If your hotel dorm grew up and developed better decorating taste, it would be the Club Quarters Hotel, Philadelphia. Crafted around the concept of business members who pay an annual fee, the Club Quarters offers full hotel services while maintaining a friendly, club-like atmosphere. The hotel features complimentary services and amenities that are important to the business traveler, while still maintain low business and leisure rates. And you don’t have to be a member of the club to stay at this, or any of their other properties.
With a prime location in Center City, as Philadelphia’s dowtown area for arts, culture, dining and entertainment is called, arriving at Club Quarters feels like arriving at a private club. The entry on the ground level is a vestibule and an elevator takes you to the first floor for checkin and the lobby. The vestibule isn’t attended, and this is a chief complaint related to both service and security, but the door is locked and requires key access at night.
The check in desk in located in a huge lobby, taking up all the public space on the first floor, and is referred to as the Club Living Room. It looks and feels like a living room, with a fireplace, television, numerous conversation areas, computer work space, quiet area for reading, and a refreshment center. The living room/lobby is a popular gathering place during the morning and evening, as colleagues gather for breakfast, happy hour, and evening socializing. The refreshment center offers a vareity of complimentary cereal, snacks, and beverages. It’s not enough for a meal, but it’s enough to feel like you’re at your favorite college hang out, only nicer.
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Rooms are attractive and utilitarian. I stayed in a Club Room, the smallest and entry level room, with a queen sized bed, work space with excellent lighting and plug-in space, and bathroom (shower only, no tub). Wifi is free, and there is a coffee maker in the room and mid-range products in the bathroom. The room is pleasant enough for working, or if you want solitude, but hanging out in the lobby living room is a big draw. Larger rooms offer kitchenettes and are well suited for families. Studio apartments are available for extended stays.
Each floor offers a chilled water station and bottles for filling. Located by the elevator, you can fill up and re-fill, as needed. Davio’s Italian Restuarant is located next door, with direct access from the hotel, and you can charge it to your hotel account. A fitness center is also on property.
Many of Philadelphia’s top attractions are located within easy walking distance of the hotel. On my visit I wandered through Rittenhouse Square (about a 3 minute walk), did some shopping at Reading Market (about a 10 minute walk) and visited the Liberty Bell Center (about a 15 minute walk). Liberty Place Mall is across the street and outlet shopping is within a couple blocks. Within a few block radius, you’ll find plenty of other shopping, as well as restuarants and bars,
Club Quarters Philadelphia is located at 1628 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. Rates are substantially higher during the week as the hotel caters to business guests. Availability and rates vary widely based on corporate bookings; member businesses will often book up much of the property for events. Weekend rates generally start at around $110 per night, although I have seen them as low as $65 per night. You do not need to be a member to stay at Club Quarters. Since you do not need to be a member, you can also book through Expedia.
