Just Call It DOWNTOWN!

Last night we attended the gala [re]opening of the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia DOWNTOWN.

Yes, the Crowne Plaza has rebranded.

This fine hotel at 18th and Market Sts. is no longer Crowne Plaza Center City.

Why?

Because out-of-towners don't know what "center city" means.

Because several other Philadelphia hotels also have "center city" attached to their names.

And because Crowne Plaza Downtown wants to distinguish itself from other nearby Crowne Plaza properties which also advertise as "Philadelphia."

Anyway, this newly upgraded Crowne Plaza Downtown has just finished a 1.5 million dollar modernization with refurbished and updated elevators, a new and bigger lobby and improvements to guest rooms and meeting areas.

We can tell you that the place looks great: rich and inviting with easy-on-the-eye earth tones, new carpeting and wall treatments and great lighting.

And the party was spectacular with Eddie Bruce and his Orchestra enlivening the main ballroom and plenty of food and drink including mini-burgers, grilled snapper, chicken cutlets, steamship rounds of beef, a variety of salads and cheeses and a huge dessert bar. And yes, we enjoyed the icy Grey Goose martinis.

Our thanks to General Manager Bob Cosgrove and Nina Sciemenes of the Crowne Plaza for their warm welcome.

BTW: We recently welcomed a group of guests from out-of-town and we put them up at the Crowne Plaza Downtown and they loved it. The hotel is surprisingly affordable and very accommodating. And, it's the only hotel on Market Street west of City Hall. Great location, price, hospitality.