Hilton replaces Hyatt at Penn's Landing (Update)

(Adds comments from owner Dan Keating) The former Hyatt Regency hotel at Penn's Landing reopened today as the 348-room Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, operated by Pyramid Hotel Group under Pyramid chief operating officer Jim Dina. Restaurants include Keating's River Bar & Grill (full liquor license; steaks and scallops, cheesesteaks and burgers), named for owner and developer Daniel J. Keating III, who built the hotel 15 years ago; and Perks Cafe (breakfast).

Why the switch? "I stiill like Hyatt. They're a wonderful company. But the power to draw people is stronger with Hilton" and its broad reservation system, Keating told me. He said he brought Pyramid in because he liked the work the firm has done with hotels in Boston's harbor district.

"It's an exciting time" to be in the hotel business in Philadelphia, with Pope Francis and the Democratic National Convention scheduled over the next year and a half, boosting the city's tourism profile,  Keating added. As an incentive to heavy users, the Hilton chain will grant guests an extra 1,000 points under the Hilton Worldwide chain's Hilton HHonors discount program through Aug. 26.

Among other properties, Keating developed the Phoenix in the former INA building at 16th and JFK, with its Irish-themed bar and restaurant, Tir na nOg, which he has since sold to his Irish partners.