Hi Philadelphia Experts:
I have an opportunity to go to Philadelphia for the first time. I will be flying down on Friday Afternoon and coming back noon Sunday. So that leaves Friday evening and all day Saturday.
Need to choose between Radisson 12 Caesars
and Sheraton Rittenhouse Park. Any help??
Great place for dinner Friday and Saturday and of course cheesesteak for lunch on Saturday.
Thankfully, I am not on a budget for this trip so all suggestions will be appreciated!!
Thanks in advance!

Welcome to Philadelphia! The Sheraton Rittenhouse would be my choice as it is a much better location for strolling Philadelphia; it's in Center City, (downtown), while the Radisson is on the Main Line and you'd need to face some traffic to get into town. Rittenhouse is close to Le Bec Fin, which has a lovely setting and exquisite French food. Fork, at 2nd and Market, is one of my new favorites. There are rave reviews for Vetri's, but I haven't been there yet. Ralph's is an Italian institution in South Philadelphia, and if you are coming soon and can't get reservations for the top places (in some instances, Le Bec Fin is booked months in advance), it's good food and an "authentic" atmosphere. There are many, many other places, and of course Philadelphia takes its food very seriously. The Reading Terminal market is a great place for your Saturday afternoon cheesesteak, as there is so much else there to delight the senses. Have a great trip, and I'll be happy to answer any other questions that I can!

Thanks Amy:
Was able to get an internet special at the Sheraton. Made my reservation for Fork on Saturday night. Now just ready to get there and check Philly out.
Thanks again!

I need help too amy about hotel choices.....alexander inn on 304 south 12th street or rodeway inn at 1208 walnut? i'm going for memorial day weekend and with tightest budget ever, i need good advice. Location wise, which is the best? Or perhaps you have a better one in mind. I prefer centrally located places as I'm travelling with a girlfriend and we wouldn't feel safe staying at an inexpensive but out of the ways hotel. Help??

Great "no budget" dinner for Saturday night: Le Bec Fin (as already suggested); Striped Bass (fabulous decor and wonderful seafood in Center City); Susanna Foo (fancy Chinese in Center City).

Great "low budget" dinners: Monk's Cafe at/around 16th/Spruce - Belgian food, great fries, and an unbelievable selection of beers.

Hi Tanya,

The Alexander Inn and the Rodeway Inn are both located in the heart of Philadelphia's Gayborhood; Alexander Inn is Gay-owned and its clientele is mostly queer. The rooms at Rodeway Inn are small (the elevator is small and unique but charming) but clean. This area gets quite a bit of foot traffic at day and night; I have never been in fear for my safety around here.

Philadelphia is relatively compact and either hotel (they're not that far from one another; about 4 minutes walk) is in a great location for exploring the city. You're within easy walking distance of the Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown and about a 10-15 minute walk of South St., Rittenhouse Square and Old City. Great restaurants are around most every corner.

Have a great trip whatever you decide.

DAN

AC, how was your trip to Philadelphia?

Tanya, Dan's advice was right on the money (as always There's also the bed and breakfast options, but of course Memorial Day is coming up pretty quickly! At either hotel you'll be relatively close to our beloved Reading Terminal, and Chinatown is just beyond, with good cheap eats. (I like the Imperial Inn at 10th and Race streets.) There used to be a little cafe type place "Not Just Ice Cream" in the 12th and Walnut area; not sure if it's still there, but if you find it in your city strolls, it's a great place for sandwiches and dessert. By the way, Taws Art Supply on Walnut Street is one of the great old time art supply stores if you happen to like that sort of thing! (I make a pilgrimage there occasionally.) Have fun!

Hi Ess:
Leaving June 8 and returning on June 10. Really look forward to it. I'll let you know when I return.
I have a reservation for Le Bec Fin for Friday and Fork on Saturday. Good eats
Thanks for the great info Amy,jhm and Daniel!

Hi:
Thanks Philadelphia!
Loved it and will be back...
Fork...um what to say....fabulous!
Change mind about LE BEC FIN ate at a sidewalk bistro called Potcheen. Great!
Love the Sheraton...great weekend specials on their best rooms, was spoiled>>>
Did a lot of walking. great city to do it in. Did not see everything I wanted, so I'll definitely be back!

up for Anna!