Flying out of Philly? Here's a tip!

[ducklite]

The Philadelphia ariport Hilton offers a park and fly option. It's about $110/night with a AAA discount, you can leave your car for up to two weeks. They have a shuttle that will take you back and forth.

They recently rehabbed this property, DH and I stayed there last weekend, and it was very nice. We had stayed there about three years ago pre-rehab, and it was barely accceptable as a Hilton at that point if that makes sense. The service was impeccable.

Anne (Who has no interest in Hilton, just wanted to pass on a good experience.)

 

[padisneylover]

Anne,
Have they changed their paking location there for those leaving their car or is that the same and what changes did you see there. We also stayed there about 3-4 yrs ago and were not overly impressed with the food choices. This time we are staying at the Hampton which has the same deal and wondered if maybe we should go back to the Hilton. Do you have any idea which is easier to get to off of 95? Also, we are leaving our car and actually taking the train since the taxi into the city is much cheaper than paying for parking at the Amtrak station. We asked about this last time and again this time and they don't care if you fly or take the train they will allow you to park there free with their park and fly room rates.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Anne,

How far away was the Hilton from the airport (time wise?). We currently have a reservation at the Holiday Inn, which is about 7 minutes away I'm told.

 

[Bill From PA]

I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. We're booked at the Ramada, paid $107 for park & fly on March 1 - 12. On their webpage they claim that those with early flights can do the baggage thing the night before so there's only security to face the next day. Here's their own words:

'Do you have an early morning flight, but are not an early riser? Then take advantage of our Park, Sleep and Fly Package! Between the lines at the security check points and the lines to check your baggage, it could take you hours to get to your flight. Instead of the frustration of waiting in line, you could be sleeping! Simply check-in with us the night before, take our free shuttle service to the airport, and check your baggage ahead of time. This way you can arrive at the airport the next morning refreshed, well rested and hassle free! Start your travels the right way...the Ramada way!'

Is this true? I know I asked this question about checking our bags the night before at MCO with USAir and the unanimous reply was No. If true, this would be a great benefit.

Bill From PA

 

[loveysbydesign]

Great thread!!!
We just booked the Comfort Inn park and fly but it's $140 (including taxes) and they don';t offer a AAA discount! Can anyone provide the Phone # for the other places that were recommended...hilton, ramada etc> We'd definitly prefer a cheaper place and we do have AAA. We're driving 1 1/2 hrs. just to fly out of Philly, so that's why we're staying over the night before! HELP!!!

 

[ducklite]

Anne,
Have they changed their paking location there for those leaving their car or is that the same and what changes did you see there. We also stayed there about 3-4 yrs ago and were not overly impressed with the food choices. This time we are staying at the Hampton which has the same deal and wondered if maybe we should go back to the Hilton. Do you have any idea which is easier to get to off of 95? Also, we are leaving our car and actually taking the train since the taxi into the city is much cheaper than paying for parking at the Amtrak station. We asked about this last time and again this time and they don't care if you fly or take the train they will allow you to park there free with their park and fly room rates.

No, the parking lot hasn't changed. They have security that patrols it fairly regularly (we came back at 1:00am the one night and saw them in the lot), but I wouldn't leave anything of value in it.

As far as food, they have a breakfast buffet that was pretty good. We're Hilton Honors Gold members, and so it was free. For free it was great. I do'nt know the cost otherwise. We had dinner in the restaurant Saturday night, and it was fantastic. Very very good meal, I couldn't finish, and we felt the value was good. Sunday night we ordered appetizers, grilled cheese, a burger and soup via room service--it was rainy and raw and we wanted comfort foods--and they were also good. The portions were ample, and it was brought up hot and fast.

The rooms have all been rehabed. New beds--comfy mattresses, down duvets and pillows (had to have them all removed from my room, but they looked heavenly (no pun intended). Furniture was in good condition--coffee maker in room. Someone was smoking up a storm in a room two doors down from us--there was a hzy cloud in the hallway of our non-smoking floor, and they forced them to move.

Which Hampton? The Hilton is very easy to get to off 95.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Anne,

How far away was the Hilton from the airport (time wise?). We currently have a reservation at the Holiday Inn, which is about 7 minutes away I'm told.

Maybe five minutes. I would choose the Hilton over any Holiday Inn, anytime.

It also has a nice indoor pool area and excercise room. We didn't use the pool, but DH spent about half an hour on a treadmill and liked the facilities.

Anne

 

[Olaf]

We're moving to NJ soon, and this will be the airport we fly out of in the future. We'll only be about 50 miles from the airport, so I don't see a need to stay overnight. Is the parking at the airport decent? Rates? Safety? Thanks so much.

 

[ducklite]

I'm glad I stumbled on this thread. We're booked at the Ramada, paid $107 for park & fly on March 1 - 12. On their webpage they claim that those with early flights can do the baggage thing the night before so there's only security to face the next day. Here's their own words:

'Do you have an early morning flight, but are not an early riser? Then take advantage of our Park, Sleep and Fly Package! Between the lines at the security check points and the lines to check your baggage, it could take you hours to get to your flight. Instead of the frustration of waiting in line, you could be sleeping! Simply check-in with us the night before, take our free shuttle service to the airport, and check your baggage ahead of time. This way you can arrive at the airport the next morning refreshed, well rested and hassle free! Start your travels the right way...the Ramada way!'

Is this true? I know I asked this question about checking our bags the night before at MCO with USAir and the unanimous reply was No. If true, this would be a great benefit.

Bill From PA

Sorry Bill, I concur, the answer is no. Per FAA regs, bags can't be checked in more than four hours before your scheduled flight time. And I've never stayed at a Ramada that I'd care to go back to. Sometimes by spending just a little more you get a lot more value for your dollar.

In all honesty, if you have your boarding passes printed, you can check your bags curbside and it will only take a few minutes. Especially at Philly, the alst thing you want to do is cut yourself that close on time. I do only carry-on (always 1-2 night trips these days) and have my boardign pass printed, and still leave myself 90 minutes for Philly. That's not from when I leave the hotel, that's from when I arrive at the airport.

Anne

 

[ducklite]

We're moving to NJ soon, and this will be the airport we fly out of in the future. We'll only be about 50 miles from the airport, so I don't see a need to stay overnight. Is the parking at the airport decent? Rates? Safety? Thanks so much.

We never parked at the airport, rather over on Essington Avenue at Kinney. We were always very pleased with them. Their lot is fenced, and they have someone in a tower watching over the lot at all times.

Keep in mind that traffic getting to the airport, especially on weekday mornings is probably going to be twice as slow as you imagine it will be, and security at PHL is notoriously slow at times.

Anne

 

[Olaf]

Wow Anne, is it that bad at Philly? What's the hold up? Security?

 

[ducklite]

Great thread!!!
We just booked the Comfort Inn park and fly but it's $140 (including taxes) and they don';t offer a AAA discount! Can anyone provide the Phone # for the other places that were recommended...hilton, ramada etc> We'd definitly prefer a cheaper place and we do have AAA. We're driving 1 1/2 hrs. just to fly out of Philly, so that's why we're staying over the night before! HELP!!!

You're best off to just book online for Hilton, www.hilton.com

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Wow Anne, is it that bad at Philly? What's the hold up? Security?

Yes. And it's a bigger airport than you'd expect. In early December I came in on a flight from BUF connecting to MCO, and came in to Terminal D. My connection was in C. I got to C, all the way to the very end of course, and they had changed the gate to A, again all the way at the very end. I had a 40 minute layover, and didn't have a whole lot of time to spare.

Anne

 

[Disney Ella]

We're moving to NJ soon, and this will be the airport we fly out of in the future. We'll only be about 50 miles from the airport, so I don't see a need to stay overnight. Is the parking at the airport decent? Rates? Safety? Thanks so much.

The airport parking lots fill up quickly, particularly since Southwest came to Philadelphia. If your flight leaves midday, you might have trouble finding a spot in the airport lots and have to use a private, off-site lot.

 

[Bill From PA]

loveysbydesign,

I just call the Ramada, 610-521-9600, to check the details of our park and fly ressie. I specifically asked if I had the Secured Lot shown here:
http://www.phillyramadainn.com/whatsnew/

I was told I did. I confirmed the price, $107, she said that was correct. So by calling some months ago I got the $169 offer for $107, don't know what you'd get for your dates. I asked about AAA at the time and was told that $107 was the package price and no other discounts applied.

In investigating this more than 6 months ago some on this forum had negative comments about the Ramada's rooms themselves. I booked for the parking, shuttle and convienience, not luxury digs. The Swan awaits us for that. Also, Ramada has a lounge to have a Happy Hour(s) to celebrate the start of our vacation.

Bill From PA

 

[ducklite]

Bill,

Have you read the reviews of that hotel on Trip Advisor? It's not a pretty picture.

Anne

 

[Bill From PA]

Anne,

I got the lowdown about 6 months ago when I was considering this and the comments on the acommidations were less than stellar. I'm rolling the dice based on the fact that it is a Ramada and we've had positive experiences with them in other places and it's the secure parking and shuttle that we're after. In the thread I started back then, even those who trashed the room said good things about parking and the shuttle service. I'll post here on our total experience when we return.

Bill From PA

 

[imamicki2]

If you decide to stay at Ramada and don't have good accomadations, then talk to the front desk/manager. OR you can always write a complaint letter. I know several people who have gotten a refund including me (days inn). You can always try.

 

[padisneylover]

Annie,
The Hampton we are staying at vs the Hilton this time is the one I belive you can see out the window of the Hilton or from their parking lot. It sits closer to 95 and has a Ruby Tuesdays in the parking lot. I just am not sure what the exit is like there to get off and on 95 with. I know the Hilton is really easy for us country folks not used to your Philadelphia traffic LOL! After reading your review I think I will go check out the price difference since we are also Hilton Honors members we to qualify for the free food!!!
Kathe

 

[padisneylover]

Anne,

I got the lowdown about 6 months ago when I was considering this and the comments on the acommidations were less than stellar. I'm rolling the dice based on the fact that it is a Ramada and we've had positive experiences with them in other places and it's the secure parking and shuttle that we're after. In the thread I started back then, even those who trashed the room said good things about parking and the shuttle service. I'll post here on our total experience when we return.

Bill From PA

Bill,
Just wanted to say hello to a neighbor. Tunkhannock here. Not that you will change your mind about the Ramada but my neice who lives in Philadelphia warned we away from that specific hotel. You will find the same services at the Hilton and we left our car there before for two weeks without any problems and the folks were great about getting us transportation to the train even though it is supposed to be park and fly.
Kathe