newly renovated, some were partially renovated, and some were shabby, like mine. Guess what? The price was the SAME ! Beware!

As extensive travelers, we fell in love with Chestnut Hill Hotel and have two more visits scheduled within weeks. Anthony, the General Manager, was not only fun, but went out of his way to be of service and to accommodate our every need. The staff were likewise extremely friendly and always willing to help, including searching and printing off maps for our driving needs. The hotel was very clean and comfortable. We especially loved the suite. The neighborhood is quaint, friendly, and family oriented, with many people walking dogs, stopping to talk, etc. Benches along the street made it fun to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere...especially while having a coffee or, better yet, some ice cream or pastries with "homemade goodness" from a local, family-run business. The hotel breakfast buffet even includes pastries from this local shop--a real bonus. The cafe in the hotel had outdoor seating on the hotel porch or side alley that gave it a special atmosphere, especially since you would hear cars passing by on a cobblestone street. Food was delicious, too. Free parking behind the hotel was nice, and there was an indoors farmers market there 3 days a week (and partial market other times) that provided fresh meats, produce, dips, etc., as well as unusual, tasty, ready-to-eat treats/meals (one stand even offered a variety of entrees, including half of a large rotisserie chicken, with two homemade sides for the fantastic price of $5). There seem to be a number of community events from time-to-time, too, that add to the fun. We were there during an arts festival, for example, where the street was closed for several blocks so hundreds of vendors, restaurants, entertainers, muscians, etc., could sell their homemade wares, give out souvenirs, etc., in a very festive atmosphere. A most enjoyable day. In sum, from the minute we stepped into Chestnut Hill Hotel in September, we started having a really fun experience...and found the same to be true when we returned for a couple more days about a week and a half later. We would highly recommend the hotel and this neighborhood for anyone wanting a relaxing, enjoyable outing. We look forward to going back again in a couple of weeks.

rooms are extremely tired and distastefully furnished. staff seems to be unkempt and easily distracted, seem not to be able to muti-task. had to call desk several times during my stay, yet no answer.....found agent smoking on side of hotel while guests were waiting and phone was ringing off the hook. clerks seem to be rude and extremely unprofessional. hotel seemed to have water problems as well as additional numerous problems. this was the second chance i gave this hotel....3 months ago the breakfast was astonishing both with initial visual impact as well as with selection, this last time it was rather appalling and lackluster. center city philadelphia is more worth it for the same money.

I have brought teams to Chestnut Hill on many occasions, and we find the staff very accommodating. The neighborhood and its restaurants are awesome. This is a real gem.