Waterfront Inn PHL Airport

I left early because I felt uncomfortable, and there was no food, water, or coffee available anyway. The room was freezing when I arrived because the heat was off. The shower had pubic hair in it and looked generally unclean, so I didn’t feel comfortable using it. The bed was basic and hadn’t been professionally turned down, but it was clean enough. The rooms have been renovated, though the building has leaks and pooling water, and other structural problems. Getting there was unpleasant too. After finally giving up on the shuttle and paying for an Uber, I arrived at a motel in a part of town that felt unsafe. The reception office was run down and dirty, and there’s no elevator. American Airlines should be ashamed of placing people here after canceled flights. I tried to use the free airport shuttle for 45 minutes with a few other people, but it never came. It belongs to the Holiday Inn next door, doesn’t have Waterfront Hotel’s name on it, and nobody told us to look for another hotel’s shuttle. I called three times to ask if it was still coming. At checkout, I asked about it again and was told there might not be room for everyone, so I’d need to get on first. I took an Uber at my own expense instead.

Room 257 was super clean and cozy, with a peaceful dock view of Tinicum Island right on the Delaware River. The place felt well cared for, check-in was easy and friendly, and it was quiet and felt safe. Fair prices too. Don’t judge it by the cover, this is a low-key waterfront hidden gem.

The staff were helpful and accommodating, and the stay turned out to be comfortable, with clean, well-maintained rooms. I’d been unsure about it because American Airlines arranged the place after our flight was canceled. From outside it looked more like a motel and seemed a bit far away, which made me hesitant since I had my daughters with me. But it felt safe, and I’m glad we stayed. It was much better than I expected.

The water pressure was good, but that’s about the only thing going for this property. Everything seemed as cheap as possible, from the beds and bedding to the hand soap. The beds crinkled when I lay down because they had plastic covers, and there was no closet or dresser for my things. A barn door covered the bathroom opening, and, to my surprise, there was a refrigerator in the bathroom. Yuck. There was a bloody booger swipe on the wall, plus an intense apple air freshener that triggered an allergic reaction for me. The kid at the front desk didn’t know much. The whole place was open during construction and in rough shape. I booked a day-use stay, and I’m glad I only needed a nap and a chance to freshen up. Save your pennies and stay somewhere else.