We arrived at the Sofitel on Saturday afternoon at about 1:00 and were told that check-in was not until 3:00. They would not allow us to check-in early, as no rooms were ready. But they did offer to hold our bags and called us as soon as a room was ready (at approximately 2:30). When we did check-in, I received an envelope with a Sofitel paper printout listing our roomrate correctly as $180.00/night.
We found our room to be in good condition. The decor was lovely, and the bed was very comfortable and lived up to its rave reviews. However, the pillows on the bed were a little ragged and stained and probably should have been replaced. The bathroom was also clean and spacious, but as soon as we ran the shower it backed up and would not drain properly. Our call to guest services/maintenance was responded to promptly.
Our major problems with the hotel did not begin until checkout, but they are so serious as to ruin the whole experience. Upon checkout, I received a bill listing the roomrate as $195.00/night, despite the printout at check-in listing the correct rate of $180.00. When I mentioned this to the front desk clerk, he was extremely rude and unhelpful. He essentially brushed me off, told me the rate had always been the same, and said I could fax the hotel proof of the difference in rates when I returned home. He made me feel that I was either crazy or lying about the incorrect rate!
Things went from bad to worse upon our return home. When I checked my bank account, I found that the Sofitel had already charged my credit card for $650.00 and were still not finished charging me. (Please explain to me how 2 nights at $180.00 and one in-room movie at $15.00 amounts to $650.00). When the Sofitel finishes charging my card, they will have charged me over $1000! I spent over 2 hours on the phone with Sofitel front desk clerks, guest relations/services managers - even the accounting department. The issue still has not been resolved, and I am still incredibly stressed over the situation.
We will certainly choose a different hotel the next time we are in Philadelphia.