John G (or anyone else!): Which hotel in Philly?
 

I've read the couple other posts here on which hotel to stay at in Philly and I was wondering if there's one definitive answer.<BR><BR>We're going up for a romantic weekend getaway and are having dinner at Morimoto. In part because of that expense, we'd like the hotel to be affordable but clean (personal paranoia!) and personable in a good location. We'll have a car and are used to public trans.<BR><BR>I really do want this weekend to be something special!<BR><BR>Thanks in advance!

JohnG will be glad to tell you the most pretentious hotel that he can think of, where he and his boyfriends hang out,or that you really could not be cool enough to stay where he stays

xxx:<BR><BR>Thanks so much for your informative answer. It was just what I was looking for -- and phrased so politely, too!

While I've never stayed there myself, I've been in the city long enough to know that you can't go wrong with either the Latham Hotel or the Rittenhouse hotel. Both are upscale hotels that are very affordable right now. Both are located in center city, which is convenient to lots of shopping and transportation. Another possibiltity would be the new Sofitel hotel which is also in the area and would provide more of a French feel, yet would probably be more affordable than say the Ritz-Carlton but nicer than the Doubletree. Hope this helps, have fun in Philly!

Thanks, x!

ALW,<BR>I live in the Phila. area. Which weekend are you planning to visit?<BR>Have recommended the following hotels to friends who visit the city:<BR>Sheraton Rittenhouse Square<BR>The Westin Philadelphia<BR>Sheraton Society Hill<BR>Lowes Philadelphia<BR>The Four Seasons<BR>The Rittenhouse Hotel<BR>Ritz Carlton<BR>Depending on your date of arrival, there may be some attractive weekend rates.<BR>If visiting May 11 or May 18, there are many conventions in town, as well as college commencements. <BR>

We'll be there May 25-27.<BR><BR>Thanks!

I found the Latham for $99/night and the Sofitel for $129. The Sofitel is listed as a 5 star and the Latham is 4 -- can any of you provide a personal experience comparison between the two?<BR><BR>Thanks again for all your help -- this weekend is very important to us.

ALW, try www.priceline.com. But first, explore www.biddingfortravel.com to find out which Philadelphia hotels PL uses and to learn how to bid on PL.

CAgal:<BR><BR>Thanks for mentioning priceline -- I am familiar with them (and on how to bid for travel) -- I'm looking here more for recommendations than for pricing, though.

Re: Latham vs Sofitel - I would choose Sofitel. <BR>

The Latham is okay, stayed 2 years ago and although a great location, it was a bit threadbare. Unless it has gone through a major renovation, I'd skip it for a "special" weekend. The Sofitel looks nice and also a great location right up the block from the Latham. Was formerly the St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton, I can't remember which, but a good pedigree. For the price you were quoted, I'd jump at it. Have also enjoyed stays at the Marriott & Park Hyatt. Didn't care for the Sheraton Society Hill, and thought the Omni was overpriced. Hope this helps.<BR>

That does help!<BR><BR>Thanks much, Frank and elaine!

Made reservations for the Sofitel (but can always cancel if someone tells me better!).<BR><BR>Thanks to all!

The former Ritz was then a St. Regis and is now the Westin. <BR><BR>I highly recommend the Westin or the Four Seasons.

ALW: I think you made a good choice, let us know how you like it. Don't miss the cheesesteak and pork sandwiches at Tony Luke's around the corner from your hotel. Enjoy.

Thanks for the recco for Tony Luke's, Frank.<BR><BR>I appreciate all the advice! Any more? I've only been to Philly once on a flying day trip -- I'd like to relax this time...

I would recommend the Westin too. The rooms are traditional in decor but the beds are truly heavenly and the heavenly bath was nice too(even though it did not have a separate shower)

I highly recommend the Westin! Great hotel, great rooms (huge) and good service! Good location as well.

Has anyone here stayed at the Sofitel?

The Sofitel is fine, but it has a bit of a cold antiseptic feel. The Westin is a bit nicer. Here are some others:<BR>Luxury: Four Seasons (215-963-1500); Ritz Carlton (215-735-7700); Rittenhouse (215-790-2502).<BR>Moderate: Club Quarters, 17th & Chestnut, (215-282-5100)Renovated bank building containing rooms and restaurant, nice, clean, recently redone, comparable to Sofitel, probably less expensive; Marriott, 1201 Market, (215-625-2900); Park Hyuatt at the Bellvue (215-893-1776).<BR><BR>Enjoy Philadelphia!

ALW: Check out Philadelphia Citysearch, they give comments on the hotel from people who have actually stayed there. The lobby looked very elegant to me and keep in mind that the hotel is only 2 years old so everything should be relatively new and fresh. <BR><BR>I've noted all of the positive Westin recommendations, I assume they are quoting a substantially higher rate? I guess I mixed up the Westin and the Sofitel regarding which was the former home of the Ritz. For $129 I still say you got a great deal.

Ok, the Westin I can get for $145/night.<BR><BR>Is it that much better than the Sofitel?<BR><BR>Help!

ALW: You really seem to be in a quandry. You started off by saying you wanted something clean, convenient and affordable. You've gone from $99 to $129 and are considering $145. I know the problem, I've been there myself. You could always book both and cancel one just prior to your stay. I don't think you will go wrong with either. Check out the rants and raves on the Fodors site, both get good reviews. I did read somewhere that some of the rooms in the Westin have an atrium view, which I personally hate. If you book with the Westin you might want to check that out if it's an issue for you. In any event, you have 2 very good choices, neither up to the Ritz, or Four Seasons but actually better located. Enjoy.

LOL<BR><BR>Frank, you are too, too right! Next think I know, I'll be staying in the Ritz! :-o<BR><BR>I'm going to check with the other party involved and see what he says...<BR><BR>THANKS to all!

Well, back from Philly!<BR><BR>The Sofitel was very nice, but I'm not sure I can see where the 5 stars come in...I would recommend it, especially for the price I got!, but think maybe next time I'll check out the Westin.<BR><BR>Morimoto, however, was FANTASTIC. Go, go, go, go, go!!! Worth every penny and then some!<BR><BR>Thanks again for all your advice! It was a lovely weekend!

ALW: Glad to hear you had a good time in Philly. I would agree that the Sofitel is not what I would consider 5 star, more like 4 stars. In my opinion the 5 star distinction belongs to the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons as far as Philly is concerned but than again the rates are alot higher. Did you get a chance to sample a cheesesteak?

Hi Frank!<BR><BR>Sadly, no cheesesteaks were harmed in the filming of our weekend...there were just too many other culinary experiences to satisfy us!<BR><BR>Next time, for sure...