Can get good hotel deals both the Rittenhouse Square area and the historic area (Independence Park/Society Hill) ... so what are the pros/cons of staying in each area as a tourist (no kids ... just with hubby), both for daytime and nightime activities?

I used to live in Philadephia and actually just got back from a business trip there. What a fun town.

The two areas are not that far apart...maybe 13 blocks. Both have great restaurants, but Society Hill might have more for the kids. It has the waterfront and neat, bricked-in streets to cruise around. You'll see Ben Franklin cruising around, and there's the Liberty Bell of course. Rittenhouse Square is a lot of wonderful old row homes and some great restaurants, but I would say that it's more "grown up" than staying in society Hill/independence square area.

By the way, what hotel are you considering in society hill? If you're around 12th or 13th and Market, don't do it

Why not 12th and Market?

The hotels I'm considering are Sofitel (Rittenhouse Sq area), Omni Hotel at Independence Park, or Sheraton Society Hill. I can get a good, similar rate at each, and they all seem to be pretty good hotels, so I'm trying to pick the location to stay in. Can you tell me a bit more about what to expect in terms of atmosphere, restaurants, nightlife in these areas? Is one area best as a good central area for all kinds of day/night activities?

Cheryl, may I ask what you consider a good deal, and whether it's for a weekend or a weekday, as we're trying to make some plans for Oct. Thanks.

Both the Sofitel and Sheraton are great. I'd probably book the Sofitel because it's quite new and very lovely. The Rittenhouse Square area has excellent restaurants and theaters, including the Kimmel Center, our new concert hall. This is a very central location. You can easily get to the Art Museum, the Penn. Academy of the Fine Arts, great shopping, etc. Society Hill is just a 15 minute walk or a very short cab ride to see the historic sites and visit the excellent restaurants in that part of town. If you are there on a Wed or Fri go to the Art Museum for one of their special weekly programs....music, food, art and on Wed. a movie.

Judy:

Three night package rates on gophila.com range from $258-278 for hotels I'm looking at, however they are only running through Sept. 8.

Cheryl, thanks for the response. It certainly does sound like you got a very good rate. Naturally, it doesn't work for me (it never does!) since we're going after 9/8 & will only be staying 2 nites. Enjoy your trip.

By the way, to Margaret, or anyone else, also wondering what's wrong with 12th & Market?

Both locations are great. Rittenhouse Square restaurants and bars will have a little bit of a more upscale crowd in evening. Olde City area is more trendy, but still upscale. As mentioned, both should be visited and are not that far from each other. I really like the Sofitel Hotel.

There is nothing wroing with 12th and Market if you are going to convention center. It is not a bad place to say, it is just not central to anything too exciting. You will have to walk at least 10 minutes to decent restaurants/bars/shopping. The gallery mall is AWFUL and a big waste of time. The only thing good about that area is the Reading Terminal.

Thanks for all the replies; it seems like both areas would be a good choice.

Around which hotel would there tend to be more people out at night and would be more central for nightlife? It seems like the Sheraton Society Hill would be first, with the Sofitel next, and last the Omni ... is this a correct assumption?

It comes down to this: the Sheraton and Omni are closest to all the touristy sites and nightlife (including South Street if you're feeling adventurous). The Sofitel (Rittenhouse area) is the best for shopping and has some excellent restaurants (although the Old City/Society Hill area has great restaurants too.) If you want nightlife, go with the Omni since that's the closest to clubs and bars in Old City (walking distance). Sheraton isn't that much farther from Old City and is just as close to Delaware Ave. (club strip) if you're driving or cabbing it.

The area of the Sofitel - which aside from the park and restaurants - is pretty dead at night.

As far as hotels go, all are very nice. There's also nothing wrong w/staying at 12th and Market. There's a subway stop at 11th and Market which provides easy access around the city, and Reading Terminal which has all kinds of fantastic (and inexpensive) places to grab lunch. Try the Amish food if you go.

Thanks Philly Girl ...