mowrites

My husband, sister, and I are going for a quick two-night trip to Philadelphia in a few weeks. We'd like a nice, centrally located hotel under $200/night. We don't really care for small B&B's (e.g. under 10 rooms). All the reviews of various hotels I've read so far on other sites are so mixed. Does anyone have a favorite hotel you would recommend? We'd also appreciate any restaurant recommendations. We like to try all kinds but especially love small, kitschy places, and Italian would always be our first choice.

Pugsly

There are several wonderful Italian restaurants in Phila. Vetri is probably the most expensive and highly acclaimed but there are many, many others. I like the BYOB's. My favorite is Tre Scalini but also good is Cucina Forte, Langostino's, Ristorante Pesto and Porcini. If you want a "red gravy" place you could try Ralph's or Villa di Roma.

yk

I think someone recently posted a TR on Philadelphia, and they stayed at the Alexander Inn and said it was good.

Also, check The Independent Hotel. It is recently renovated and perhaps still have some introduction deals.

Gophila.com has lots of info, including hotels and restaurants.

Philadelphia is known for its BYOB restaurants, and there's even an interactive BYOB map:
http://www.gophila.com/BYOBMap/

mowrites

The Independent looked great, but they are booked solid the weekend we wanted to go. They said that Philly gets booked up with conventions in the late fall.

yk

Since there's 3 of you, you may want to look into places like Embassy Suites, DoubleTree, Marriott Courtyard that can fit 3 in a room.

Or if you're looking for 2 rooms, you can try bidding on Priceline for 2 rooms at a 4* hotel in the center city zone.

Sofitel is nice - not sure if it's under $200/night.

schmerl

If you like small, kitschy places, go to Friday, Saturday, Sunday. It's fantastic...small and cute with great food.
Friday Saturday Sunday
www.frisatsun.com

261 S 21st St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 546-4232

bachslunch

I stayed at the Alexander Inn, which was quite nice, scrupulously clean, conveniently located, and a bargain (singles $109/night, doubles $119-$159/night, breakfast included) when I was there. It's near Antiques Row in what's considered the gay section of Philly. The hotel itself has gay ownership and staff and while it is gay-friendly, it's not the least in-your-face about it. I'm straight and didn't feel at all out of place staying there, and would happily do so again.

For food, I enjoyed:

--Rangoon, a Burmese place in Chinatown.

--Estia, a Greek seafood place directly due east of Rittenhouse Square just west of Broad Street.

--Reading Terminal Market. Good spots to hit there are DiNic's (get the pork sandwich with aged provolone and greens, arguably the city's best), Bassett's (ice cream), Salumeria (Italian hoagies), Termini Brothers (pastries), Rick's (cheesesteaks), Fisher's Soft Pretzels (pretzels), Dutch Eating Place (Penna Dutch stuff, scrapple and other things), and Famous 4th Street (cookies). Sunday is not a good time to go there, though, as many of the stalls are closed that day.

--for ice cream besides Bassett's, consider Franklin Fountain for an old-fashioned parlor experience, or Capogiro for gelato.

--for cheesesteaks, would recommend Jim's on South Street. It was the best I had there.

DrBlueCrab

Dear Mo --

Whenever we have gone to Philadelphia for a mini-vacation (we live in D.C.), or gone up to visit our older son while he was attending Drexel University, we stayed at the Latham Hotel, 135 South 17th Street, a nice central location near Rittenhouse Square (at Walnut and 17th Street, west of Broad). The Latham is an historic hotel that is clean, spacious, nicely appointed, and very reasonable ($219/night regular price, but $152/night with AAA, AARP, or corporate rates). It is a wonderful location, with great shopping (we love Daffy's, a Philly institution for bargain hunting) and lots of good restaurants within walking distance.

I agree with BachsLunch that Reading Terminal Market is a must -- it's especially great for lunch. And the best gelato this side of the Atlantic is at Capogiro Gelateria (119 S. 13th St.)

I know you hadn't asked for ideas of things to do, but I just want to add that our family loves Independence National Historic Park, particularly the new(ish) National Constitution Center.

I hope you have a terrific trip! Philadelphia is a GREAT city. (They might be a little insufferable for the next few weeks now that the Phillies won the World Series!)

MelissaHI

I absolutely loved Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia....it's Belgian, known for its mussels and fries, but wonderful! don't go on a weekend (or go early) as it gets quite crowded.

LoveMaine

Because we have a daughter in grad school in Philadelphia, we visit often; it's a great, friendly city. We've stayed at the Hyatt, Warwick, Sofitel, Embassy Suites, and 4 Seasons and will stay at the Alexander Inn in the spring. Many times I bid on a hotel on Priceline and did well. The BYOB restaurants are wonderful; in fact, we have not had a bad meal in Philly, although Friday Saturday Sunday is very noisy and I found the food OK, not great.

passportready

Wouldn't normally recommend a chain, but Hyatt at Penn's Landing has served me well on business. A bit outside the fray, but pleasant to come home to (and Philly is easy to get around). It has all amenities and a beautiful view of the Delaware with the city skyline and NJ. (ask for a room w/view)

Don't forget to try DiNardo's for crabs!

GBC

Just writing to second the idea of including one lunch/snack at the Reading Terminal Market. Just wander about and try what appeals to you.

Also, before your trip you might do a little study upon the mural art that you will see as you travel about the city. www.muralarts.org is the website. It is interesting, free and scattered throughout the center of town.

We live near the city so we don't have a favorite hotel but we would try to locate near Rittenhouse Square. You will like it there.

twelveoaks

My wife and I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Midtown and paid around $140. It is within easy walking distance of the historic district, numerous restaurants and the Septa station. Also, along with being a very nice hotel they provide a great hot breakfast. We ate at several restaurants and for Italian we ate at Maggiano's which has an extensive menu and wine list, large portions and fair prices.Go to trip Advisor and read about the various hotels and restaurants

MelissaHI

p.s. here's where I ate:
http://melissachang808.tripod.com/ur...plate/id3.html