Updated December 22, 2003 -- Winter's arrival heralds the return of the popular Philly Overnight promotion giving you a 50% savings on more than 70 participating hotels.
It's really quite simple. Check in on a Friday or Saturday and your next night is free, along with parking at the hotel during your stay all the way through March 28, 2004. Prices vary from property to property. For a sample date of January 9-11, we found a rate of $125 at the Fairfield Inn in King of Prussia; the Comfort Inn at Penn's Landing was $135; and the city's Holiday Inns were listed at $149. Remember that price is the total for both nights, but before taxes. Go to www.gophila.com/accommodations/index-phillyovernight.htm to input your desired dates, click on the "Check all lodging" button and click "Continue" to get a detailed listing of available properties. Since a series of other promotions are taking place concurrently, be sure the price reads "Philly Overnight" underneath to get the twofer price.
There is also the Incredible One-Night Rate that's available any night of the week, based upon availability. With a random check on the website, we found that the Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel and the French Creek Inn had $95 rates for January 12 check in.
Among the special programs the city has in mind for you are its Holiday Festival, a month-long event during December including live performances like The Nutcracker and organ concerts, and a light show at Lord & Taylor. Another reason to visit is to celebrate New Year's Eve at the annual fireworks show on the Delaware River, take in a New Year's Eve concert by the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, and especially to check out the New Year's Day Mummer's Parade -- a silly calvacade of costumed revelers (think Mardi Gras, but in the winter with clothed participants). March 12-21 will see the 20th annual Book The Cook event, when more than 60 of the world's leading cookbook authors team up with fine dining destinations to create special meals based on their recent writings.
And all you culture vultures out there shouldn't pass up the chance to view the 181 Renoirs at eh Barnes Foundation, three generations of Wyeths at the Brandywine River Museum, the James A. Michener Art Museum or the recently opened National Constitution Center. To read our free in-depth guide to Philadelphia, just go to www.frommers.com/destinations/philadelphia.
To reserve the hotel package or one-night rate, visit www.gophila.com for all the details, including listings of all the hotels involved. You can phone the hotel directly or book online.
Have a tip for visiting Philadelphia? Tell us about it on our Pennsylvania Message Boards.