Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia (York, Columbia: where to stay, 2013, renting) - Pennsylvania (PA) - City-Data Forum

marcth · 09-10-2011, 08:55 PM

I had posted questions about the area in another post, but I have more questions.
It looks like the Hilton and Sheraton are the closest hotels.Looking on a map,
they don't look like they are within walking distance. As I'm staying for maybe a few days, and only one of the days(possibly more) will be visiting the hospital. I was wondering if staying in the downtown, or another area, and getting a cab to the hospital would be a possibility. I thought that there would be more going on and nearer to attractions. Correct me if I'm wrong. Or would staying in University City be a nicer area to stay and explore. Then take a cab, or public transportation, to downtown and other attractions. Thanks for all your responses.

Clark Park · 09-10-2011, 09:25 PM

They are a walking distance to Children's Hospital. I live right in the neighborhood and I know.

Although they are not right across the street from the hospital the Sheraton is at 35th and Chestnut and the Hilton ("The Inn At Penn") is at 36th and Sansom. We are talking about a 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 block walk. The stroll should take about 15 minutes and it's less than a half mile.

The Inn at Penn is definitely the more elegant and upscale of the two. The Sheraton was built was built in the 70's or early '80s and looking a little worn around the edges, although a room on a higher floor might have a gorgeous skyline view.

You may choose to stay in Center City (we don't say "downtown" here in Philly), and you can stay at the really luxurious Four Seasons, right on the Parkway and the Swan Fountain. Be warned that taxis in Philly are very expensive, some say even more expensive than New York City.

bryson662001 · 09-11-2011, 07:44 AM

"Walking distance" is different for each person. Only you know how far you can walk. It is a pleasent enough walk if you are physically able. As to where to stay, will you be spending more time at the hospital or sightseeing? While I disagree that Philly cabs are that expensive, anyone on the street will tell you how to get a bus between the hospital and Center City. Philly hotels can be expensive because occupancy rates are high but if you shop hard you can get a bargain usually. You obviously don't need to be at the Four Seasons but if you are that rich I recommend The Rittenhouse Hotel LOL because it is close to Walnut St where you get the 42 bus to CHOP. If you do use a bus you will travel to the hospital on Walnut St and come back to CC on Chestnut St. Go to www.septa.org then "getting around" then "maps" and pull up the Center City map. CHOP is on the southern edge of Univercity City on the far left side of the map.

marcth · 09-11-2011, 11:38 AM

If I were to stay in university city at the Hilton or Sheraton, are there places to eat within walking distances. Are there places of interest in the area. I am on a budget. Not really into museums. Is the center city where there are most thinks to see. Is it safe walking around day/night in the center city. Basically however long my visit to hospital is will determine how many days of free time I will have. I don't think it will be more than two days, so it would give me maybe 2 or 3 days to sightsee. A tour of the city by bus or trolley is probably something I would like to do. Also a read about a ferry, don't know if that is a good thing to do. I will be here in October so I guess the weather will determine which things to do, and if certain tours are still in operation. I would appreciate any feedback on choice of hotel, university city area and things to do.

FindingZen · 09-11-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcth

If I were to stay in university city at the Hilton or Sheraton, are there places to eat within walking distances. Are there places of interest in the area. I am on a budget. Not really into museums. Is the center city where there are most thinks to see. Is it safe walking around day/night in the center city. Basically however long my visit to hospital is will determine how many days of free time I will have. I don't think it will be more than two days, so it would give me maybe 2 or 3 days to sightsee. A tour of the city by bus or trolley is probably something I would like to do. Also a read about a ferry, don't know if that is a good thing to do. I will be here in October so I guess the weather will determine which things to do, and if certain tours are still in operation. I would appreciate any feedback on choice of hotel, university city area and things to do.

Plenty of places to eat along Chestnut and Walnut Streets. (The Sheraton is on Chestnut; the Inn at Penn is on Sansom St. between Chestnut and Walnut.) Sit-down restaurants are generally a better value in University than comparables in Center City. As I may have suggested in your other thread, 40th Street between Chestnut and Locust is the nexus of activity in the area. That corridor also borders the Penn campus which itself can be pleasant to stroll through.

Sightseeing should be more interesting over in Center City. Hanging out in the park at Rittenhouse Square can make for interesting people-watching. Let us know what types of things you (would) like to do.