If you stay near Convention Center go to Redding Terminal at least. Great spot.

Don’t stay in a suburb. Commute time a waste unless you like to explore neighborhoods and get something right on a commuter line. Enjoy the city, and eat well!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We used to always stay right on the Ben Franklin Pkwy at the Embassy Suites--was right on the purple bus line and walkable to many things, plus a two room hotel room.

This is where we stayed last spring, although in the Sheraton. It was a great location for the Franklin Institute, which was our main destination. We also walked past the Love statue, through City Hall to Reading Terminal Market. This was all during the day. We didn't go out at night (young kids).

PP again. We went to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall as well. Planning to take a bus but ended up just walking.

Anonymous wrote:We used to always stay right on the Ben Franklin Pkwy at the Embassy Suites--was right on the purple bus line and walkable to many things, plus a two room hotel room.

This is where we stayed last spring, although in the Sheraton. It was a great location for the Franklin Institute, which was our main destination. We also walked past the Love statue, through City Hall to Reading Terminal Market. This was all during the day. We didn't go out at night (young kids).

We used to always stay right on the Ben Franklin Pkwy at the Embassy Suites--was right on the purple bus line and walkable to many things, plus a two room hotel room.

Stay in Rittenhouse Square, which is in the western part of Center City. The Rittenhouse Hotel on the park is lovely (though $$$). If you don’t want to spend that much, then the Westin, the Sofitel, and the Warwick are also in that neighborhood. At minimum I would stay west of Broad Street, at least in Center City. Old City is also fine, but Rittenhouse is prettier and more fun IMO.

I agree the Convention Center area is a little sketchy and I would not recommend staying there. I wouldn’t call it unsafe, but it is definitely grittier than the area west of Broad Street. FWIW, I lived in Philly for several years (lived in Rittenhouse) and the only time I had an experience that made me feel uneasy was around there. That said, definitely stop by Reading Terminal Market at some point during the day. It’s so much fun!

Center City in the Rittenhouse area is a nice place to stay. There’s nothing wrong with the convention center area and it’s right by Chinatown (if you like Chinese food you’ve got several good options there). It’s an easier walk to Independence Hall and I think it’s totally safe. I lived there for awhile and never felt uncomfortable. And you’d be walking down Market Street to IH so plenty of people around. That said, I just think Rittenhouse is nicer and has better bars and restaurants snd maybe what you’re looking for in a getaway so I’d stay there and Uber to IH if you think the walk is too long.

Anonymous wrote:also looking for suggestions of places to stay in Philly or nearby. Would you stay in the city or further out? Concerned about safety. This is with 2 tweens.

I would stay in center city, west and south of city hall. Have a great time!

also looking for suggestions of places to stay in Philly or nearby. Would you stay in the city or further out? Concerned about safety. This is with 2 tweens.

I have stayed in Ritter house square and by convention center. Convention area felt unsafe at night. Daytime felt fine.

Rotten house has a lot of homeless last time I went.

I once stayed at the Westin and felt safe parking there.

Thanks! Will check out the crime map.

Anonymous wrote:What is city center? I live in Philly and have never heard that. Do you mean Center City?

Either is OK, the area around the convention center can be a little dodgy the same way it is in DC.

i agree with this. i'd go with whichever hotel has better reviews. During the day the area is fine, just a little gritty. there will be plenty of tourists at reading terminal market and independence hall (and the convention center if there's a convention.)

the city has a crime map if that helps you make your choice, center city has very little gun violence although when it happens it makes front page news:
https://controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-audits/mapping-gun-violence/#/?year=2021&map=14.00%2F39.94933%2F-75.16527

Convention center events list:
https://www.paconvention.com/events

What is city center? I live in Philly and have never heard that. Do you mean Center City?

Either is OK, the area around the convention center can be a little dodgy the same way it is in DC.

Is the center city one near rittenhouse square? i.e. is it on the rittenhouse side of city hall?

Using hotel voucher, so options are limited to a particular hotel group . Narrowed down to Convention Center area (next to Reading Terminal Market) or City Center. How are the surrounding neighborhoods? Safe to walk from each to Independence Hall?