I have an annual girls GTG, and this year we're going to Philadelphia for a four day trip. There are four of us and we would like to rent a centrally located apartment. Doesn't have to be luxurious, but we'd like there to be a separate living/dining area (in other words, no sofa beds in the living room) for lounging around and gabbing.

We can share beds without a problem, so we'd really only need a two bedroom.

I always get lots of information on apartment rentals in the Europe forum, but a quick search here didn't bring anything up. So I'm hoping that some of you have great ideas about a place for us to rent. Thanks!

I cannot help with an apartment suggestion, but I see that the Residence Inn (across from City Hall) has two-bedroom suites: Two bedrooms with queen bed in each, two bathrooms, living/sitting area, table with seating for four, fully equipped kitchen.

I doubt you will find an actual apartment for rent for four days. The Residence in is a good option.

Check out aka on Rittenhouse Square.

http://www.stayaka.com/locations/rit...modations.aspx

The location would be perfect for the gtg.

http://www.vrbo.com/141917

Well, thanks for that suggestion Greenhouse, we have rented the apt! Looks great. The only downside was that there's only one bedroom for four of us, but we're all pretty low maintenance so it wasn't really an issue for us. I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks again

Glad to help, Ireynold.

I hope you're happy with it and look forward to hearing about your visit.

Great find, Greenhouse!

I meant to say that the apt. has one bathroom, not one bedroom. I will definitely report back, we're going in mid April and while I'm at it, if anyone has any restaurant suggestions, that's be great.

"I meant to say that the apt. has one bathroom, not one bedroom."
When I read the "one bedroom" post, I thought "Wow, they really are low maintenance."

Restaurants: You don't mention budget or preferences, but ...
Scanicchio's -- Italian, mid-range.
Victor Cafe -- in truth, the food is just OK, but it's a fun place because the waiters and waitresses are trained opera singers.
Upstares at Varalli -- must get a table with a view of Broad St. or else it's not worth going.
Vetri, on Spruce St. -- start trying for a reservation immediately. They're booked months in advance. Expensive, fine dining in a living-room atmosphere, few tables.

Go to this site....it is filled with info on restaurants, attractions, events, etc.
http://www.visitphilly.com/

Hi, and thanks for the restaurant recommendations. I was really tied up the few weeks before our trip, so the other three got to pick the restaurants. For dinners we went to

http://www.buddakan.com/
http://amadarestaurant.com/ -- I was so happy to find La Peral cheese -- an Asturian Blue cheese I love
http://www.farmiciarestaurant.com/

all were within a 5 minute walk from the apartment.

The apartment was great. There is a bit of the description that borders on false advertising -- there are definitely not two bedrooms, in fact the apartment is just one big loft area with separate kitchen an bath. One bed is near the entrance, raised up a couple of steps with a waist-high divider, and the other bed in the main area. But we had no complaints, it was a terrific location and the apartment was clean and comfortable. One of the four drove in and then picked us up at the airport, and the location is perfect for getting in and out of town with absolutely no hassle. The parking lot was about two steps from I-95 and from there it was a quick straight shot to the airport.

The Van Gogh "up close" exhibit at the art museum was well worth it, the weather was terrific, the flowers, bushes, and trees were blooming, and we got reintroduced to early US History. What more could we ask for!

All in all a great destination and a great apartment suggestion, many thanks, Greenhouse!

You're very welcome, Ireynold.

Funny, I drove by that condo Friday night and was reminded of this post. I was guessing your stay was either this or next weekend.

Your restaurant choices were great (I've been to all three). Amada is one of my absolute favorites.

You might want to point out the bedroom discrepancy in a vrbo review.

I was just discussing the Van Gogh exhibit with a friend at the gym tonight. He reminded me that time is running out if I planned on seeing it.

So glad you enjoyed your stay!