Lonely Planet Review

For many, the completely unobstructed view of Independence Park provided by the Omni's large windows is reason enough to whip out the credit card. If you came to Philly to admire its revolutionary past, this hotel should be near the top of your list.

No other hotel in Philadelphia provides such exquisite views over Independence National Historical Park. The 14-storey building stands directly across the street from the park's sylvan squares, and from the higher floors you'll easily see the First and Second Banks of the US, Carpenter's Hall, 18th-century gardens, and, if you crane your neck, Independence Hall. It's almost like looking at a map. The rooms themselves earn four stars from all the auto clubs, but are ultimately rather bland, though substantially sized. Expect boring, comfortable furniture, and very little on the expanses of beige walls save for an imitation Monet and a few faux candles set in a pair of brassy electric sconces. The ritzy lobby takes fakery to a higher level, with a gas fireplace and a player piano (likely mechanical, but possibly operated by Jefferson's ghost).