Hampton Inn Pgiladelphia Center City
 

Hi there, Can you tell me if the Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City Convention Center Hotel is a nice hotel - the Embassy Suites is sold out for our time frame. It is just for 1 night and we want to be able to walk to the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross house and can anyone recomend a restaurant in the area with kids for an 11 year olds birthday? thank you - any comment would be greatly appreciated!

The Hampton Inn is at 13th and Race. That's right next to Convention Center and nine blocks from Independence Hall. Visiting the building where they wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights is an absolute must. For a one day trip, you might also be interested in the Constitution Center, Franklin Court, Christ Church and its cemetery, Chinatown, City Hall viewing tower (ONLY on a clear day), and Elfreth's Alley.

I'll say it again: the story that Betsy Ross made or designed the first American flag is an obvious hoax, and she never lived at "The Betsy Ross House." Feel free to visit there to find out about life for a seamstress in the late 1700s, but just be aware that the place has no connection to a person of no significant historic interest.

Thank you so much for all the info - is it a safe neighborhood and a clean, friendly hotel. It is my 11 year olds birthday

The area for a few blocks on each side of Market Street, from the Delaware River to about 22nd Street, is known as "Center City." It is about as safe as any part of Philly. The reason is simple: it's where all the tourists go, and it doesn't help a city's image when tourists get robbed or assaulted. Ergo, LOTS of safety measures. I've walked on Market Street after midnight more than once and never felt unsafe; and there are parts of Philly I don't feel 100% safe when I drive through them in broad daylight.

I can't speak for the quality of the hotel; as I live in the area and don't stay here. But Hampton Inns are a major national chain and I would be shocked if there were any significant problems associated with it.

As for a place to eat, it MIGHT be an interesting visit to go to the City Tavern. I've never been there, so it might be the most over-priced tourist trap in the world for all I know. BUT it has been serving meals at Second and Walnut since 1773. George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin are all known to have dined there. *IF* your daughter is fascinated by history, this fancy place might be a neat way to connect.

I suggest you eat a fairly early dinner, then finish the day with a carriage ride around Old City. If your daughter insists you skip the carriage ride so she can get back to the hotel to watch Sponge Bob Square Pants; well, it is HER birthday.

Thank you so very much for your info - it has been awhile since we have been to Philadelphia and we were single and stayed at the Four Seasons - life changes when you have children! I did love the carriage ride! thank you

It's not near your hotel, but a neat 'Philadelphia' place to go for your 11-year-old's birthday is the Victor Cafe. The wait staff is from the city's opera company and every 20 minutes or so the room is quieted and one of them sings a solo. You can just imagine when they all get together and sing Happy Birthday . . . Ask for a table in the original part of the restaurant: www.victorcafe.com/

Hi flycatcher-

The area around Hampton Inn is safe, but not the best...
Other hotels around the convention center I would prefer personally are:
Residence Inn Center City
Courtyard Marriott
Hilton Garden Inn

I don't know if you have Buca di Beppo in your home city, but I've been to a birthday party there and it was fun. The Buca in Philadelphia is on 15th street between Locust & Spruce.