Holiday Inn Historic District or Courtyard Marriott?

Hello,

I have narrowed my search for hotels down to either the Holiday Inn Historic District (400 Arch St) or the Courtyard Marriott Downtown. It seems as though both were recently renovated. Both seem to have favorable reviews (although the Courtyard has a higher rating on TA), so I am wondering what the main pros and cons of each are. I am able to get a corporate rate for the Holiday Inn, which makes it about $60 cheaper than the Courtyard Marriott. Which would you choose??

Holiday Inn Historic District or Courtyard Marriott?

Since I haven%26#39;t stayed in either property, I can only address the issue of location. If you plan to spend most of your time in the historic district, the Holiday Inn would be more convenient. It%26#39;s also closer to Old City restaurants and nightlife.

Courtyard is closer to the convention center, Reading Terminal Market, and Chinatown. Because its location is more business oriented, the area tends to feel more deserted at night.

All that being said, I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;d be displeased with either choice in the end.

Holiday Inn Historic District or Courtyard Marriott?

My family and I stayed at the Holiday Inn Historic District from 7/1-3. The rooms are clean but not that updated - decor-wise. The bathrooms are small. Those are the cons. The pros - you are within walking distance to the main historic sites. We didn%26#39;t drive during our stay there. The farthest we walked was to Reading Terminal. I wasn%26#39;t too crazy about that part of town. The staff at the Holiday Inn was very helpful and friendly. It was nice to see smiling faces in a big city!

Thanks for the insight. I actually ended up booking the Courtyard Marriott. My next question is, what is the best way to get here from the 30th St Amtrak station. I am taking a bus from NYC and it drops off there. It looks like there is a subway that goes across town - is that the best bet? I am used to taking the subway in new york, so that would be my first guess other than taxi. What about walking? It seems far to walk.

Just wanted to say I think you%26#39;ll really like the Courtyard. I%26#39;ve stayed there a number of times and have never been disappointed - it%26#39;s actually the nicest Courtyard I%26#39;ve ever been to - it is located in a former City Hall Annex. The rooms are nice and many boast views of City Hall. There is also a small but nice indoor pool and hot tub. The location is very central - right around the corner from the Reading Terminal Market (If you go for breakfast, the Dutch Eating Place has fantastic blueberry pancakes and is really inexpensive.) Great for lunch as well.

Insofar as your question as to how to get across town, I will leave that to one of the other experts, they know I am useless when it comes to such information (I%26#39;d hop a taxi, but that%26#39;s the only way I know how to get around in the city, other than walk!)

Enjoy your time in Philly --

Suzanne

You can indeed take the subway to 30th Street Station. Take the Market-Frankford (Blue) line from 13th %26amp; Market (about 1 block from your hotel) westbound (towrds 69th Street) to 30th Street (that would be the 2nd stop, about a three minute ride).

When you get off the train, walk up the steps, and head back in the direction you just came from, and stay to the left. This will take you to the stairway (and elevator) that is closest to the 30th Street Station entrance. Once you are on the surface, 30th Street Station will be right in front of you across the street.

The fare is $2.00 exact change only (paper money is okay).