Excellent rate. Grab it if you still can.

The Loews is a very nice hotel, especially for that money. Great location. It's not my favorite hotel, just because the design is a little bland. But heck, I'd say you were getting a good deal at $159!

Thanks for the votes!

With 2 Philly experts' seal of approval, I guess I will be there!

Now, I can't wait for my touch down @ IAD.

I hate to be the voice of dissent here, but we stayed at the Loews the first weekend in November and it was AWFUL. Please do read my review - it's under the title "Loews has lost me as a customer forever."

I am really not a negative prescence here on TripAdvisor, but one thing stands out at this hotel more than anything: the lack of service. After telling us that the room we had reserved (a king) was unavailable, we could not get into our room - they had us trapse up and down the elevator 6 different times with different room keys - and finally security let us in because we had an event we had to be at and there wasn't going to be time to get a shower and get dressed. They never apologized or did anything to rectify the situation - discount on room rate, complimentary breakfast or parking - some good will gesture to show that they valued our business. And we were not the only ones in the same situation - apparently their automated key system was failing on some floors, so there were angry and frustrated people throughout the lobby. Hey, I realize things happen, but not once were they upfront with us, just kept giving us room keys to try over and over again.

To top things off, we received a wake-up call at 5 am that wasn't ours. The rooms are big and the bathrooms fairly spacious for a hotel room, but our furniture was really nicked up and the bathroom shower curtain had mold growing on it. That is just unacceptable in my book.

When we checked-out, our receptionist never even bothered to ask how our stay was - just a common courtesy that the staff at the Loews is obviously lacking.

I just can't endorse this property. The location is great and it could be such a nice property. They really need an overhaul in management and training. Just my 2 cents.

Suzanne

Hi Suzanne

Thanks for the heads up. I booked 2 rooms there.

I have searched other hotels within my budget but it seems Philly is quite fully booked for hotels around my price range for the second week of Dec.

gophila.com's parking+stay package hotels are almost all out. except for those that I'd not stay at or out of reach (like R.Carlton).

Unless I can find something as competitively priced, it will be Loews for now.

I can deal with their problematic key system or their 5am calls.

But I will not tolerate mouldy shower curtain. I will dismantle it and bring it downstairs for their immediate attention...it makes for "good publicity" as well...from my floor...down the elevator...to the front desk.

I will post my encounters "of the Loews kind" if I do end up there.

For now, I am holding my breath as I head towards Philly. Praying real hard..."No mouldy curtains, no mouldy curtains"

I just took a look at hotwire.com for the second week of December and they show a 4* in Old City/Penn's Landing for $89 (probably the Hyatt Regency Penn's Landing, could be the Omni) and another 4* in Center City East for $126 (maybe the Westin or Sofitel?). Also a 3.5* in Old City/Penn's Landing for $83. That's probably the Society Hill Sheraton.

All of these are excellent deals and Hotwire is very reputable, but once you book you may not cancel.

Lynn

The hotels Lynn mentions are all better than the Loews, and the location of each is better for sighseeing in the historic area than the Loews.

I just had to share my experience - it may be just fine, but my experience for the less than 24 hours I was there was completely unsatisfying.

I really like the Hyatt at Penn's Landing and I'd take that any day over the Loews.

Hopefully you will have a MUCH better experience than I did! Good luck --

Suzanne

I also took advantage of this low rate & am heading there with the lady.

We are coming in from Brooklyn & are looking for suggestions for a nice place to eat. I heard great things about Amada but its not opened, but we might go there Friday.

Any other highlights?

Is it so difficult to use the email's FWD button???

To top it off, this query was sent through their loyalty program email...youfirst indeed.

Dear Yawwai -

If you have questions about specific hotel amenities or accommodations, please contact the hotel directly.

The telephone number of the Loews Madison Hotel is 202.862.1600.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Loews Hotels

From: yawwai

Sent: Sat 11/15/2008 2:11 PM

To: info@youfirst.loewshotels.com

Subject: [BULK] Difference between Luxury Room & Deluxe Room

Hi

I was searching for a room at The Madison (D.C).

Your booking engine room description does not differentiate the Luxury and Deluxe rooms. What is the difference between them?

What is the average area of the 2 types of room?

Thank you.