Which hotel is nicest but to convenient to convention/shops

Will be in Philly early October for convention and was able to book two reservations, one at Marriott Courtyard and another at Raddison Warkwick Plaza. My co-worker and I are debating which is the better by hotel reviews. Would appreciate if experienced travelers would share your opinion. Looking for convenience to convention center, but would also like a nice area, ambiance and close to shopping, malls, etc. Also, the Doubltree was an option we did not select , but it appeared to have very high reviews.

Which hotel is nicest but to convenient to convention/shops

Well for Convention center access, you can%26#39;t beat the Courtyard, its right there. The only hotel with better access is the main Marriott, which is physically connected. It%26#39;s a standard Courtyard, if you have stayed at one before you will know what you are getting. I%26#39;d also say it has the best options for easy dining, being right next to the Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown and a short (5-10) min walk to Rittenhouse square or Old City. Nothing special about the area.

The Radisson is in a slightly more attractive area (Rittenhouse Square), but is about a 10 min walk to the convention center. Plenty of dining nearby as well, or you can eat near the Conv Center before heading back. It%26#39;s a little bit nicer than the courtyard room wise.

The Doubletree is also about a 10 min walk away. Not as nice an area (not bad, just not attractive). Probably closest to the Walnut Street shopping area.

There are no really nice Malls anywhere near there. There is the Gallery but honestly, its become pretty run down in my opinion. Lots of nice stores on Walnut and quite a few on Chestnut as well.

Given your three options, I%26#39;d take the courtyard. In the event of rain or something you don%26#39;t need to go far to get to the event or food, and the rooms are decent if not special.

Which hotel is nicest but to convenient to convention/shops

I really like the downtown Courtyard. It is not a typical Courtyard - it%26#39;s in a beautiful building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The rooms are nice and large. There is a nice indoor pool and hot tub. Plenty of restaurants in the area and very close to the convention center.

I had a friend who recently stayed at the Radisson Warwick and it was just renovated and very nice as well. I have not stayed there myself, but recent reviews look rather favorable.

I have also stayed at the Doubletree...and although it is a fairly nice hotel, I%26#39;d definitely choose the Courtyard above it.

Hope this helps, let us know if you have additional questions.

Suzanne

I definitely agree with Suzanne ~ I was so suprised when I walked in one of those rooms. Not the typical Courtyard. Also is very close to the Convention Center and not too far from shopping on Walnut %26amp; Chesnut Sts.

Loonbeam -

You must be a sprinter. ; ) It%26#39;s 3/4 mile from Marriott Courtyard to either Old City or Rittenhouse Square. I think at typical tourist pace those are 20 minute walks, especially if one encounters red lights.

Lynn

I did the FI to the parking garage at the Marriott in 20 mins, so I guess I walk fast ;)

I%26#39;ve stayed at the courtayrd, was not as impressed as some of you (but WAS very happy with it. I wonder if some rooms are the basic model (only stayed once for one night)

Thank you for you comments. We are arriving this Thursday and have decided to try the Courtyard. Will let you know our impression and how are stay turns out.

Another question: Does anyone know if the Philadelphia airport has a mobile phone service. We would like to purchase a prepaid SIM card to use with our mobile phones during our stay in Philadelphia.

There are mobile shops in the airport, but I%26#39;d wait till you get into the city, they tend to be pricey (unless you need it immediately). Also, unlike most overseas countries, pre-paid sim cards are not easy to find. 99% of phones in the US are sold locked. You may end up having to get a pay as you go phone.