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	The Rocky Statue at the Museum of Art1

The "City of Brotherly Love" is the fifth largest city in the United States and is the largest city in Pennsylvania. It has an incredibly rich history and a population of 5.8 million. During the 18th century, Philadelphia was the largest city in the country, the national capitol of the United States and the birthplace of democracy, the American Revolution and the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Today it is a hotbed of culture, history, technology and art.

Europeans began arriving in the Delaware Valley during the early 1600s. In 1681, William Penn developed the Pennsylvania colony and decided to build a settlement on the banks of the Delaware River that would act as a port and a seat for the colonial government. Philadelphia then became a meeting place for the First and the Second Continental Congress that would see the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution. The city was even captured briefly by the British during the war, but English forces had to retreat and abandon the city in order to reinforce New York, which was threatened by French naval power.

Today, Philadelphia has plenty to offer visitors looking to learn about the area's past and present. It is home to Congress Hall, where congress conducted their sessions from 1790 to 1800. Other historical venues include the Eastern State Penitentiary, the Independence National Historic Park and the Franklin Institute Science Museum, which is dedicated to the works of Philly's own Benjamin Franklin.

USEFUL ACCOMMODATION LINKS

• Accommodations Directory—This is a complete Philadelphia accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.
• Secure Room Reservations—Check for Philadelphia room availability and then make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this convenient link.
• Maps—The Philadelphia map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

ORIENTATION AND CLIMATE

A Peaceful Day on the Delaware River2

Situated between New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia's southeast is located directly on the border with Jersey. When driving to the southwest, Pennsylvania gives way to Delaware.

Philly is arranged into four quadrants with a predominant downtown core located in the south-central portion of the metropolis along the banks of the Delaware River. Two major areas extend to the northeast and the northwest and a single area lays south of the city's center. Spanning the entire city from south to northwest is Fairmount Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the world.

Philly is humid and subtropical, meaning it experiences hot summers and frosty winters. During the summer, it's best to wear light clothing and sunscreen as tepid mugginess and blaring sunshine prevails. Average highs are usually around 87ºF (31ºC). Springs and fall are moderate seasons in Philadelphia. On warmer days, a t-shirt is more than sufficient. However, sweaters and light jackets must be worn in case of cooler weather. Winters are marked by snow, wind and freezing temperatures. Average lows rest around 24ºF (-4ºC). Heavy coats, gloves or mitts, hats and warm footwear must be donned to prevent serious chills. Due to the area's humidity, fabrics like wool or polypropylene, which whisk moisture away from the skin, are essential in maintaining warmth and dryness. Precipitation is spread evenly throughout the year and each month sees an average of ten days of rain or snow. During the winter, icy road conditions are prevalent and caution should be exercised when using roadways.

ACCESS AND TRANSPORTATION

The Philadelphia International Airport is only moments from the city. The airport is serviced by taxis that charge a nominal flat rate from the airport to the downtown core. There is also a railway serviced by Amtrak right at the airport. The city core can be reached in 20 minutes when riding the rails. Inbound trains from New York and Washington arrive and depart every hour as Philly is a major hub on Amtrak's north corridor passage. Philly also has a massive public transit system with buses that span the city from its inner depths to its outlying edges.

Philadelphia is accessed by major Interstate Highways 95, 76 and 676. Highway 95 winds through the eastern portion of the city and bends south along the coast to Florida and north to Maine. However, driving to or renting a car in Philadelphia can create an array of problems. Traffic is constantly congested and getting around can be somewhat of a pain. Being such a large city with a dense population, legal street parking is virtually impossible to find downtown or near attractions. Private parking is available, but carries a hefty price tag with it. Philly can also be accessed by Greyhound, who maintain a large depot in the inner city. Riverlink offers transportation to Camden, New Jersey by ferry from April to September.

MAJOR ACCOMMODATION DISTRICTS

Center City/Old City

	Downtown Philadelphia3

The south-central quadrant of the city makes up the downtown core. It is one of the most densely populated business districts in the entire country, and holds many of Philly's main attractions. Accordingly, it has accommodations galore. Old City contains the Independence National Historical Park. Within the park, there are dozens of notable sights like the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Independence Visitor Center and the National Constitution Center.

Most of the accommodations around Independence Park can be found at the point where Interstate 95 intersects with Interstate 676. The Comfort Inn Downtown offers modest lodgings at reasonable rates. They provide close access to Philly's historic epicenter and outdoor parking for guests. For a stay in a more luxurious setting, many visitors opt to drop their bags at the Hyatt Regency Penn's Landing. The Hyatt's towers provide delicious views of the Philadelphia skyline. It is also extremely close to Dock Street with its boisterous nightlife and superb daily shopping. Other finer stays near the historic old city include the Omni Hotel at Independence Park and the Sheraton Society Hill.

Independence Hall and Birth of a Nation4

A few blocks to the west is Center City and Philadelphia's bustling commercial mecca. Dozens of upscale restaurants, shops, lounges and nightclubs can be found here. Rittenhouse Square is the centerpiece of the area. The park sees a fair amount of action with concerts and festivals taking place during the summer months. The University of the Arts and the Moore College of Arts & Design are also located in the area.

Accommodation options here are virtually endless. For upscale lodgings, the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia provides 30 floors of decadence. The hotel was built in 1908 and still maintains an early 20th century aura. The Rittenhouse Hotel is another of the area's more popular hotels. Here, they treat their patrons like kings. Posh Vicotrian-style décor, views of the Philadelphia skyline and a reputation as one of the best hotels in the country make this an excellent option when deciding where to stay.

Near the Airport
There are a plethora of hotel and motel options near the airport too, many of which are less expensive than stays in the downtown core. The airport is just southwest of the FD Roosevelt Golf Course and Center City. The Quality Inn, located within a mile (1.6 km) from the airport, provides guests with coffee, cable television and modest rates. Alternatively, one could choose to stay in the Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel. Laundry service is offered here from Monday to Friday. The Ramada provides more contemporary lodgings near the airport and offers a free shuttle service.

OTHER AREAS WORTH CHECKING OUT

South Philly
Just south of Philly's downtown, visitors will discover a collection of neighborhoods that relish in their widely Italian roots. South of 9th and Christian streets in the neighborhood of Bella Vista, is the Italian Market. Here, European-style artisans tout cheap wares, produces, spices and food ranging from traditional Italian to spicy Mexican cuisine. Citizens Bank Park, home to the bat-swinging Philadelphia Phillies, is located here also. The Holiday Inn provides quality economy accommodations right by the stadium for those selecting South Philly as their main destination.

West Philly

	Panoramic West Philly5

West Philly is large. It includes three different universities, new developments and wide streets. The Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo in the United States, is located here in Fairmount Park along with Centennial Arboretum. If one is looking to stay in West Philly, a bed and breakfast would be a good choice because they are a little more personal. But visitors might also consider trying the Howard Johnson Springfield, which offers disabled access, microwaves and laundry facilities. For larger parties, the Gregg Conference Center boasts plenty of rooms and offers free broadband and a fitness center.

HOSTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Backpackers unite in downtown Philly at the Bank Street Hostel. With 70 beds in dormitory-style lodgings available throughout the year, the hostel provides great rates on stays. It is close to dining of all sorts, as well as downtown Philly's nightlife and is right beside Independence Park. In a wooded area in West Philly's Fairmount Park is the Chamounix Mansion. A games room, laundry facilities and a public kitchen make this a popular option for students or temporary guests of one of the neighboring universities. There is also the Divine Tracy Hotel, offering hostel-type stays.

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PHOTO COURTESY

1. c/o Wikipedia Commons; The Rocky Statue at the Museum of Art; Philadelphia, PA.
2. A Peaceful Day on the Delaware River; Philadelphia, PA.
3. Philly's Downtown Stretches Toward the Skies; Philadelphia, PA.
4. Dan Smith; c/o Wikipedia Commons; Independence Hall; Philadelphia, PA.
5. c/o Wikipedia Commons; A View From West Philly; Description; Philadelphia, PA.