Johanna1

We're going to Philadelphia for a concert on 11/25, at the Wachovia Center, and want to stay in the city and take the subway to the show. We didn't realize that Philly was so dog friendly and as our dog sitter will now be out of town, we now need a dog-friendly hotel that's also close to a Broad St. subway stop with comfortable beds, decent sized rooms, and not too crazy of a parking situation. Plus, getting the dog to a patch of grass will be needed. I've read many reviews and compared features for both hotels, and both seem within walking distance to Broad St. line subway stops. Also, I know they both do valet parking, but does anyone have an opinion whether either hotel has better parking set up than the other? How much is the mall parking at the Westin? I read that you have to go through 3 sets of elevators to get to your room there -- is it a lot of walking (e.g., too much w/ luggage)? Finally, the "Heavenly Bed" at the Westin and the Sofitel's "comfy" feather-topped ones both sound great, and it looks like both places offer decent room service food either very late or 24-hours.

The best price I could find for the Sofitel was $185/night. A Center City East 4* hotel comes up on Hotwire for $126/night but I'm worried it might not be the Westin, and instead another hotel that doesn't take dogs. Can anyone help me out here? Are these hotels our best options for our needs? Thanks!

DebitNM

Wow- I wouldn't risk using Priceline and getting a non-refundable room at a hotel that doesn't allow dogs. I would bite the bullet and book direct where you know you can take the dog.

Also, most places will not allow you to leave the dog in the room unattended. Ask about their policy.

Hope this helps...
Debi

Johanna1

I called the Westin and was told that as long as the "Dog Sleeping" sign was on the doorknob and the dog didn't bark, we could leave him for a few hours. Billy's a good boy and will sleep or play quietly while we're gone, we've done it before. I guess I should call the Sofitel and ask them about their policy. Thanks!

Johanna1

I spoke to a front desk clerk at the Sofitel whol told me that they just need a cell phone number to reach you if you leave your dog in the room. So, it looks like both places are fine with leaving him in the room while we're at the Wachovia Center.

Any opinions on whether Westin or the Sofitel is the better choice?

DebitNM

Glad that both places are ok with the pooch staying in the room! I can't give you a pick on either in Philly...but...I have stayed at the Sofitel in NYC and it was wonderful. I have stayed in a number of Westin's this year and am not crazy about them.

And I am assuming you are going to book directly with hotel and not take a chance with Priceline and risk getting a non-pooch hotel?

Debi

Johanna1

Yes, Debi, we won't chance Hotwire/Priceline not being the Westin and will book directly with the hotel.

Still can't decide which way to go. The it looks like the price difference is like $6 for a basic King room, so THAT won't be a deciding factor! Oh, thanks for your input on the Sofitel, it will be considered.