philly hotel with kids
 

am planning mini vacation in august with 10 and 2 year old kids. plan is to show older son all the "historical" sights he just studied in school this year. have done lots of research on where to go but am still confused about hotel. we want to be able to walk to most things as we have heard driving is not for out-of-towners. also, have read that we could bike to museums etc if we bring them along. is that realistic? would there be safe spot to lock them up? should we stay at any hotel in center city or museum area? thanks.

Hi, <BR>Went last October and had no trouble driving around - but would never want to try to bike it through the city! Unless there are some paths we didn't see, I don't think that's a plan. We walked just about everywhere from the Marriott Courtyard, which also had great weekend prices. There were many more hotels right by the historic sights, and I'm sure you'll get lots of replies. <BR>

HI Kim <BR> <BR>Pick a hotel in Center City and you'll be able to walk just about anywhere you want to go. I would pick C.C. over the art museum area just because it's closer to Independence Hall area. Even the museums are easily accessible either by foot or by Philly PHLASH buses...I walked out to the Art Museum from my downtown hotel in about 25 minutes. I haven't particularly seen bicyclists in Center City; since the city is pretty densely trafficked, I would recommend it only for pros. However, out toward Fairmount Park I have seen a few. <BR> <BR>Have a great time in one of my favorite cities! <BR> <BR>DAN

we stayed (with our kids) at the omni independence hall. walking distance to most historical sights (liberty bell, independence hall, franklin court, etc.). We had to drive to the Franklin Institute (very good science museum for school-age kids), but walked everywhere else.

kim, <BR> <BR>As a Phila. area native, I agree with marj's suggestion to stay at Omni/Independence Hall. Another hotel to consider is Sheraton/Society Hill. Both hotels are located in the historic area of the city. Both are located near most of the historic sights. I would not suggest staying in the Museum area - unless your focus is to only see Franklin Institute (which is wonderful). Staying in Center City is still not very close to the historic area. As for biking, I would discourage as you mention your children's ages to be 10 and 2 - too much traffic. Check out the following website: <BR>www.gophila.com <BR>It has up to date information listing events and dates for the summer months. If historic area (also known as Society Hill) hotels are too pricey, the next best location would be Center City.