Truly A Beautiful Place to Visit

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey y'all, and welcome to All Things Philadelphia, your go
to visitor's guide to the city of Brotherly Love. Whether
it's your first trip or your tenth, We're here to
help you discover the coolest things to do, see, and
experience in Philly, from historic landmarks like the Liberty Bell
and Independence Hall, to mouth watering cheese steaks and vibrant

(00:22):
neighborhoods and hidden gems you won't find in the guide books.
This podcast is your inside scoop on making the most
of your time in one of America's most iconic cities.
Have been in the Philadelphia 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,

(00:45):
places like that. You know, you got the Delaware River
right there. There's some really beautiful things. And in the summer,
late spring and summer. It's where my wife's from. So
that's why the Southern boy knows Philadelphia pretty well. When
I travel. When I talk about traveling, I have a
tendency to really talk about the high end stuff, and

(01:08):
I forget 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, but
I still wanted to travel, always had that wonderlust thing
that we didn't call it then. Back back then, we
didn't call it that. They probably thought you talking about
something dirty back in the eighties. But anyway, you know,

(01:30):
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, and I
want to talk about some accommodation options on every budget,
including almost no budget, because my friend I have been

(01:51):
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 and you know,
some of the best places and best times to go.
But let's talk about if you have some you know,
regardless of financial restraints. Let's go from a budget friendly

(02:11):
hostels like perfect for solo travels or backpackers, to opulent
luxury hotels offering unparalleled service and amenities the city caters
to everyone said, So you know, that's kind 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

(02:32):
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 a clean, safe,
social atmosphere. These hostels offer often feature a private rooms

(02:56):
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 thirty to
sixty dollars a night for a dorm bed well a
private room you might range from seventy to one hundred

(03:18):
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 the hostel's Pacific amenities,
some hostels even offer additional perks such as free Wi Fi,

(03:41):
kitchen facilities and self catering and organized social events, helping
to enhance your overall experience and potentially save money on
meals and entertainment. Researching hostels in advance and reading reviews
will help you find one that best matches your needs
and your expectation and your budget. Consider factors such as

(04:03):
proximity to attractions, cleanliness, security measures, and the overall ambiance
before making a reservation. So, particularly with the hostels, go
online and find some reviews and do more than just
one or two reviews, because the first five might be

(04:25):
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 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

(04:45):
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, 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

(05:06):
and comfortable experiences at a relatively 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 near major transportation hubs like
the Interstate right, making it easy to reach various destinations.

(05:29):
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 best rates and availability. Websites

(05:53):
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, or if you're I'm a

(06:13):
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 to make sure that if

(06:34):
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

(06:54):
hotels offer a wider array of amenities and services that
budget hot then budget hotel, including potentially upgraded rooms, on
site restaurants, fitness centers, and swimming pools. You might find
options with more stylish decor and comfortable furnishings, enhancing your
overall experience. Expect to pay between one hundred and fifty

(07:15):
and three hundred dollars per 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

(07:36):
some money on 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

(07:58):
hotel that suits your travel style and references within this
price range. Okay, so now we get to back where
I started. For those seeking a luxury, luxurious, and indulgence day,
Philadelphia offers a collection of high end hotels that provide
an exceptional level of service and amenities. These hotels typically

(08:19):
feature elegantly 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

(08:43):
potentially reaching several thousand 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. Price is
a major factor. It's important to consider the hotel's unique

(09:04):
selling points, location and amenities and making a decision. Does
it offer a rooftop 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

(09:24):
price tag. Yeah, they could. Of course, you got to
have it in the first place, right, 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

(09:47):
houses or houses, offer a more homelike 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

(10:08):
the size and location of the property. However, we can
often work out more cost effective for large groups websites
specialized 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

(10:32):
that's the way you say it. I don't 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 them once, we beat them twice. I think

(10:52):
you'll get the idea. And those are for 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 the core, local artwork,
and a distinctive atmosphere. While they might fall within the

(11:13):
mid range to luxury price brackets, 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

(11:34):
of places. So In conclusion, finding the perfect accommodation in
Philadelphia is achievable with some thorough research and a consideration
of your budget and preferences. From budget friendly hostels to
luxury hotels and unique alternative options, there is a wide
range to choose from. Remember to book in advance, particularly

(11:55):
during peak seasons, and secure to secure the best rates availability.
Be careful evaluating various options so you can ensure accommodations
can complement your overall Philadelphia adventure, contributing to the memorable
and enriching experience. Take the time to explore your options,
read reviews, and compare prices to find the accommodation the

(12:20):
best suits your needs 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

(12:40):
to offer. Now that your 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

(13:01):
long to make those reservations 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

(13:25):
bless and until I see you next time,