Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel is a Sensible Upscale Lodging Choice

The Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel is a high-rise upscale lodging facility located in the city's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood, close to an area that travel professionals are now calling "the new French Quarter.'' The hotel is also within walking distance of The Franklin Institute, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts, and the Academy of Music. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is about 10 blocks away and is a common location for business conferences and trade shows.

The Sofitel Philadelphia is part of the Sofitel family of hotels, a French company that boasts similar facilities all around the world. This particular location offers 306 guest rooms decorated in a warm, contemporary style with a French flair. The average guest room measures about 350-400 square feet and includes a large flat screen TV, small sitting area, marble bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and separate tub, Bose system, in-room safe deposit box, mini bar, pay-per-view channels, hairdryer, and two telephones including one in the bathroom. Complimentary turndown service is available.

In the suites at the Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel, guests will find 500 - 600 square feet of space and additional amenities such as bathrobes and slippers and upscale bath products, in addition to a separate living space. High speed wireless internet is available in all guest rooms and suites.

There is no pool or fitness facility available at the Sofitel Philadelphia. However, there are several recreational opportunities in the area and walking or jogging in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood introduces the guest to many attractive and historic Philadelphia sites.

The hotel's restaurant, Chez Collette, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cuisine here is decidedly French though plenty of traditional American specialties are offered for all three meals. There is a non-smoking area in the restaurant. Interested guests may book a "haute cuisine'' package, which includes breakfast and a three-course dinner at the restaurant as well as a keepsake book about wine.

La Bourse is the hotel's Lobby Bar. With warm woods, subdued lighting, and floor to ceiling windows, it's an attractive place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or an evening night cap. It also serves light fair for lunch and dinner.

The Sofitel Philadelphia boasts two floors of event space featuring rooms that can accommodate up to 280 people banquet style. All the meeting rooms are named after towns in France and can be configured for any variety of events. The chefs at Chez Collette are available to cater any on-site meeting or conference and video equipment is available upon request.

Weddings can also be accommodated at the Sofitel Philadelphia, particularly in the Paris Ballroom. This elegant venue can hold nearly 300 guests and can be decorated according to the couple's requests. All wedding reception meals are catered by the talented chefs at Chez Collette and certified wedding coordinators are employed by the hotel to help arrange all aspects of any wedding ceremony or reception that takes place there.