I've never been to Philadelphia before, but my 5 yr old and I will be hitting town soon for a few days of sight-seeing and dinosaurs. I'd appreciate suggestions on where to stay, particularly what neighborhood/area to try for and which to avoid, and suggestions of hotels that have kitchen/kitchenettes. We have multiple food allergies, so having a fridge and a microwave are critical for us so we can do most of our meals out of restaurants. I'd prefer to pay under $130/night, is this realistic for an in-town hotel in Philly?

Also, I'd appreciate suggestions of neighborhood parks with good playgrounds for the 5 yr old to burn off a little energy before we hit the historic venues.

If you're going to be there on a weekend - you might consider the Sofitel which is downtown and very nice - and probably a good deal. Also, the Marriott Residence Inn is actually in a converted high rise and is right across the street from City Hall. A good park/walk is from Center City straight to the Art Museum - from Rocky fame. It's an easy and enjoyable walk from downtown.

I stayed at the Hotel Windsor last year for five days last year and was relatively pleased with my stay. It wasn't the shiniest of places and needed an overhaul, but its large suite and kitchen and good location for the conference I was attending made up for the slight shabbiness.

On the positive side I was able to get a rate of around $130, although I just checked prices that the rack rate has nearly doubled. It's probably worth a call to their reservations to see if one can talk them down.

Hotel Website

All of the above suggestions are good ones.
If you aren't averse, bidding for travel . com has decent postings for Philadelphia. This can get you under the $130/night price you are seeking. Another good choice is the Embassy Suites, which is across from Hotel Windsor (called the Parkway/Art Museum area). Obviously ES will have a fridge for you to keep foods. You are also a moderate walk from Whole Foods grocery store to purchase any items.

I strongly recommend you avoid driving/parking in the city. The city has a shuttle bus service designed to shuttle visitors between the historic sites and the museums (which include the Please Touch and Franklin Institute) along the parkway. It's called PHLASH and here is the link: http://www.gophila.com/phlash/

As for places for the little CDtraveler to play, there are a few choices. Rittenhouse Square is very nice, centrally located, and good for people watching. There's a big fountain and lots of people bring their doggies. LOVE park is near City Hall and (s)he can watch the older kids skateboard and things. I can't think of any playgrounds with slides/swings, although there may be some up near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

another good resource: the city's tourism website which occasionally has package deals include museum tickets, parking, or 2:1 offers: www.gophila.com

Yes, good advice above.

I'd probably go with the RI in CC!

Mark

Thanks for all the helpful replies. It looks like the Windsor is probably our best bet for this trip, seeing as the Residence Inn and Embassy suites have no availability. Is there some major event in town 11/13 to 11/16? ATC, I'm finding very little hotel availabilty.

It looks like we should be able to walk to the Academy of Natural Sciences from the Windsor, is that right? Their famous dinosaur collection is my son's main reason for going to Philly.

As for driving: I'm not nuts! We'll be coming to Philly via Amtrak from DC, and flying out, so for 3 days, I plan to use transit, like the PHLASH, or cabs.

Any comments on Fairmount Park / Smith Memorial Playground? Is that a relatively safe area for walking?

I've never been to the Smith Playhouse. The walk is okay, but across a MAJOR intersection for you. I think you'd be better off with a $5 taxi. When you're done you can call 215-333-3333 and a taxi can come get you. It will also be about a $5 taxi from 30th Street to your hotel.

The Windsor is very walkable to the Academy and is also quite easily pricelined on using the info provided above.

Fairmont Park is a HUGE park, some areas are very nice but, unfortunately, too many local undesirables hang out there and cause nasty problems. I would avoid it. The Phila Art Museum is world clss, the Mutter Museum is unique and the Franklin Institute is great for kids.

MistrNice

That's what I was concerned about, guess we might give it a pass in favor of one of Philly's other parks
A little too unique for a 5 year old!
It's on the "hope-to-do" list. The must-do list is:

• Liberty Square /Independence Hall
• Academy of Natural History Homeschool Day
• Independence Seaport Museum & World Scupture Garden
• Mr. Ritt's Gluten-Free Bakery
• ride the PHLASH bus to see the center city

Comments?

There is a ride the ducks tour which kids love. I don't have any more information on that.
Also, you could take the ferry from Penn's Landing (near historic sites) over to Camden to see the Aquarium, which is very nice and kid friendly. Just another option. Otherwise, your itinerary sounds great.

I think the coolness of the Mutter museum would be missed ona 5 year old.

I thought I recently read the Camden Aquarium is undegoing major re-vamps. The Philly Zoo should be open. The battleship New Jersey outside Camden may be quite nice for a 5 yo to visit though. There are 2 companies doing the land/water duwks-tours. There have been safety issues with these things and they will be cold in Nov if they are operating. I think the kid would love the Mutter and tell all his friends.

MisterNice

You bring up a good point - weather. How cold is it likely to be mid-November? Turtleneck and light jacket, or turtleneck , medium weight sweater and light jacket?

Look, I've seen open heart surgery, heart-lung surgery and liver surgery in my working days, and I don't think *I* am up for the Mutter collection! The five year old would much rather see the battleship. (personally, I'm hoping to find a few minutes for the antiquarian book stores of Philly - any reccomendations on those? )

Oh-Oh!

I thought I had the Philly hotel question solved - until I telephoned the Windsor tonight with a question. Even though I could book a room on their site for the dates I need, the desk clerk tells me they are "substantially oversold" for those dates.

Seems like Philly's hotels are all very busy 11/13 to 11/16, I could use more suggestions ASAP!

Preference is to be in the Museum neighborhood, but for a room with some kitchen facilities and a reasonable rate, we'll travel. Help gratefully appreciated!

A Philly transit strike is on track to begin Nov 1 2005. The SEPTA TWU union ("Philly is a UNION TOWN boast the local union leaders") in the past has gone on strike for extended periods. Many companies are now booking hotel rooms for their key employees in case the strike begins and continues. Also in the past Philly traffic has been a real mess during these strikes. For weather info anywhere check www.weather.com

Check www.philly.com or www.septa.org for updates. Good luck.

MisterNice