Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, welcome to All Things Philadelphia, your go to travel
guide for experiencing the City of brotherly Love like a
true insider. Whether you're planning your first visit or coming
back for more, we're here to help you make the
most of your Philly adventure. We'll talk about how to
get there, where to stay, and most importantly, what to
(00:20):
do once you arrive. From running the rocky steps to
exploring historic Old city, tasting the best cheese steaks, to
discovering hidden gems in every neighborhood, We've got it all museums, markets, murals,
and more. Philly's got something for everyone. So if you're
ready for a trip filled with rich history, bold flavor,
(00:43):
and unforgettable moments, you've come to the right place. This
is All Things Philadelphia. Let's get started, hey, everybody, and welcome,
Welcome back. We're going to head back up north a
little bit to Philadelphia, the city of otherly Love. It's
a you know, it's a late February, getting close to March,
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and I'm in Charleston, South Carolina, so it's it's hard
for me to even think about leaving right now because
it's starting to get a little warm outside. You're starting
to see a few buds on the trees. You know,
spring is getting ready to be sprung, and I'm ready
for that. And in Philadelphia probably a little bit further behind.
But you know what, I have been in the Philadelphia
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area and been amazed at how beautiful that place is.
I mean some of the areas just outside Philly, like
Bucks County, Doylestown, you know, places like that. You know,
you got the Delaware River right there, just some really
beautiful things. And in the summer, late spring and summer.
It's where my wife's from. So that's that's why the
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Southern boy knows Philadelphia pretty well. You know when I
when I travel, when I talk about traveling, I have
a tendency to really talk about the high end stuff,
and I for get that it wasn't that long ago,
you know, thirty something years ago that I was in
my twenties and I didn't have a nickel to rub together,
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but I still wanted to travel, always had that wonderlust
thing that we didn't call it then back you know,
back then, we didn't call it that. They probably would
thought to talking about something dirty back in the eighties.
But anyway, you know, I still found a way to
go places, and so did all my buds, all my friends,
and it's amazing that things we did with almost no money.
So today I want to change gears a little bit,
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and I want to talk about some accommodation options on
every budget, including almost no budget, because my friend I
have been there and I have found a way to
make it work. So you know, we've kind of mastered
how to get around Philadelphia. You know, with all the transportation,
you know some of the best places and best times
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to go. But let's talk about if you have some
you know, regardless of findancial restraints. Let's go from a
budget friendly hostiles like perfect for solo travels or backpackers,
to opulent luxury hotels offering unparalleled service and amenities. The
city caters to everyone. So so you know, that's kind
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of my thing these days. That's what I'd like to
pay attention to. But you know, sometimes you just need
a little swift kick in the butt to remember remember
the way things used to be, and that is still
wanting to travel and not having a huge budget to
work with. So for budget conscious traveler, hostels represent an
excellent choice Philadelphia. Both several well regarded hostels that provide
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a clean, safe, social atmosphere. These hostels often feature a
private rooms alongside dorm style accommodations, offering flexibility to suit
individual preferences. Many are centrally located, providing easy access to
major attractions and public transportation. Expect to pay anywhere from
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thirty to sixty dollars a night for a dorm bed
well a private room. You might range from seventy to
one hundred and twenty, which you know, back in my
day that would have not been doable. But of course
that was like you know, late eighties, early nineties when
I was doing that, so it's probably comparable now what
it was then, depending on the season, of course, in
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the hostel's specific amenities. Some hostels even offer additional perks
such as free Wi Fi, kitchen facilities and self catering
and organized social events, helping to enhance your overall experience
and potentially save money on meals and entertainment. Researching hostiles
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in advance and reading reviews will help you find one
that best matches your needs and your expectations and your budget.
Consider factors such as proximity to attractions, cleanliness, security measures,
and the overall ambiance before making a reservation. So, particularly
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with the hostels, go online and find some reviews and
do more than just one or two reviews, because the
first five might be five star, this place is amazing,
it's incredible, you know whatever. But once you get down
to like number twenty five or thirty or forty, make
sure everything's consistent. And then if you start seeing some
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two or three stars, pay attention and then see if
all of those two or three stars are consistently saying
the same thing, because if they are, there may be
issues it. Maybe you need to look at a different place,
or at the very least call the hostel itself, talk
to someone and kind of see what's going on, see
what they have to say. So still staying budget friendly here,
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but we're going to step up from the hostels and
we're going to go to some budget hotels and motels.
It offers some private and comfortable experiences at a real,
actively affordable price. Numerous budget friendly chains operate within the
city limits, providing clean, functional rooms with basic communities such
as Wi Fi TV. When these hotels are often located
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near major transportation hubs like the Interstate right, making it
easy to reach various destinations Prices typically range from eighty
to one hundred and fifty dollars per night, potentially increasing
during peak season or for rooms with extra features such
as king sized beds or many fridges. Booking at advance,
especially during popular tourist season, is crucial, so securing the
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best rates and availability. Websites that aggregate hotel prices allow
you to compare offers and find the best deals, ensuring
that you find a budget friendly option that doesn't compromise
on essential comforts and what you're really looking for. So,
you know, obviously like hotel dot Com, Expedia, you know,
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or if you're I'm a Hilton guy, so I just
go on the Hilton site and see what they got,
and if they don't have something that fits my budget,
you know, then I head over to the you know,
Kayak or whatever it might be to get some really
good comparisons. And you can also check out locations and
all the amenities. You can really compare all the hotels
side by side, and that's a great thing. You want
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to make sure that if you are a hotel loyalist
like I am, that you want to make sure you
get points or your points carryover. Sometimes you can do
that when you get to the hotel itself. So now
we step up to mid range hotels provide a comfortable
balance between price and quality. These hotels offer a wider
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array of amenities and services that budget than budget hotels,
including potentially upgraded rooms, on site restaurants, fitness centers, and
swimming pools. You might find options with more stylist decor
and comfortable furnishings, enhancing your overall experience. Expect to pay
between one hundred and fifty and three hundred dollars per
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night for a mid range hotel, with prices varying depending
on the hotel's specific amenities and location. Many mid range
hotels are situated in convenient locations, often near popular attractions
or within walking distance of public transportation, minimizing you travel
time and expenses. So you could save some money on
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you know, on transportation and some things like that. It
would allow you to upgrade to a mid range hotel
instead of a budget hotel. Something to think about. Reading
reviews like we talked about before and comparing amenities before
booking will help you identify the best hotel that suits
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your travel style and preferences within this price range. Okay,
so now we get to back where I started. For
those seeking a luxury, jurious, and indulgence day, Philadelphia offers
a collection of high end hotels that provide an exceptional
level of service and amenities. These hotels typically feature elegantly
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appointed rooms, world class restaurants, state of the art fitness centers, spas,
and concierge services. Locations are often prime and close to
significant landmarks or offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Expect to pay upward of three hundred dollars per night
for these luxurious accommodations, with prices potentially reaching several thousand
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dollars for suites and penthouses. And these luxury hotels cater
to discerning travelers who appreciate exceptional comfort, personalized service, and
a truly memorable hotel experience. While price is a major factor,
it's important to consider the hotel's unique selling points, location,
and amenities and making a decision. Does offer a rooftop
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bar with stunting views, because if it does, I'm going
to take it a little bit more seriously. A highly
acclaimed restaurant, access to privileged lounge or exclusive experiences. These
additional factors could justify the higher price tag. Yeah, they could.
Of course, you got to have it in the first place, right,
(10:21):
So that's when we're heading back to the hostel and
the budget hotels, and then you can come hang out
in the lobby of one of these guys. You know,
you never know what will happen there. Beyond traditional hotels,
Philadelphia offers a range of alternative accommodation options. Vacation rentals,
such as apartment houses or houses, offer a more homelike
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experience and can be excellent option for families or groups
of friends traveling together. These rentals often provide fully equipped kitchens,
living areas, multiple bedroom offering greater space and flexibility than
hotel rooms. The costs can vary considering you know, it
just depends on the size and location of the property. However,
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we can often work out more cost effective for large groups.
Websites specialize in a vacation rentals provide a wide selection
of properties, allowing you to compare prices and amenities before.
You know, like vrbo airbnb, And you noticed I said
vrbo because that's the way you say it. I don't
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care what they say on their commercials. That is the
most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. And I'm very disappointed
in Nick Saban for saying that fake word. And I'll
tell them that to his faith too. That's right. I'm
a Clemson guy. We beat him once, we beat him twice.
I think you'll get the idea. And those are for
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national championships. Another alternative is boutique hotels. These smaller, independent
hotels often offer a unique and personalized experience with a
focus on style, design, and local character. They may feature
curated to local artwork and a distinctive atmosphere. While they
might fall within the mid range to luxury price brackets,
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their individuality and personalized, personalized service are worth considering for
those seeking a more memorable and intimate stay. Look for
those that emphasize local partnerships, highlighting local artists or businesses
to further enhance the sense of places. So, in conclusion,
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finding the perfect accommodation in Philadelphia is achievable with some
thorough research and a consideration of your budget and preferences.
From budget fill hostels to luxury hotels and unique alternative options,
there is a wide range to choose from remember to
book in advance, particularly during peak seasons, and secure to
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secure the best rates and availability. Be careful evaluating various
options so you can ensure accommodations can complement your overall
Philadelphia venture, contributing to the memorable and enriching experience. Take
the time to explore your options, read reviews, and compare
prices to find the accommodation the best suits your needs
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and budget. Excuse me, remember that your choice of accommodations
can significantly impact the overall quality and enjoyment of your trip,
so don't rush this crucial decision. By selecting the right lodging,
you can establish a comfortable base from from which to
explore all the Philadelphia has to offer. Now that your
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accommodation is secured and it should be go there and
get that thing done. You're ready to embark on your
Philadelphia adventure. So that's what it's all about, right getting
up there and having a great adventure. And I hope
that's what happens. But my advice to you is spring
times coming. Don't wait too long to make those reservations
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for late spring and early summer, because that's going to
be a great time to be in Philadelphia. And listen,
a lot of great things happen in this country right now.
So Philadelphia is one of the birthplaces a lot of history.
There be a great time to go visit and just
kind of regroup and recharge all about being American again.
So anyway, God bless and until I see you next time.