Hi -
Hubby and I will be at the Army/Navy game in Philadelphia in December. We're making it a long weekend, since we've never been there before. We are looking for a hotel in the downtown area that is within walking distance to historic sites like the liberty bell, constitution hall, etc. Also wanting recommendations for restaurants with a historic feel. I'm not worried about the cost - interested more in location and ambiance. I know you experienced foddies out there can be of help!
Thanks!

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Philly a few years back and loved it.Location was very good.

TravelDog -- I'm a philly native. My recommendation is to stay away from the historic feeling restaurants; the food is usually not as good as the other absolutely terrific places all over Philly. I use chowhound.com for ideas. I suggest you venture to S Philly for a real italian restaurant experience, maybe even after the game (the stadium is in S Philly too). Try L'Angelo on Porter St between 15th and Broad (Broad is where 14th st would be if we had a 14th st). have fun!

Thanks Kalmia -
I'm leaning toward the Marriott Courtyard because my sister and her family will be there, too. I'm still debating. If anyone can give pros or cons on this hotel, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks Jeanie -
I understand what you're saying about the "historic restaurants". I'll take your advice and use the chowhound website. We love Italian, so we'll try L'Angelo.

Appreciate your help!

Craig LaBan's review of L'Angolo appeared in last week's Philadelphia Inquirer Sunday Magazine--
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/n...ne/6168422.htm

Hi TravelDog!
We stayed at the Penns View Hotel this past Spring.
http://pennsviewhotel.com/generalinfo.htm

Really liked the hotel & the location is excellent. A short walk to everything!
Restaurants I would recommend: Maybe not actually "historic"- but excellent.
Fork
Friday,Saturday,Sunday
The Continental
A pub with a fireplace called the Plough & Stars **historic**
I can't wait to go back!

Another nice hotel in the area is the Sheraton. Easy walk to the historic sites and - in the other direction - South Street. There's lots of good restaurants in various price ranges in the area. I was there on business last September so I can't remember the names of the places. But across the street from the Customs House is a block of restaurants including a great seafood place. Philadelphia is also noted for its Italian restaurants of which there are several in that area.

Go Navy!!! Beat Army!!!

I would recommend going across the river to Camden and visiting the Battleship New Jersey.

See you at the game.

You guys are goooooood! Thanks for the insight.

Budman - Glad to see you're on the right side! We'll be sitting in the MO?KS parent section - see you there!

Go Navy! Beat Army!

The Omni at Independence Park on Chestnut St. is a nice hotel in a great location for walking to historic sites and restaurants.

The Holiday Inn Independence Mall is nice, as is the Omni.

Philly is an excellent restaurant city. Scarlett has given you some great recommendations. To her list I would add:

McCormick and Schmicks
Philadelphia Fish and Company
Upstares ar Varalli
Spasso
London Grill

Correction, that should be Upstares AT Varalli

We were just in Philadelphia and stayed in the Best Western Independence Inn, it is not what you would think of a traditional Best Western. It is right downtown near all the sites and is a really comfortable hotel with a great free breakfast.

I second the recommendations to eat at Fork and Philadelphia Fish Company. I ate at each of them recently and they were both GREAT!

I recently went to Philadelphia and stayed at the "Inn on Locust." It is a beautiful, hip, boutique hotel...rooms had a Poteery Barn feel...Walking distance to the Old City and Rittenhouse Square as well as downtown historic sites. I got a room through expedia.com for $138. Th best value ever! Much better than staying at a Radisson or any other type of chain hotel.

We also stayed at the Best Western Independence Inn and loved it. The location was perfect (walking distance to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc.), the rooms were nice, and I agree that the free breakfast was great. Their website is www.independenceparkinn.com.

I would stay at the Sheraton -- great location!

I cannot belive no one has mentioned the restuarant "Buddakan" -- Asian -- best restaurant in the city, and is great for more than 2-3 people since they give "family servings" and is a great place for sharing. A very hip rest. and does require reservations. Right by independence park on Chestnut (I think!!!!) Cuba Libre is also great -- please check out all the menus on-line -- depends on what you like. For example, although I live in Philly, I am not interested in Fork's menu - a very popular place. I just don't get along with their tastes -- nothing personal. Good Luck!

I second the recommendation for Buddakan and Cuba Libre ... Those happen to be the 2 restaurants we ate at while in Philly recently and we had great meals. (We LOVED Buddakan.) I've also heard that Forks is very good, but we didn't have a chance to eat there.

I vote for Sheraton-Society Hill. Stayed 3 nights there Memorial Day weekend and loved it. Nice location, walking distance to Independence Hall, Liberty Bell. Close to Battleship and also very close to City Tavern Resturant. Neat place. Wmail me if you need anything else.

You guys are the best! Thanks for all the advise - I'm starving!