Best choice for Downtown Philadelphia
We stayed in the Le Meridien to attend a meeting in the conference center one block away. As many have written, it is the old YMCA converted in a nice modern hotel. Upon arrival you first see the modern bar and seating areas rather the a row of check-in counters, quite refreshing. The check-in and elevators are not hard to find at all, in contrast to an earlier review. Immediately left upon entrance as the doormen will tell you. Only renovated 2 years ago, everything looks new and modern. 
Check in was pleasant, we received an upgrade to a suite on the 10th floor (2nd and 4th are missing!) with a view of City Hall. The hallways feel a bit like a maze but it is much nicer than the usual straight hallways and no doubt helps reduce noise in the rooms. The bathroom is well appointed, only drawback is a soap/shampoo holder placed on the long wall of the shower instead of under or across from the shower head, providing you the opportunity to hit it and hurt yourself.
The bed is comfortable and you have the opportunity to forgo housekeeping and instead receive Starwood points or a $10 credit for the bar. Make sure to ask at checkout if you choose the former, I'm still waiting for a 2 day housekeeping credit despite asking for confirmation at checkout. 
A nice room feature is a lockbox with an outlet on the inside of the door allowing you to charge your phone/laptop etc while locked away. The furniture is modern and comfortable, the latter often not the case and not so important if you only sleep in the room but if you do some work and don't want to sit at the desk, it does matter.
The restaurant menu was not long, but the food was excellent. Fortunately more hotels are beginning to pay attention to their restaurant menus and Le Meridien has one to make a special visit to. Try the Bouillabaisse, or their signature Hanger Steak Frites. Prices are what you would expect in Philly and for this quality, we did not think it was overpriced in any way.
Staff was pleasant and very helpful in all areas; front desk, housekeeping, bar and restaurant. 
Another nice feature is in the bar/lobby area. Outlets galore, clearly planned this way, e.g. in the bar table itself, so have a drink while working and charging your laptop/phone or just enjoy the beautifully paneled room you are in. 
We have stayed in many (chain) hotels in Downtown Philly, usually for work. This, however, is one you will enjoy as well when out for fun and will be the first choice for our next visit.