Philadelphia Freedom

What a wonderful hotel. Upon arrival we were amazed at how this gem stands out on the sidewalk! The location is convenient to shops and dining and the Convention Center. We had registered using a discount travel site and saved quite a bit from their average $160 per night room rate. Be prepared though if you have a car for a daily parking rate of around $25. This hotel gives a first impression of wealth and luxury. The hotel contains a restaurant the "Elephant and Castle." We did not eat there but it looked very reminiscent of a pub, and always packed, so I assume they must have something good. Upon check in the staff was very courteous and friendly and helped us through check-in and got us all settled in. The room was very nice with tones of rich gold and browns, very elegant to say the least. We had a corner room, which was more long and narrow but still had adequate room for my husband and myself. The beds were firm with pretty typical firm starched sheets but comfortable all of the same.

 The bathroom was very nice, with a large marble shower area and lots of amenities on the sink, including some soaps, shaving creams and a sleeping mask. They also supplied a robe for both my husband and myself. It was very centrally located to everything directly across the street from the inner city subway lines. and close enough to pretty much everywhere within downtown Philly. Being a native, this hotel would come with my highest recommendations to anyone. It was a great value and really was located to show anyone what the city of Philadelphia is really all about!

An area that is a must to see is the wonderful nightlife of Philadelphia. South Street is located just out of center city, close to Penns Landing and the Delaware River. South Street is a culmination of many bars, restaurants, shops, and vendors. One can expect to find pizza, coffee, strudels, taste fine wine, or eat a variety of different ethnic foods.

 

While the Street shops are open most of the day it is when darkness falls that the streets light up with colorful acts and interesting people. I would advise that any traveler intending to visit Philadelphia take in a walk down the road. But please be forewarned that South Street is intended for adults. I remember my first time down South Street I was around 13 years old; I would not advise anyone to take children down the street at night. It would be best described as a 2 mile stretch or road dotted in oddities and frequented by a varied range of people. It is free to take in the sights on South Street, although you may have to pay for parking in some of the adjacent lots. It is most active on Thursday through Saturday nights. Most shops stay open until around 2am. Take in a drink or maybe an ice-cream, or possibly dance the night away in one of the small club venues along the street, what ever you do you will be sure to have a good time.

Penns Landing is a stretch of land that borders the Delaware River just outside of Center City. The strip is about 10 miles long and it is historically known for being the first part of land that the city's founder first touched when arriving at his new city. Over the years Penn's Landing has grown thanks partly to tourism and commerce, and has become a host to a large majority of Philadelphia's recreational activities. To take a walk down the Landing is absolutely free, you may do as much or as little as you like while you are there.

While at the Landing, depending on the season and scheduled events, any number of things can be going on. There are numerous kids festivals, concerts, fundraisers and benefits put on throughout the year. Including a huge fireworks spectacular put on during the 4th of July that cannot be missed. A schedule of events can be viewed online at www.pennslandingcorp.com, to check out the latest events. Whether you are staying for a day or for a few, there are so many things to do at the landing. You can take a short boat trip down the Delaware, check out the Seaport Museum, take in the sights of the Ben Franklin Bridge, our take a tour of any of the numerous ships that often home in the Penn's Landing dock. The landing also stands as the gateway to New Jersey, for a small fare you can hop on a ferry boat and take a short jaunt to the other side and see the sights in Camden, New Jersey, attractions include seeing the aquarium or listening to a concert at their music center. What ever you choose to do you are sure to have a great day in sunny Philadelphia!