Hyatt Regency Philadelphia Penn’s Landing Review
The Hyatt Regency Philadelphia Penn’s Landing seemed the perfect location to hang out in the historic downtown Philadelphia before leaving the next day for my $80 mileage run flights to Las Vegas.
I was able to book a $125 AAA rate which included breakfast and parking, a definite perk since overnight parking costs $32 a night! And getting from the parking garage to the hotel lobby is a bit of  pain — you take the elevator in the open-air garage down to the first floor, then hang two lefts to follow the walkway into the Rental car office which also has the tiny elevator up to the hotel lobby. Not fun if there’s more than 2 people with a lot of luggage.
When I finally arrived in the lobby (around 4:30PM) it was crowded with a large wedding party and there was a bit of a wait to check in. Unfortunately the Gold & Diamond check in line was being used for everyone. (no awesome Up In the Air experience this time)
I’d booked two double beds because it was cheaper, but they were happy to upgrade me to a King with water view. I would have loved a suite more, but I wasn’t complaining. 🙂 It wound up being a very comfortable room to watch the ice chunks get pushed upstream by the awful wind.
The room was a fair size and felt recently renovated. I particularly liked the armless leather chair which made it easier to sprawl while watching TV (or the chunks of ice).
The bathroom was large and basic, which amenities of toothpaste and shower cap included (I’m always interested which items properties readily make available vs having to request).
The property is only .7 miles from the historic downtown so I decided to bundle up against the single digit temperatures and wander around the sites and grab dinner. An hour later I was back. I hadn’t bundled up enough so after grabbing a quick cheesesteak and almost running by the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall I returned to the warmth.
I was also still hungry, so I called down to see if I could switch my Diamond points amenity to the wine and Philadelphia pretzels with hot mustard instead and they were happy to oblige.
Thinking I might be inspired in the morning I headed to the fitness center on the 4th floor to see what they had to offer and was surprised by the extent of their amenities.
Not only was there a good sized fitness center with decent equipment, there was also a dry suana and indoor pool with windows looking out over the water and south Philadelphia. And a Foosball table. 🙂
There was also an outdoor balcony with lounge chairs for sunning in the warmer months. Nice!
Diamond’s and the AAA rate get a menu credit for $20 or the breakfast buffet and since none of the local favorites jumped out at me, I went for the buffet.
The typical hot options of scrambled eggs, rosemary potatoes, bacon and sausage was uninspiring, but their pastry and breads selection was. The french toast (made with fresh sub rolls) looked delicious, as did a flaky croissant tasting flat bread topped with berries.
Beware the parking fees if its not included in your rate, but otherwise a great choice when visiting the historic sites.
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Been wondering about this hotel so thanks for the review!
Note that this hotel will be reflagged as a Hilton in Sping of this year – it is scheduled for renovations soon. Sadly it won’t address the odd parking lot issue – we usually use valet when we visit.
In summer the hotel is great location next to the pop up spruce street park and beer garden. Despite being cut off by the highway it’s super easy to walk to all attractions in Philly. Next time you visit lmk
I’m sure you meant to say that the French Toast was made with fresh hoagie rolls.
As previously noted this property is turning into a Hilton.
The Hyatt Bellevue downtown is a bit pricier but a significantly better location. I was there for new years and you get breakfast (Diamond) in their restaurant XIX on the top floor with incredible views. It is only supposed to be the Continental breakfast or a equal cost credit off menu but in both of my most recent stays the credited the entire meal including tip!
Also worth nothing the pool/fitness center is a pass to the adjoining independent fitness center/spa (high class $100+ a month membership)
Final note: Hotel is only the top floors the first several floor are high end shops a la Tiffany’s and William Senoma.