Arrival/Check-in: Following a staff meeting and great lunch with my New York- and Pennsylvania-based colleagues, I took their advice and set out, roller-bag in tow, for Hyatt at the Bellevue. Their directions for the 10-minute walk were right on the money, but I made a mistake at the last turn — left instead of right. It didn’t take me long to realize my error when I asked a patrolman in uniform to set me straight. Turned out the gentleman was not a police officer but one of Philadelphia’s official guides. He graciously walked me to the hotel entrance and, in the process, left an indelible impression of Philadelphia as one of the friendliest cities I have ever visited. Fast-forward to actual arrival at the hotel — perfectly uneventful in a very good way. (30/30)

Guest Quarters: I was thrilled when my hotel guide opened the door to an expansive suite. A short entry hall opened to a full-size living room on the left with a large bedroom and en-suite bath on the right. The hotel representative explained that I would be staying in a prototype room, one of several configurations under consideration as the property makes its way through a major renovation. As far as I’m concerned, they should go with this option. I experienced a few minor glitches — the walk-in shower stall wasn’t quite long enough to prevent water from spraying beyond the glass wall and onto the floor, and the showerhead was just a bit too heavy for its mount: It kept knocking on my head. That said, these are minor inconveniences, already being remedied, in an otherwise fabulous layout. (27/30)

Services/Amenities: My stay at the hotel coincided with a major function attended by the Global Traveler staff. As I was only in town for one night, I did not have an opportunity to experience all of the hotel’s amenities. That said, the hotel staff did an incredible job servicing a huge crowd, including keynote speaker Penn. Gov. Edward Rendell. Following the gala, some of us repaired to the hotel bar, an intimate and friendly space — with outdoor, vintage balconies from the adjoining restaurant overlooking the city at night — where we mingled with guests who had attended other functions. (40/40)

The Experience: My short visit whetted my appetite for a return trip to this vintage property.

Total Score: 97/100

Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
tel 215 893 1234