Italophile

Hi fellow Fodorites, I'm already booked at this hotel but still interested to hear of any experiences of it, both good and bad. Also looking for recommendations for restaurants in the vicinity. Thanks!!

yk

Is this the one in Old City, the historic district? Or did you book the Holiday Inn Express?

The Historic district location is very good, and plenty of restaurants nearby. What's your budget and what type of cuisine are you looking for?

Italophile

Hi yk - the historic district one. Open to all types of cuisine. Don't really have a budget, just think we'll have whatever we're in the mood (and dressed) for. At least one good/expensive dinner is planned for Philadelphia We are there for four days.

schmerl

Check out these websites for great info about the city, restaurants, events, etc.
\
www.gophila.com

www.philadelphiausa.travel

www.funphilly.com

yk

Check out the 100 Best Things to Eat in Philadelphia thread. Lots of great suggestions from the locals
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm

Italophile

Thanks for the great suggestions yk and schmerl - much appreciated

Ackislander

There are a number of restaurants -- all cuisines -- that allow you to bring your own wine. Staff at the hotel -- and I agree that the Holiday Inn in the historic district is excellent -- can advise you of their favorites.

kmbp

And another site for events in Philadelphia--

http://www.phillyfunguide.com/

Italophile

Thanks Ackislander & kmbp

Centralparkgirl

Italophile - Really liked the following last weekend:

Capogiro for outstanding gelato
www.capogirogelato.com

Naked Chocolate Cafe - European hot chocolate, etc.

Tinto - wonderful Basque tapas dinner
www.tintorestaurant.com

Fork
www.forkrestaurant.com

Sabrina's Cafe - breakfast and lunch
two locations 910 Christian St/1804 Callowhill St

All recommended to me right here on Fodor's!

Italophile

Thanks Centralparkgirl - will definitely note those down

Italophile

Enjoyable stay here. The inhouse coin-op laundry facility was much welcomed. I found the hotel handy to everywhere as the subway was about a block away and there were always taxis available outside the hotel. Found a great restaurant a short walk away, Gigi, and a cafe that could (finally!) make a decent cappuccino, Bon Bon Arte Cafe.

Amy

I'm glad you enjoyed your stay, Italophile! My family stayed at the Holiday Inn Philadelphia over the Christmas season and had a great time; the rooms were actually a bit nicer than we anticipated. For reference (for those who might be looking for more about the hotel) here's the trip report: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...ot-of-kids.cfm

Italophile

Glad to hear you had an enjoyable stay as well Amy!

For anyone visiting, avoid restaurant "La Scala" like the plague. My friend and I thought it looked a great place for lunch - eat in or outside - but we were totally ignored by the many staff walking around. It wasn't rush period either, it was about 12.15 and the restaurant was nowhere near full. The staff looked at us then ignored us. We were reasonably well dressed in casual trousers and Rockport shoes. No different to any other tourists - and it wasn't a particularly upmarket looking place. I've been in 5 star restaurants in similar garb and been treated well. If restaurants do indeed have dress rules, these should be posted at the entrance to avoid embarrassment.