bogeyjds

Hi

My wife and I are planning a visit to Philadelphia in June. We have never been. We are traveling with our daughter, son-in law and grandson. We are going to stay a few days so they would like a hotel with a pool and continental breakfast. They are also concerned about cost. I have been searching the net for something to fit their needs. I think the Holiday Inn Express on Walnut street in the center city sounds like it would be a possibility. It looks to be not too far from the historical area. Is anyone familiar with the hotel and the neighborhood? Thanks for any input.

jim

PaulRabe

Here's 289 reviews of the place:

http://tinyurl.com/354zrk5

Is every one of the reviews an honest and believable one? Probably not. But why would someone posting here be more believable than someone posting elsewhere?

13th and Walnut is about a safe an area as you could ask for in Center City. You'll face more danger from Philly drivers than from Philly criminals.

Ackislander

I stayed at the HI near Independence Hall at a conference a few years back and found it fine. It is in the historic district rather than Center City, so it is more convenient for that and less convenient for the museums. Compare current ratings and prices.

Khiori

You might find this FAQ on Philadelphia area hotels useful.

It explains the neighborhoods, etc.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g6...e.To.Stay.html

Vttraveler

We stayed at Holiday Inn you are asking about in September. It was fine--nothing spectacular but fine and less expensive than many other options in the center city. We walked over to the historic area near Independence Hall with no problem. It is also quite convenient to Reading Terminal market and to Chinatown.

Vttraveler

Meant to add: we were only there for a short overnight stay and we didn't use the pool. I can't remember the breakfast which probably means it was average for a hotel continental breakfast.

My son who was meeting us in Philly did not arrive until fairly late in the evening so we just ate across the street from the hotel at a Middle Eastern restaurant that was quite good.

of course, as PaulRabe asks, why should my impressions of the hotel be believable? (As you can probably tell, I thought that post was odd; people ask about experiences with specific hotels and apartments all the time on this forum)

bogeyjds

Thanks to all for your input. The comments are very helpful.

jim

Amy

The Holiday Inn at 4th and Arch is really in the midst of the history sites--but then, you'd have the walk to get to the Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown and City Hall! So either one would be fine. My family stayed at the 4th and Arch one for Christmas; here's a trip report with some info that might help:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ot-of-kids.cfm

go_laura

A couple of these answers might have been about the Holiday Inn at 4th and Arch, rather than the HI Express that you asked about.

I know secondhand of someone who stayed at the one you're asking about, and thought it was fine - nothing fancy, but a good bargain for the location. I don't know anything about the pool, tho'. You certainly can walk down to the historic area easily and safely.

I don't know what else you plan to do while you're here, but Philly's a pretty easy city for getting from one area to the other, tons of buses, as well as subways. So if you want to check out the art museum area, or the Penn area, it wouldn't be walking, but wouldn't be hard. Let us know if you have other q's, we'd be glad to help. Oh, and the earlier in June, the better, it gets quite hot and humid as the month goes on!

veronana70

The good thing about central philadelphia is that every neighborhood has something good that would want you to stay closeby. That said, center city vs old city vs university city... would all be good contenders for hotels. Philadelphia also has good public transport!

If you wanted to stay downtown, I would recommend:

- The doubletree on Broad and Locust
or
- The Sofitel on 17th (you can get the Suite Hotel Room for the 4 of you and the child).

or
- The Sheraton Old City- very quiet, close to Old City.

The Holiday Inn Express on Walnut is fine as well. Just manage your expectations!

Philadelphia is a great city! Enjoy.