Recommendations for Downtown/ Center City Philadelphia Hotel?

[chocolateavocado]

Hi, everyone!
My ds has a long weekend for Columbus Day and we would like to do an overnight in Philadelphia. He just started 3rd grade and is learning all about our country's history and he's really liking it- esp anything about Ben Franklin.
We have a Disney trip planned for over Thanksgiving, so we can't do another big trip now but would like to do 1 night/ 2 full days. We live in NEPA; we're about 2.5 hours from Philadelphia. I haven't been to the historic sites since I was a child.
I was online reading tons of reviews and trying to get an idea of where to book & thought I'd ask here to see if anyone has any recommendations. We'd like to stay in center city close to the historic sites. I checked our dates and there's alot of hotels still available. Would like to stay under $300 - $350 for the night (before the valet parking fees). There were quite a few listed in that price range, but with never seeing/being at any of them before- it's hard to choose.
Appreciate on help on making this a little fun trip for ds.
Thanks!!

 

[jedijill]

I travel to Philly often on business. I really like the Marriott by the convention center or the Courtyard next door. It's an 8 block walk to Independence Square or a short cab ride. The Sofitel is also really nice but farther away. A lot of my coworkers really like the Lowes. We usually get corporate rates so not sure what the standard rates are.

Check out Reading Terminal! There are some great places to eat there for breakfast/lunch. I love the Dutch Eating Place for breakfast...cheap and huge portions. They are only open Wed-Sat and are run by the Amish from Lancaster County.

HTH

Jill in CO

 

[chocolateavocado]

I travel to Philly often on business. I really like the Marriott by the convention center or the Courtyard next door. It's an 8 block walk to Independence Square or a short cab ride. The Sofitel is also really nice but farther away. A lot of my coworkers really like the Lowes. We usually get corporate rates so not sure what the standard rates are.

Check out Reading Terminal! There are some great places to eat there for breakfast/lunch. I love the Dutch Eating Place for breakfast...cheap and huge portions. They are only open Wed-Sat and are run by the Amish from Lancaster County.

HTH

Jill in CO

Thanks so much for these. I'll definitely check them out Loews was one I was considering. Was looking on Expedia, and was considering also Radisson Blu Warrick, Hilton at Penns Landing, Loews....The Sofitel didn't have any rooms available our day. I also liked the reviews on the Kimpton hotels, but they look a little more grown up than some of the others. Thanks again

 

[Stephiehun]

Thanks so much for these. I'll definitely check them out Loews was one I was considering. Was looking on Expedia, and was considering also Radisson Blu Warrick, Hilton at Penns Landing, Loews....The Sofitel didn't have any rooms available our day. I also liked the reviews on the Kimpton hotels, but they look a little more grown up than some of the others. Thanks again

The Loews is across the street from the Marriott mentioned above, and it's lovely. You can walk just about anywhere from there (given enough time). Have fun - Philadelphia is a such a fun city to visit. I'd second the Reading Terminal Market recommendation.

 

[Eureka]

We liked the Wyndham Historic District. It's at 400 Arch Street. Tons of stuff is walkable. One thing we did not get to was the Reading Terminal Market. Guess we'll just have to go back!

 

[SMD]

We liked the Wyndham Historic District. It's at 400 Arch Street. Tons of stuff is walkable. One thing we did not get to was the Reading Terminal Market. Guess we'll just have to go back!

I liked the Wyndham too. At the Hilton you have to cross the highway, which is more trouble than it's worth. I also stayed at the Sheraton Society Hill, which was a little bit cheaper, but an extra half mile of walking each way.

 

[chocolateavocado]

I liked the Wyndham too. At the Hilton you have to cross the highway, which is more trouble than it's worth. I also stayed at the Sheraton Society Hill, which was a little bit cheaper, but an extra half mile of walking each way.

oooh... I didn't realize there was a highway to cross. Definitely don't want to do that. Thanks for letting me know! that one is out.

Anyone know about / stayed at Radisson Warwick Blu or the Omni? Or anyone stayed at the Hotel Monaco (Kimpton)- looks gorgeous and supposed to be a newer hotel & close to everything.

Thanks everyone!

 

[mjkacmom]

We've attended a dance competition at the downtown Marriott for the past 8 years. It's fine, I like their tower rooms, which can be huge. The courtyard across the street is cheaper, smaller, and the rooms are bigger. I know families who like the lowes, as well. There is a relatively new hotel, studio2suites or something like that, that dancers have been staying at lately. We end up hardly leaving the hotel, but love the Reading Terminal Market right there, maggianos, hard rock, Starbucks... DH has taken our sons to the liberty bell, Rocky steps, macys, china town. We park and never move the van $50ish a night at the hotels, cheaper a few blocks away.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

I also recommend the Marriott. It is right across from Reading Terminal Market and Hard Rock Café. It is a very easy walk to Independence Hall area. Their is a tourist bus, Phlash for $5 you could get unlimited rides and that could take you out to the Rocky steps and Eastern States Penn if those places interest you.

 

[eliza61]

I love the kimpton hotels. In Philly it's the hotel Palomar. they are not more adult it's just that the Palomar is a "boutique" hotel, meaning it's small so it doesn't have tons of families in there. It's on 17th and Samson. one block over from Walnut and Rittenhouse square. The Marriott is definitely more easily walkable but I hate the crowds at reading terminal and Market street.

Don't forget to see Love Park (it will take all of 5 minutes) and Franklin Institute. Also I love the Betsy ross house. Usually they have a Betsy Ross personae working in her house and she is good.

The Omni has a great hotel also on 4th and Chestnut, which is smack dab in the middle of Old city.

Not sure when you are traveling, but be mindful of rates definitely spring up over Thanksgiving

 

[chocolateavocado]

I love the kimpton hotels. In Philly it's the hotel Palomar. they are not more adult it's just that the Palomar is a "boutique" hotel, meaning it's small so it doesn't have tons of families in there. It's on 17th and Samson. one block over from Walnut and Rittenhouse square. The Marriott is definitely more easily walkable but I hate the crowds at reading terminal and Market street.

Don't forget to see Love Park (it will take all of 5 minutes) and Franklin Institute. Also I love the Betsy ross house. Usually they have a Betsy Ross personae working in her house and she is good.

The Omni has a great hotel also on 4th and Chestnut, which is smack dab in the middle of Old city.

Not sure when you are traveling, but be mindful of rates definitely spring up over Thanksgiving

Thanks for all of this! We're want to do just an overnighter over Columbus weekend (we'll be in Disney over Thanksgiving )
I saw on expedia that there were 2 Kimpton's - the palomar they said was on 1 side of center city and the monaco is near old city? I loved the look of those 2 and the prices were unbelievable for when we want to go (somewhere around $240/nt). I was all set to book there, then I read reviews or something on trip advisor that said that they were more geared towards adults. Do you think they're ok for families also? My ds is 8.

Do you like any of the other center city / old city Philly hotels- Marriott, Omni, Loews, Radisson Blu Warwick, Hilton Penn's Landing?

My son is really excited about the Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute, Betsy Ross House, the Mint,etc.... Will definitely checkout Love Park

Do you know anything about City Tavern? Saw it online and it looks pretty neat.
Thanks again!!

 

[vikster1]

The residence inn is also right next to the Marriott. Usually a little cheaper plus full hot breakfast.

Hop on a carriage tour. Very informative and relaxing.

 

[saff67]

Like one of the posters above, we often stay in Center City for a dance competition. For about 4 years, we stayed at the Mariott Downtown and enjoyed rooms in the tower. There are plenty of restaurants nearby and within walking distance of many Philly sights. The Reading Terminal Market is a great place to eat....everything you can imagine (and delicious) under one roof. Last year, we stayed at the Home2Suites (a Hilton property) right near the Mariott and Convention Center. It is now our new go-to hotel when in Philly. Large rooms with a kitchenette and great service.

 

[AllaboutEmi]

We stayed at the Monaco by Kimpton when we were in Philly for a cheer competition a couple years ago and absolutely loved it. Directly across the street from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Beautiful hotel, great location, efficient valet, and kid friendly! My daughter even got a pet goldfish for the night!

 

[ksh1111]

We spent 5 days in Philadelphia in May (coming from West Coast, have to make it worth the trip). Stayed at Residence Inn, right across from City Hall and the Reading Terminal Market. Walking distance to the Love statue. Very nice sized room with a kitchen. Loved it, hope to go back and explore further.

 

[eliza61]

Thanks for all of this! We're want to do just an overnighter over Columbus weekend (we'll be in Disney over Thanksgiving )
I saw on expedia that there were 2 Kimpton's - the palomar they said was on 1 side of center city and the monaco is near old city? I loved the look of those 2 and the prices were unbelievable for when we want to go (somewhere around $240/nt). I was all set to book there, then I read reviews or something on trip advisor that said that they were more geared towards adults. Do you think they're ok for families also? My ds is 8.

Do you like any of the other center city / old city Philly hotels- Marriott, Omni, Loews, Radisson Blu Warwick, Hilton Penn's Landing?

My son is really excited about the Liberty Bell, Franklin Institute, Betsy Ross House, the Mint,etc.... Will definitely checkout Love Park

Do you know anything about City Tavern? Saw it online and it looks pretty neat.
Thanks again!!

the only one I probably would skip is the Hilton on Pens's landing. During the summer there is tons of stuff to do on Penn's landing but the season has pretty much ended. It's on Columbus blvd which you would have to cross to get to old city.


I haven't been to City Tavern in years. whew. If I remember correctly it was just dh and I. Now remember it's one of the oldest operating taverns in the country, dating back to the revolution. the original structure was destroyed by fire but it was designated by the parks service as an HIstorical park (I forget what the official designation is), anyhoo they try to keep the menu in line with that so it's a little fancy. The food was good but if your son isn't an adventurous type he may balk a little at the menu.

Don't worry you will be absolutely tripping over yourself with restaurants. You can walk a couple of blocks to South Street with plenty of eateries, as others have said Reading terminal is pack with them. Reading terminal is more of a food court though. right across the street from RT is a Magianno's (Italian chain).

There is a place called Rotten Ralph's on second street. avoid that joint at all cost. it lives up to it's name. lol

 

[Eureka]

Make sure if you go to the Franklin ice cream place (the exact name is escaping me), you have cash. We went to a play at the Walnut Street theater and ate at Bare Burger nearby, it was fantastic!

 

[HandOsmom]

We took our daughters (7 and 9) to Philly for two nights in August. We stayed at the Omni. If you're doing the historic sites, it's a perfect location! It's a nice property and the staff was wonderful.

We also ate at City Tavern the girls loved it. There's also a cute coffee shop/cafe on the corner that we liked for breakfast - Cosi.

 

[leebee]

We stayed at the Residence Inn this summer, near Reading Terminal Market. It was fine. Clean, good beds, kitchen, full breakfast. Also ate at City Tavern and loved it!

 

[YachtClubWoman]

I liked the Hilton Garden Inn at 11th and Arch - stayed there once after a concert and thought the room and hotel were great. Close to everything and many great little restaurants in Chinatown are nearby