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
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
As you look ahead to winter travel, United Airlines and its MileagePlus loyalty program introduced MileagePlus miles pooling, which allows members to contribute and combine miles into a joint account. Groups of up to five members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. As the first and only major U.S. airline to offer this feature, United also allows any MileagePlus member, whether relatives or close friends, to be in a pool with other members.
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Share Miles with Family and Friends with United Airlines
Sponsored Content
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 24, 2024Global City Guidebook: Shanghai
The third-largest city in the world, Shanghai has transformed into one of the world’s most important centers for business, finance, science, culture and transportation. In fact, Shanghai is home to the first free trade zone in Mainland China. The city sits on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, and the Huangpu River flows right through the 26-million-strong city. Art Deco- and Shikumen-style buildings, museums, skyscrapers, gardens, temples and food markets fill the lively, Eastern Chinese city.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
ShareThis