DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

This large hotel buzzes with activity, with a constant stream of travelers heading to and from the airport and business groups here for meetings. Staff members greet and bid farewell to guests, which makes for a welcoming atmosphere rather than an impersonal, chain hotel experience. The lobby has pleasant, contemporary decor -- there's an inviting seating area with a robin's-egg blue accent wall, couches and armchairs with midcentury modern lines, and soft lighting. Black-and-white prints of Philladelphia maps and landmarks add some character to the space. With little dining and entertainment options nearby, the hotel’s restaurant and sports bar stays busy, particular in the morning for breakfast and during happy hour, as does the cafe that sells Starbuck's coffee. 

The DoubleTree is close to Philadelphia International Airport, and it only takes about six minutes to reach the gates by car or hotel shuttle. There’s little within the immediate area other than more hotels, but a Ruby Tuesday restaurant is five minutes away by car or cab. The sports complex that includes Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and Wells Fargo Center is a 10-minute drive, and Harrah’s Philadelphia casino is a 13-minute drive. Depending on traffic, downtown attractions such as the Liberty Bell, Rittenhouse Square, Reading Terminal Market, and the Pennsylvania Convention Center are 20 minutes by car, or about 35 minutes via public transit. 

Guest rooms are bit drab and short on personality, with an all-neutral palette and no colorful accents, but they’re comfortable and tastefully decorated. All have dark-wood furniture, which includes work desks with office chairs, tall headboards, and dressers with deep drawers. Flat-screen TVs, Cuisinart coffeemakers with free Starbucks coffee, safes, and free W-Fi are standard amenities.   Standard rooms come in King, Queen, and Double-Double options, and they're spacious enough to accommodate modern-print upholstered armchairs and matching ottomans. Various suites also are available with separate seating areas that have sleeper sofas and upgraded amenities such as microwaves and mini-fridges -- two things missing from Standard rooms. Bathrooms are equally spacious, with long, granite vanities, shower/tub combos, magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and an ample stock of toiletries. Units are generally tidy but like many large airport hotels with a constant flow of short-stay travelers, this DoubleTree receives its share of housekeeping and maintenance complaints. Some units overlook the airport runways, while others have unremarkable views. Despite being close to the airport, rooms are relatively quiet. 

This DoubleTree has an attractive amenities package that sufficiently caters to its business traveler clientele. For dining, Landing Restaurant & Grille serves breakfast (fee) and dinner daily, with a focus on American classics like steaks, chops, and seafood. As you might suspect, Players Sports Bar has Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and other pub grub on its lunch and dinner menus. It also has 13 TVs, a pool table, and a good selection of local craft beer on tap. Café Express sells Starbucks coffee and assorted items to go, and the lobby pantry is always open and sells sundries, snacks, and soft drinks. There are also always free, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on offer. Additionally, 24-hour room service is available. The fitness center is spacious and includes several pieces of modern Precor cardio equipment, as well as a weight-training machine and free weights, and there's a small indoor heated pool. There's also a 24-hour business center that has a computer and printer, and the hotel has more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate groups of up to 500 people. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services. Freebies include 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport, newspapers, and Wi-Fi throughout. For an extra fee, there's valet and self-parking, including long-term park-and-fly options.