Hey everybody. My wife and I are celebrating our 12th anniversary in 2 weeks. We are staying at the Loews hotel in Philly. We have no actual reasons for staying in Philly, other than a couple of nights without the kids, and we needed a couple of flights on Southwest to get our rapid rewards eligible for free flights the next time around. 29 bucks each way made Philly a no brainer on this one. I've never been to Philly, and I have a few questions. We're not looking at this trip as anything other than a fun time away from home. First question is, how easy is it to catch a cab from the airport to this place? Is the Loews in the middle of the action in Philly? We are in our 30's and are looking for a good nightspot closeby. Where are the good night clubs at? Is there action in the hotel? How about the cheesesteaks in philly? I'm dying for one from Geno's (the guy in the Southwest commercial has a Geno's shirt on, and I have to have one, LOL). Is that a good place for a philly cheesesteak? Any good italian restauraunts in Philly? Give me some info. It should be lots of fun, because we are just looking for a quick get away. Thanks!

Only places to have cheesesteaks are Geno's and Pat's. They are almost next to each other on 9th street, and if you've never had either before, go get one of each and compare. [That's what I did.]

Loews Philadelphia is at 12th and Market. I'll say that's pretty central, just 3 blocks from Cityhall. Its building was the PSFS, built in the 1930's, the first international style skyscraper in the US.

Philly is a great city. Go to www.gophila.com for loads of info on restaurants,clubs, sight seeing, etc.

Geno and Pats are awesome. They're across the street from each other. Get one from each and compare. You have to order correctly or they'll skip you. If you want a cheesesteak w fried onions and American cheese, you say, American wit. Same with cheese whiz, whiz wit .No other way. No onions without. Go to South Philly to eat. Donte n Luigis and Felicia's are great. Ask at the hotel for byobs in S philly , there are some good ones.

It is very easy to get a cab at the airport. Just follow signs - there are usually cabs waiting. The cost is $20 flat rate.

Loews is in the center of town, but kind of in between the 2 areas of "action" - Rittenhouse Sq (which is about 8 blocks West) and Old City (which is about 10 blocks East).

You can easily walk to either area, or a short cab ride for $4.
Night Spots for Old City - Cuba Libre, Continental, Tangerine
Night Spots for Rittenhouse - (great for people watching) Bleu, Rouge, Devon

There is a pretty good restaurant inside Loews, and from what I've heard, the restaurant turns into more of a lounge-y place in the evening.

Thanks. I'll make sure I order my cheesesteak like a pro. It's like that in Providence when it comes to ordering Hot Weiners. If you don't know how to order, they'll really mess with you. I was planning on hanging back in line and seeing how to order anyway, but now with those tips, I can just push my way to the front. As far as the restauraunts in South Philly go, are they within walking distance? I'm thinking they might not be. If they are, then that is awesome, and I'll have to try one of them out. It's such a quick weekend getaway, that I may want to just do everything as close as possible to where we are, but I always like to go into everything with some inside information. Thanks again for all the helpful information. I love this site, and all the helpful people on it.

A cab wiil cost you five bucks. Go for it

If you want a great pizza before the ball game go to Marra's on Passyunk Ave You can take the subwaay there. Best pizza in Philly. Best hoagies are at Primos on Ritner at 16th, all in South Philly. Its the safest part of the city because the wise guys run it.

For a good South Philly restaurant, try L'Angelo's around 15th and Ritner (215-389-4252) -- it is authentic and the food is excellent. I would advise your calling for reservations now. Also in S Philly, Tre Scalini is very good (215-551-3870). Many restaurants are small, family-run, and are BYOB. Close to the hotel is Valanni (they have a liquor license), which is excellent. Enjoy!

Go for the Whiz wit. Awesome sandwich! Then double up on your Lipitor!

And the post above by sunriseway is really from the same person who asked recently where to get a cheesesteak, and then also posted saying he was going to be in Philly for a couple days and "heard" there was an area called South Philly and asking if there were restaurants there? Why didn't he just read his own posts? Too bizarre!!