We need to be at UPENN early (6 -6:30) on a Monday morning. Coming from the west by car. Would you stay at Valley Forge (I'm a little nervous about getting stuck in traffic on the Schuylkill) or downtown (hate the $30 parking and maybe too noisy)? Somewhere in between? Thanks.

If it were me, I'd stay as close to UPenn as possible. Even if traffic is light, the stress of getting up early enough + driving into town for surgery that early is enough to warrant the extra cost of hotel parking.

There's Inn at Penn, Sheraton University City (self-parking $20/d), and Penn Tower Hotel.

Treat yourself before the surgery. Stay at the Inn at Penn, leave the car in the valet parking and walk over or cab it to HUP. The Inn at Penn is very quiet and comfortable. The Schuylkill is a crap shoot. You never know when it's going to be backed up. You don't need that kind of stress the morning of your procedure. Better that you spend that time having a glass of wine the night before at Penne downstairs from the Inn.

yk, does the Penn Tower still have rooms? I thought they totally transitioned it to offices. I still can't find a room in town for next Wednesday.

Birdie, you must be right about Penn Tower Hotel. It's still listed on hotels.com but no matter which dates I entered, it shows no availability.

Isn't it UPenn's commencement next week? Good luck finding a place to stay!

It's Monday and I'm looking for a room for just Wed night. You'd think all those Penn students would be heading out for their European vacations or to start their hedge fund jobs.

There were plenty of rooms available when I needed one on the 23rd, so I'm booked at the Inn. Thanks all. Wish me luck.

Heal quickly, 3Doxens. (love the screenname!)

Thanks Birdie, and a big "Woof" from the best dogs in the whole world.

I'm really glad you did that, I've gotten stuck in traffic on the Schuylkill at times you never would think there'd be a problem. All the best to you, it's a great hospital.

Just checking back to thank you all again for the recommendation. The Inn at Penn was very nice. -- and only a couple blocks from the hospital in case you have a stroke at the $35 valet parking rate (LOL). No, really, it was comfortable and quiet. I already made reservations for my follow- up visit.

I hope everything went well for you. When I'm looking for hotel rooms in Philly, I consider the Inn at Penn right up there with the Rittenhouse, Ritz, and Four Seasons. I can usually park for free on the street on the weekends.