ZfromWinnipeg

I am planning to drive east for some vacation time in August 2009, and would like to visit Philadelphia. This is a first trip for me to this area and I could use some help. I will be spending some time in the Lancaster area and then drive to Philadelphia for a few days. I would like to find an area to stay on the west side of Philadelphia. A safe area with a good selection of accomodations and located close to good public transportation to the city center. I plan to leave my car parked at the hotel for the duration of the stay.

Suggested locations would be greatly appreciated.

Z from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

yk

Why do you want to stay on the West side? West Philly is not the best neighborhood, although it's much safer now than in the past. The only area I would consider is right around UPENN - probably the hotels within a block or 2 of PENN.

You'll be much better off staying in Center City.

ZfromWinnipeg

No particular reason for staying at the west end other than that I am driving from the west and I thought it would be logical to stay at the same end and not drive trough the city. If that is not a good choice I am open to other ideas.

Z

go_laura

Z, now that I understand you didn't have any particular reason for staying at the west end, I completely agree with yk that you'll be much better off staying in Center City.

Center City is sandwiched between our two rivers, the Delaware and the Schuylkill (roughly pronounced skoo-kill, emphasis on 1st syllable - go figure). Whether you stay in the historical area/Old City, mid-town, or Rittenhouse Square area, you will have easy access to all of Center City by public transportation once your car is parked.

You will even get to use our Philly Phlash, since you are coming in August! That's our purple tourist bus that runs for half the year, loops around to about 20 key tourist destinations, and costs either $2 each time you board or just $5 for an all-day pass. It's even air conditioned, which believe me, you will be grateful for in August

If you give the approximate price range you're looking to spend for hotel, we can better help you with recommendations. There is a vast range.

yk

West Philly (ie, just West of the Schuylhill River) is not a particularly good neighborhood. You can reach Center City by foot (about 20 city blocks) or by subway or by bus, but I would not recommend staying there at all.

If you mean a suburb West of Philadelphia, there are nice suburbs NW of PHiladelphia and can be reached by commuter rail (called SEPTA). However, you'll be limited to hotels that are located right next to the rail station, and limited to the schedule of the SEPTA. I would not recommend this either.

Therefore, your best option is to stay WITHIN Center City. You will need to pay for parking, as I don't think any hotels in CC provide free parking. However, you get the convenience of walking to many sights, you can return to your hotel to rest your feet during the day, and much much more options of shops and restaurants at your disposal.

schmerl

Absolutely stay in Center City. Everything will be right there within your reach. Some hotels are running specials. Check out
www.gophila.com for info on hotels and activities.

stumpworks73

If you want to stay out in the burbs, stay in the King of Prussia Mall area. Lots of restaurants, K of P Mall is one of the best, and plenty of family friendly national brand hotels. You are at a good mid point between Amish country and Center City. The area has a Hampton, Courtyard, and Holiday Inn to name a few.

ZfromWinnipeg

Thank you for your suggestions, they are very helpful.

Z

ZfromWinnipeg

K of P Mall looks like a reasonable option. Otherwise City center may be the best choice.

Z

elberko

You will spend a lot of time commuting in from KOP, and weekday traffic will be bad. Also, you only public transport will be bus, KOP is not on a train line. I don't think you'll find driving into center city to a hotel will be that bad, it's really your best choice.

~Liz

ZfromWinnipeg

City center it is!
Z