Advice on Philadelphia Hotels?
I'm planning a trip with my family to NJ this spring, and
will be making a 3-day trip-within-a-trip to Philadelphia,
PA. If you live in Philadelphia, or are very familiar
with Philly, I would love your advice.
We plan to do all the tourist things -- Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, etc. -- and would like to stay at a hotel right in the middle of the action (so to speak) or as nearby as possible.
What hotel(s) would you recommend? We prefer a name brand hotel, such as a Loews, a Hyatt, a Marriott, etc. We're looking for a 3 to 4 star hotel in a safe area.
If you can offer any advice, I would greatly appreciate it!
We plan to do all the tourist things -- Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, etc. -- and would like to stay at a hotel right in the middle of the action (so to speak) or as nearby as possible.
What hotel(s) would you recommend? We prefer a name brand hotel, such as a Loews, a Hyatt, a Marriott, etc. We're looking for a 3 to 4 star hotel in a safe area.
If you can offer any advice, I would greatly appreciate it!
The Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia is centrally located in the heart of Philadelphia's cultural district on the Avenue of the Arts. Across from the Academy of Music, this comfortable high-rise is within walking distance of many of Philadelphia's attractions including the Pennsylvania Convention Center, City Hall, and the Liberty Bell. What fond memories I have of this hotel and Philly! Make sure you have a cheesesteak, Tastekake, pretzel and visit South Street and the Riverfront, too! The Please Touch Museum and Franklin Institute and Philly Zoo are also great treasures! Have a wonderful trip! If you ever visit in early March, don't miss their Flower Show--spectacular!!
Trish, Philly girl now in Cincinnati
Posted by: Trish | April 14, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Hi Maria,
I just wanted to let you know that I recently moved to downtown Philadelphia and highly recommend the Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing. It is a beautiful hotel on the Delaware river with wonderful views and is within a close proximity to all tourist things. It is a 4 diamond property. Good luck and have fun!
Posted by: Erika | April 14, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Make sure you go to South Philly to Tony Luke's for a cheesesteak! www.tonylukes.com
Posted by: Joannie Sturgeon | April 14, 2008 at 10:39 AM
i haven't been in the philly area for years, so i don't have any suggestions for places to stay.
parking however is very expensive, find a hotel with on site parking. when you are siteseeing, walk if at all possible or do the bus. half the streets go one way at 3pm. (and philly is very very bad about signage) so save yourself a fine. :)
have fun, and get some tastycakes while you are there. :)
lde
Posted by: ldegoth | April 14, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Two words "Philly Plash" it is a tourist shuttle that loops within walking distance of any place you would want to go. It's been a few years since i left philly, but it was very cheap and you can get off and on all day. (Note: If you drive and park - all the cobbled streets next to pretty parks look alike after a couple of hours!)
Posted by: Carolyn | April 17, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Check out City Tavern where you will dine with Ben Franklin and eat in the oldest tavern in the US. There is also a night time walking tour of the historical sights called the Lights of Liberty.
Dining reservations available @ www.opentable.com.
I've stayed at the Comfort Inn @ Penn's Landing, The Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Sheraton Inn@Society Hill and most recently the Marriott @ the Convention Center.
Posted by: Jim E | April 20, 2008 at 08:17 AM
I would only suggest 1 hotel. The Four Seasons. Any money you may spend on this stay over and above another hotel will pay in spades from the level of service, security and comfort. it is located in the heart of the city. I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful this hotel is. My wife and I had a disaster of a trip to the Borgata last month. It ended with unwanted visitors in our room and some awful treatment from the hotel management. On our way home to Downingtown, Pa, we stopped at the Four Seasons to detoxify ourselves. In 2 hours, we were relaxed, pampered and fed. Life is good again!
Posted by: Dave Coughlin | April 20, 2008 at 02:24 PM
We stayed at the Marriot Springhill Suites in Plymouth Meeting over spring break and were very pleased. Easy access to main highways and about 25 minutes from downtown. Parking available at the visitor center for Liberty Bell. Must sees - Liberty Bell, National Consitution Center, Independence Hall, U.S. Mint, Betsy Ross house and organ at Macy's. Franklin Institute is geared for younger children, but my boys ages 14 and 20, enjoyed it so much we went back a second day.
Posted by: Barbara | April 20, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Some sites your little daughter will love:
-The Please Touch Museum
-The Academy of Natural Sciences (dinosaurs and dioramas of animals)
-The Franklin Institute-teaches basic science concepts in a very kid-friendly way.
Posted by: Suzanne Kuhn | April 23, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Maria, would you like to get together for lunch with fellow organizers from the Philly area? If your schedule permits and you're up for mixing business with pleasure, email me privately and let's see what we can set up.
Posted by: Suzanne Kuhn | April 23, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Hi Maria,
I live next to Philly in Delaware County so I've never had a need to stay at a hotel and can't recommened one - sorry :-)
I have a 6YO daughter and 7YO son and IMO the Please Touch Museum is a MUST for any young child visiting Philly (www.pleasetouchmuseum.org) and is within just a couple blocks walking distance of the Academy of Natural Sciences (www.ansp.org). The ANS is just across from Logan Circle, at the opposite end of the the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the Art Museum, whose steps were made famous in the first Rocky movie.
The Please Touch Museum is a family favorite, especially the Grocery Store, the River, and the Alice in Wonderland exibits.
The Academny of Natural Sciences has dinosaur fossils including the Giganotosaurus hovering over the main entrance desk, The Big Dig, and a live butterfly exibit.
The Philly Zoo is also a great trip (www.philadelphiazoo.org) - expect to spend the day and still not get to see the whole place! We are members and have been really impressed with the PECO Primate Reserve and Big Cats Falls.
And here's the web site for www.phillyphlash.com.
Have a great trip!
Posted by: Barb | April 28, 2008 at 08:15 PM
I am visiting Philly this summer and booked at the Marriott Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown on N. Juniper St. at the recommendation of a friend who lives in the area. Reasonably priced and the building reminds me of a 5 star NYC hotel.
Posted by: jim | May 13, 2008 at 01:07 PM
I was a Delaware native who also lived in Phila. suburbs for 14 years. I agree with the person who said try to see Bucks County - most notably the towns of New Hope in PA and Lambertville in NJ. They are directly across the river from each other and a short bridge walk across. They are very cute towns with lots of antiques, fun shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors and James Mitchner museum. Also you can rent bikes and ride along the canal on bike paths. I don't know how old your child(ren) are. The Constitution center is interesting but definitely not for children under about 14 - too dry. And you have to go to DiNardo's or Lestardo's for crabs!! And of course cheesesteaks. South Street is very Venice Beach if you want to see hippie/bohemian/artsy. I would not recommend staying in Plymouth Meeting. A drag going back and forth and yes, parking is expensive in Phila. so be prepared.
Posted by: Sandra P. | May 15, 2008 at 05:34 PM
To anyone planning a trip to Philly.Check out www.gophila.com. It has all the tourist info, and links to info, you need. Plus often special packages and deals. My husband and I go several times a year because from NYC its so easy for a quick getaway. Enjoy.
Posted by: hazellen | May 18, 2008 at 12:34 PM