Foggy Philly

A few shots around downtown Philadelphia on a foggy Sunday.

Liberty Place

The Wanamaker Organ inside of Macy's.

I'm so fascinated by this.

It's the largest pipe organ in the world.

Continental Mid-Town

It's a foggy day in Philly and I want to grab breakfast before heading out.

Continental is a mid century inspired, causal restaurant in Mid-Town which doesn't take itself too seriously.

The restaurant is on opentable and for Brunch I suggest making reservations in advance.

The decor is retro, with a sunken dining room, a second floor with chair swings and mod lighting.

I sit on the main floor near the bar, which offers a perfect perch to people watch.

I order bacon and cheddar omelet with mushrooms and spinach, a side salad, a side of bacon and a grape crush martini.

The omelet was fluffy and filling, although I would have preferred more cheese, but overall it was pretty good.  The bacon was perfectly cooked and my cocktail was strong.

The service was OK.  My server wasn't over attentive but not exactly on-point.  Not the best but not the worst.

Based on the location and service the mid range price is justified.



Continental Mid-town
1801 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Phone:  (215) 567-1800
Web:  continentalmidtown.com

Westin Philadelphia

Whenever I visit Philadelphia, I chose the Westin Philadelphia.   Located in Center City the hotel is a connected to the shops at the Liberty Place.  Due to it’s super convenient location the hotel is within walking distance of Rittenhouse Square, nearby shopping as well as other sight seeing/. tourist destinations and for those who are car-free, its two blocks away from the Suburban Station transit center.

Upon entering the property you in the lower motor lobby.  This lobby also connects to the mall.  You take the elevators up to the forth floor which is the hotels main lobby.  On this floor you have  the main registration (which includes a separate check-in for SPG elite members), lobby lounge and bar, City Grange restaurant as well as meeting rooms.  

Due to the lay out of the property, if event are going on, walking through the lobby can be awkward.  The lobby layout and having to take multiple elevators, to enter and exit the property can be annoying, but even with that, the lobby common areas are well maintained and appointed.

Continuing on guest floors the common areas again are very nice and for a hotel the common areas are nice and bright.

I continue to patronize this property because I’m always treated well and this stay was no different.  I was upgraded to suite due to my Platinum Elite status. Like the standard Westin design motif the suite is modern casual and soothing. In the parlor portion of the suite, there is a large desk with plenty of socket for all your electronic devices.  On the credenza there is a 40 HD TV, that actually has HD channels!  The room has eastern views, and due to the location of the building the view isn’t  a spectacular but the large windows, let in a great deal of light therefore you don't need a great deal of in-room lighting.

 

In the bedroom, There is a second HD TV and the super comfortable heavenly bed.  Although not in the room itself, there is a large closet that can accommodate two guest.

The bathrooms are a nice size for hotel bathrooms. Lots of counter space, although it does not have  double sinks.  Enough working space for two people to prepare without bumping into each other.  The heavenly shower was nice with good pressure.

The property has a nice gym but no pool, so it’s not what I would consider child friendly.  This property does not have Westin Executive Club.  Internet access is free in the Lobby and in room for $13.00 each 24 hours. 

I didn’t eat a City Grange this trip, but it’s a decent and moderately restaurant for breakfast.

The only real issue I had during this stay was the housekeeping.  I was searching for a plug closer to the sofa, I moved the sofa and found a bottle of body wash.

FINAL IMPRESSION
Staff attitude, conduct & support:
Nice professional staff, and I was recognized as an elite and repeat guest.  

Overall hotel cleanliness:
Outside of the bottle of Axe behind the sofa in my room, the hotel is clean and well maintained.

Location:
Excellent location in the heart of the city

Would I return?
Yes

Would I recommend this as family friendly?
No as there is no pool

Good for business travelers?
Yes, as this property is in the heart of the CBD

Good for a romantic get away?
No

Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?
Yes, since it’s close to many restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Would I recommend restaurant?
Yes

Value for price paid?
Good

Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 8

The disappearing bus driver

The driver of the Manhattan bound M60 bus abandoned the bus at the LGA Marine Terminal bus stop.

Those of us in the rear of the bus see a gentleman board the bus, the driver and he have words, the bus lights go off and next thing we see is the driver running from the bus.  There was no announcement made.  Several riders on the back of the bus thought the driver was attacked and that we were trapped on the bus.

Somehow it gets to the back of the bus, that the driver needed to use the restroom. 

Is this legal?  Allowable?

He made no announce prior to leaving and none when he returned.  If he had made an announcement I prior to departing the bus I do not believe anyone would have taken issue, other than time, with the driver.

He acted as if nothing took place.  What if someone on the bus was harmed because of this, or the bus was involved in an accident?

This made several riders, some with children, and me uncomfortable.  I didn't feel safe nor do I feel this driver exercised good judgment by leaving the bus.

The MTA claims it’s a responsible organization and that they are suffering from reduced revenues.  What do you expect when you place the lives of citizens in the hands of irresponsible drivers?

I would like the MTA to follow-up as I would hate for this type of behavior to happen again or worse something happen.

Enclosed please find a video of the driver returning to the bus, a photo of the driver and bus identification.