Try the Doubletree on Broad. Crappy parking garage but good location.

We used Hotwire and got a nice downtown hotel a few months ago for about $90. You'll be fine with any of the 4 Hotwire neighborhoods downtown (Center City East, CC West, Rittenhouse, Old City). If Hotwire's too much, you can try Priceline and bit 10-20% lower than Hotwire.

The Alexander Inn is pretty family friendly if you want small and inexpensive. Lovely owners.

OP here.Thanks for the replies. I neglected to mention we are really trying to keep costs down. Priceline works in terms of dollars but as we do not know the city, I am leery of using it and getting stuck in the wrong place.

Are there any family-friendly boutique-type hotels downtown?

Grew up 20 minutes from philly. Rittenhouse is where you want to be. Sofitel & radisson Warwick are good.

We like the Radisson Warwick just off Rittenhouse Square.

Along the same lines as the Courtyard, there is a Residence Inn and a Marriott right there, too. All would be convenient for the historic sites. I haven't stayed in any of them so can't recommend based on personal experience.

Sometimes you can get better deals at hotels that cater to business travelers, so I wouldn't rule out nicer hotels. Try calling them'checking websites for deals. I've liked the Ritz (in an old bank building next to City Hall), Loews, and Omni Society Hill. As a PP recommended, The Four Seasons is really nice, but not quite as convenient to sites and less likely to have deals.

I wouldn't stay in University City, and I saw this as a Philadelphia native.

I was just there for work and, yes, the prices were crazy. I was surprised by how much they were. I went with the Ritz Carlton (not the cheapest) and I would definitely recommend it.

we have stayed a couple times in the EMbassy Suites. The Phlash bus stop is close by to get to tourist sites.

Four Seasons

You could also try the Sheraton University City which might be cheaper but you'd have to cab/train/trolley to most places.

I like the Courtyard Marriott right next to City Hall. Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown are right there. Plus not far from the Love statue, Ben Franklin Pkwy, etc.

You can cab around easily for the sights that are not within walking.

Priceline

Sofitel

Our family will go by train to see the historic sites and probably just stay one night. A quick search tells me hotel prices are crazy, but maybe someone has a suggestion? Must be in the city as we will not have a car. Thanks!