Are there any cheap motels in/near Philadelphia?

Hotel/Motels in philadelphia?

• I need to find a cheap place to stay (as cheap as possible) in philadelphia, PA in downtown philadelphia. Does anyone know of a good place. I really would like it to be under $100 a night and within walking distance of the pennsylvania convention center. I've searched alot but have found nothing. If you know of one, please give me their web page or phone #. Thanks for your help.

• Answer:

  If you can get a deal at the downtown Courtyard or Garden Inn, then book it. Even if it's slightly over $100, the difference may be worth it in terms of comfort and safety. The Travelodge (on Race St) is a step down-- very small and bare bones. However, it's practically across the street from the Convention Center and you're more likely there than anywhere else to get a room for under $100. If it costs more than that, you're going to feel ripped-off, so just go with one of the higher-priced hotels where you get more amenities. There is also the Rodeway Inn (Walnut St). It's about 4 blocks away from the Convention Center, but I've heard horror stories about that place. So, proceed with caution. Again, if it's more than $100, it's definitely not worth it. Consider reading online customer reviews (yahoo, tripadvisor, travelguide) The sites are objective and the reviewers are brutally honest. What customers say about a particular hotel may help you make a more informed decision. The cheapest rates I've gotten for the nicest hotels were through Priceline.com. With Priceline, you give your preferences, you pick your price, but they pick the hotel. You're charged immediately-- no cancellations or refunds. And you don't know which hotel you're staying at until AFTER the charges have applied. It's a little nerve racking. But on a limited travel budget, I've used Priceline a few times and was not disappointed. I once stayed at a Marriott Courtyard for only $60 a night! Sweet deal. Two long-shot options if you're really strapped for cash: You may also try some of the larger universities and see if there is a "Conference Housing" department that rents out dorm rooms during the summer. Once a year, a group of us plan a summer weekend trip to do community service. Most of the time we stay at a local college b/c it's so much cheaper than hotels. The cons: "no frills"-- no room service, bathrooms & showers are "community-style", sometimes no a/c or towels. But we've been able to stay at some college dorms for a little as $25/night. In Philly, Univ. of the Arts and Thomas Jefferson Univ are downtown. UPenn and Temple are easily accessible via public transit (SEPTA). You may also try an online search for hostels. I would assume that Philly may a few hostels, but I don't know of any to suggest or where thery're located. Hostels are usually run by a religious organization and are designed for the economy traveler who's just passing through a city. But again, do your research b/c they have their downsides, too. It may be worth calling a religious organization in your area to ask. Before doing further research and making a decision, ask your self what is MOST important: cost, convenience or comfort? There are a few times that I erred on the side of cost and was very disappointed, b/c for maybe just $15-20 more I could have had a serious upgrade. Not "upscale", but certainly a more comfortable and pleasant experience. When you're an out-of-towner in an unfamiliar place, comfort and convenience is the BEST experience!