I know this has been posted before, however, I am confused. We will be visiting Philly for a few days the week of 7/15. I have a reservation at Clarion Suites on Race Street in Chinatown. My problem is that I have read reviews someplace (I can't remember where) that several visitors were unhappy with the accomodations. There were complaints about the place being filthy, unpainted, and blood on the lampshade. In the reviews, this hotel gets three stars. Am I being overly concerned or should I be looking elsewhere?I would like accomodations that provide two tv's and a separate room for the adults and possibly a sofa bed for the "young adults." I am considering changing the reservations to either Korman suites or Hampton suites or maybe the Hawthorn suites. Any suggestions??? All help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I would be concerned Paula! From my experience over the years, the "middle class" places like Clarion can either be very nice and a great price or not very nice..... Alot of the time it seems to depend on the neighborhood, that might sound strange but unfortunately expectations are higher in certain areas and this is very true in bigger cities. I can suggest Embassy Suites which is in a good location and on the bus route.

Good luck.

Paula,
I live in the Phila. area. While I have no need to stay at local hotels, the other posters are correct. Clarion Suites is not located in a good neighborhood. Please look elsewhere. Embassy Suites (1776 Benj. Franklin Parkway) is directly across from the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel. It is located on the Parkway (where the art museum is located). Korman Suites is slightly off 'tourist' route.

Elaine, could you (or anyone else) please give me your opinion on the location of the Hilton Garden Inn @ Arch & 10th or 11th (I think) as well as the Holiday Inn Express @ Walnut & 13th? Thanks.

Judy,
I just did a search on Orbitz for July 17/2 people....better hotels would be Sheraton Rittenhouse (18th & Locust) which is a great location: $119.95. Hotel is new and lovely.
Also, Hyatt Regency (200 N. Columbus Blvd.) $93.95 - new/great location....
have no idea what rate you were getting or your dates of travel. I recommend these hotels vs the ones you mentioned.

Elaine, thanks so much for taking the time to reply (and do research!). I should have mentioned that my purpose for being in Philly will be to attend a course at Thomas Jefferson in Oct., so I wanted to be able to leave my car at the hotel & walk to the course, and then also have a decent place to walk around when I got back to the hotel. That is why I'm limiting myself to those two hotels. They seem to be w/in walking distance to TJU (assuming I'm correct). I got a special course rate of $89 @ the Holiday Inn and $109 @ the Hilton. Both include breakfast. I think the Hilton's parking is more expensive ($22). Although the places you suggest might be better, I would then have to drive to TJU and pay for parking again. So with those limitations in mind, could I trouble you again for your opinion about the neighborhoods of each place and which you think would be a better place to stay? Thanks again.

Judy,
From time to time, my husband attends staff meetings at Jeff. Depending on 'where' at Jeff (it's a large campus), he suggests you stay at Holiday Inn Express due to closer proximity to Jeff and a beter neighborhood. This could be within walking distance to Jeff (5 city blocks - which is doable, depending on 'where' at Jeff). The Hilton would be the same distance but walking would not be as safe. Hope this info is helpful.

Thanks to all who responded to my post. I just changed my reservation to the Embassy Suites and I feel much better. It is nice to have a forum like this to get feedback on your concerns. Thanks again.

Paula:

I'd recommend Sheraton Society Hill. It's near the historical area and is a classy hotel with an attractive lobby. In the late 1980s I went on the road with the Pittsburgh Pirates and stayed at this hotel (they were staying at the same place). Only hotel I ever stayed at when in Philly.

Elaine, I appreciate your response. That was just the info I was looking for. The Hilton sounded a little nicer (seemed newer & has a little kitchenette?) but I wasn't sure about the neighborhood. Given your husband's recommendation and the fact that it's cheaper, I think I'll stick with the Holiday Inn. Thanks again.