This summer, Philadelphia is celebrating its vibrant “Gayborhood” with two weeks of events, taking place from Saturday, July 10 through Saturday, July 24. Dubbed There’s No Place Like Home, the two-week celebration features a ribbon-cutting ceremony, block party, photo exhibit and over 20 special offers. The celebration will take place concurrently with QFEST – Philadelphia’s LGBT Film Festival.

Since its inception in the 1970s—when the gay community began migrating from west of Broad Street near Rittenhouse Square to its current location on the east side of Broad around 12th Street—Philadelphia’s “Gayborhood” has developed into an impressive cultural, retail and dining destination. Over the last two years, the neighborhood has welcomed many new businesses, renovations and developments, and July’s celebration will recognize the efforts of the business owners, non-profit organizations, public officials, residents and visitors who invested time, passion and resources to make the ‘Gayborhood’ a dynamic, thriving city enclave.

Special Events:

• Southwest Airlines’ “Grand Reopening” Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Saturday, July 10, 4:00 p.m., in front ofThe Independent Hotel (1234 Locust St). Featuring a press conference and an appearance by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, this is the official kick-off of the “Gayborhood” celebration.

• Opening Reception: Celebrate at Q Lounge + Kitchen immediately after the press conference on Saturday, July 10th.

• QFEST Film Screening: Following the press conference on Saturday, July 10 at 6 PM, bars throughout the “Gayborhood” will play the documentary film “Welcome to the Gayborhood” simultaneously.

• Gayborhood Photo Retrospective: Opening Saturday, July 10 and running through July 24 at the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street. This photo exhibit will display images from phases in the historic evolution of the “Gayborhood.”

• Wells Fargo’s “Gayborhood” Block Party: Sunday, July 11 from 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - 13th Street between Locust & Walnut Streets and Camac Street between Locust & Spruce Streets. Local businesses, organizations and vendors will participate in this entertaining and unique, outdoor community-building event.

• Re-Launch T-Dance with Dj Roland Belmares: Sunday, July 11 from 4:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. at Voyeur Nightclub – 1221 St. James Street.

Rainbow Discount Pass Deals:

• Voyeur Nightclub: Save $5.00 on admission to “Re-Launch with Dj Roland Belmares” on Sunday, July 11th – 1221 St. James Street – voyeurnightclub.com

• Absolute Pop: Save 15% on purchases – 137 S. 13th Street – absolutepopart.com

• IHOP: Save 20% on your bill – 1320 Walnut Street at Juniper Street – ihop.com

• Ettore Salon & Spa: Save 25% off any service (not valid with any other discount) – 1201 Market Street at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel – ettorespa.com

• Q Lounge + Kitchen: Save 15% on dining bill and $2 off all Happy Hour drinks (excluding existing happy hour specials) – qphilly.com

• T Bar: Save 15% on food and drink – 117 S. 12th Street – tbarteas.com

• Woody’s: Free admission to the dance floor before midnight, save 20% on food, save $2.00 on all call and premium Happy Hour drinks – 202 S. 13th Street – woodysbar.com

• 12th Air Command: Free admission to the dance floor on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights – 254 S. 12th Street – 12thair.com

• El Vez: Save 10% of your food - 121 S. 13th Street – elvezrestaurant.com

• Blue Lotus Gallery: Buy one and save 50% on the second item of equal or greater value – 111 S. 12th Street – bluelotusgallery.com

• Fruits, Flowers, Incredibly Edible Delites: Save $5.00 on your purchase – 135 S. 13th Street - fruitflowers.com

• Stir Lounge: Save $2.00 on drinks (excludes Happy Hour specials) – 1705 Chancellor Street – stirphilly.com

• The Independent Hotel: Save $40 on all available room rates – 1234 Locus Street – theindependenthotel.com

• Philadelphia Movie Sites Tour: Save $7 or 20% on all tours booked – departs at the Independence Visitors Center - 6th & Market Streets – moviesitestour.com

• Duross & Langel: Save 25% on all Duross & Langel hand made soaps – 117 South 13th Street - durossandlangel.com

• XIII on 13: Save 13% on all purchases – 211 South 13th Street

• 13th Street Pizza: Free large fountain soda with any purchase – 209 South 13th Street – 13thstreetpizza.com

• Giovanni’s Room: Save 10% on purchases (not in addition to any other equal or greater discount) – 345 S. 12th Street – queerbooks.com

• K Salon: Save $5.00 on haircuts ($25.00 - $35.00 range) and receive a complimentary bottle of shampoo or styling product – 1216 Locust Street

• Tabu: Save 20% on food and $3.00 drafts all day/every day – 200 S. 12th Street – tabuphilly.com

• Valanni: Save 10% on your bill (excludes tax & gratuity) – 1229 Spruce Street – valanni.com

• Charlie Salon: Save 40% on haircuts – 203 S. 12th Street

• 12th Street Gym: Purchase 1 day pass and get a 2nd pass FREE – 204 S. 12th Street – 12thstreetgym.com

• Soleil Tanning Salon: 20% off one Advanced Tan – 202 S. 12th Street – soleiltanningservices.com

• Holiday Inn Express Midtown: $119.00 rate (plus tax), includes a deluxe continental breakfast, passes to Bally Total Fitness and free wireless internet – 1305 Walnut Street – himidtown.com

• Solefood at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel: Save 15% on lunch or dinner (excluding alcohol and tax) – 1200 Market Street – loewshotels.com

• Tavern on Camac: Save $2.00 on all drinks (excluding Happy Hour) – 243 S. Camac Street – tavernoncamac.com

• Andre Richard Salon - Save 10% off haircuts - 1218 Locust Street - andrerichardsalon.com

• Jake’s Sandwich Board: Save 10% off you order – 122 S. 12th Street - jakessandwichboard.com

• The Wardrobe Boutique: Save 10% on one item in the store (excludes designer items) – 1822 Spring Garden Street

For more information, please visit:

www.facebook.com/visitgayphilly

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to resolve their stress which has worned them down, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to vacation!!

…and Vacation you shall!

Come to Philadelphia to celebrate our Nation’s birth in the only true way it can be celebrated…in the location of it’s actual birth!  While visiting the city, and staying with all of us here at The Independent, you’re only a few steps away from the Independence Mall National Park, and Philadelphia Art Museum, and Rittenhouse Square (the prime locations to celebrate the parturition). 

Wawa presents welcome AMERICA Philadelphia, the official celebration of the 234th Birthday of the United States of America.  From June 25th, 2010 - July 5th, 2010, there is just a revolutionary-size amount of cool things to do.  The 25th kicks of “Taste of Philadelphia”, followed by an amazing night on the 26th, when the city will provide free fireworks, and a free concert that boasts Morris Day & The Time (funk included).  Join Morris Day, Jellybean Johnson, and the others of the iconic band as they run down their hits from the ’80s and ’90s to give you a funkadelic time.

Over the next few days, relax and enjoy the city, and during the next three evenings, enjoy a movie under the stars at Rittenhouse Square, the Art Museum, or Penn’s Landing, where movies such as Grease, Rocky, and Avatar will be screened for the crowds.  Guess what?!?!  They’re free…

Then, on the 3rd and 4th, really get in the patriotic mood and have fun at the city block party in Chinatown, all culminating with Goo Goo Dolls providing the star-power to the celebration on the night of the 4th, followed by probably the most impressive fireworks display presented anywhere from sea to shining sea.

Sooooooo, what are you waiting for?  If you have finished reading this and have not yet booked your stay with us you better start moving…we’ll wait…

…

…all booked and ready to go?  Good.  We’ll see you soon! 

Book a 10-day Advanced Purchase for a discounted rate (please note, Advanced Purchases are non-refundable, non-canceable, and non-changeable reservations that are pre-paid and charged on the day they are booked).  Time is running out for that great rate, so hurry!!

For more information on welcome AMERICA Philadelphia, please visit:

www.WelcomeAmerica.com

For those from around the area, McGilligan’s Pub is a staple of the Philadelphia beer scene.  For almost (I’m getting to that in a second) 150 years, it’s been providing good times to Philadelphians and more quite well.

On June 6th celebrate the 150th (remember that almost from before?) anniversary of McGilligan’s Pub.  Located just a few blocks away from your favorite hotel (duh, The Independent), it’s the perfect spot to fill up on some great drinks and good food, and then very carefully walk back and take the elevator home for the evening.

Hurry up!!  Tickets are almost gone.  Below, information on the celebration and the history of the pub. 

“Originally called The Bell in Hand, the tavern opened 149 years ago inside a small row house. The laborers who frequented the place just called it McGillin’s after William McGillin, the Irish immigrant who owned the bar and raised his 13 children upstairs. The nickname stuck and the tavern grew to encompass the oyster house next door, the back alley/washroom, and the McGillin’s house.  In October 2008, Gourmet magazine named McGillin’s to its list of 14 coolest bars in the U.S. McGillin’s was named one of the Top 100 nightclubs and bars in the U.S. by editors of Nightclub and Bar magazine in 2007 and 2008. McGillin’s is routinely named Philadelphia’s best Irish pub. In addition, McGillin’s became part of Midtown Village.“

http://www.mcgillins.com/home.htm

JANE SMITH’S TO DO LIST: FRIDAY

1. Drop kids off at school.
2. Doctor’s Appointment.
3. Client Meeting/Closing Negotiations.
4. Lunch Meeting with Boss.
5. Pick kids up at school.
6. Grocery shopping for weekend.
7. Feed kids.
8. Drop kids off at Grandmom’s house for weekend.
9. MEET SIGNIFICANT OTHER THE INDEPENDENT HOTEL FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY WITH THE HOTEL’S SIGNATURE ROMANCE PACKAGE!!

 Jealous yet?  I would be too.  Jane Smith was surprised with a staycation from her significant other, and they’re enjoying the romance package this weekend.  Our signature romance package Romance Independent Style, will really help set the mood with inclusive overnight accommodations for two, a bottle of wine and a cheese and cracker presentation for the room, turndown service with chocolates, and complimentary light fare breakfast for two!  Let’s just say the Smiths’ night will be unforgettable! 

http://reservations.RomanceIndependentStyle

Which package would you like to surprise someone with?

For the History Buffs, try our Ancient Rome and America Exhibit Package. 

The Ancient Rome and America exhibit at the National Constitution Center (located almost too conveniently from the Independent) is appearing through August 1st.  This package will truly make you feel like a V.I.P.  This includes accommodations at the Independent, two V.I.P. Passes to the Ancient Rome and America exhibit, which includes access to the award-winning theatrical performance “Freedom Rising” and Singer’s Hall.

http://reservations.AncientRomePackage

Explore the city for the first time.

Don’t worry, we won’t hold it against you.  There is a first time for everything, but visiting Philadelphia for your first time should be highest on your to-do list.  If you’re a professional tourist, a family looking for a way to connect with the birth of our Nation, or a business person that has a day or two to explore, look no further, we have the best packages to offer you.

• Brotherly Love Trolley Package

This package is a great way to see the city at your own pace.  With overnight accommodations, and two adult tickets for the Trolley Works (which are good for 24 hours with unlimited on/off privileges) take your time, soak in the city, and indulge in everything Philly has to offer.  Oh, and don’t forget “taste of Philadelphia” treat waiting for you when you check-in!

http://reservations.BrotherlyLoveTourPackage

• iGlide Tours

iGlide Tours- a Segway Experience Tour of Philadelphia in the most EXCITING & FUN way possible, on the Segway PT.  After a brief training, your experience guide will escort you through Philadelphia’s (Art) Museum District speaking to you through state-of-the-art wireless headsets. The historical narrative will entertain you throughout your unforgettable experience.

Your experience will include:

·         Overnight accommodations for (2)
·         (2) – iGlide Philadelphia Art Museum District Tour Tickets
·         Riding your own Segway PT

http://reservations.IGlideTourPackage

• Philly Food Tour Package

Indulge in Philly’s food, history, culture, and fun!  Eat like a local on this Philadelphia-themed tour that is a unique and fun way for visitors to experience the city!

This fun and delicious tour takes place in the heart of Philadelphia and includes over 7 stops including the Reading Terminal Market, more than 2 hours of indulging and less than 30 minutes of walking. This event is perfect for people of all ages. Make room, this is not only a tasting adventure, but a meal!  

The package includes overnight accommodations for two adults, (2) tickets to the Flavors of Philly Tour, and a Philadelphia Treat that will be given on the tour.

See The Starr(s)

Haven’t been to one of the new Stephen Starr restaurants?  Haven’t been to one at all, you say?!  Well, you need to enjoy one of Philadelphia’s staples…A STEPHEN STARR RESTAURANT!  With our Wine and Dine Independently package you’ll receive inclusive overnight accommodations for two, a complimentary bottle of wine from the hotel, and a $50.00 gift certificate valid at any 12 Starr Restaurants scattered throughout the city.  This package is great for a weekend getaway, a gift for a friend or loved one, or even for yourself if you’re travelling on business.

http://reservations.WineandDinePackage

Parking Wars

Parking in the city can be difficult, but no worries, with our Philly Overnight Package, and our Vist Philadelphia with Love Package, parking is included.  Of course, there are other specials that go with this package; for example: in addition to the complimentary parking for two nights, the overnight package includes gifts upon check-in, and the “Philly’s More Fun” Teddy Bear!  This package is available 7 days a week, because remember, Philly is more fun when you sleep over! And now your weekend is whenever you want it to be.

http://reservations.PhillyOvernightPackage

Our Vist Philadelphia with Love package also includes a welcome gift and complimentary parking, but it also includes  a $20.00 gift certificate to Reading Terminal Market, one of the most popular spots in the city for food and fun.  For a true Philadelphia experience, this is a great package.

http://reservations.VisitPhillywithLove

All of our signature packages are great for any occasion, and for any person, couple, or group.  For more information regarding our packages, visit the reservations section of our home page:

https://reservations.ihotelier.com/istay.cfm?hotelid=15322

Or call us directly to talk with a Guest Service Representative, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!!  Call us today at: (215) 772 -1440

We’ll be seeing you soon!!

Spring and Summer is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to get out and search for adventure?

Well, look no farther…Urban Adventures will bring the adventure to you!  The new kids on the block will set you up perfectly, and do all the work.  As of right now, with three tours to choose from, there is no better way to experience the city…as an adventure!

There are three unique tours to choose from:

Essence of South Philly:

A true gem of a tour that allows the lesser known areas of the historic city to be seen, including Jewish Delicatessens, italian markets, mosaics, and much more!

4 Hours in length.

Historic Distric: The authentic historic district Philadelphia is known for.  See where America was born, meet the figures that shaped our nation, witness the awe inspiring beauty of the colonial period, and enjoy treats at some city hot spots!

3 Hours in length.

All Day, All Philly: An all day adventure where the only boundary is your imagination.  Soak up every last drop of Philadelphia.  Run up Rocky’s steps, stroll around local favorite Rittenhouse Square, and enjoy lunch at the city’s busiest market!

7 Hours in length.

STAY TUNED FOR GREAT PACKAGES!  A GREAT NIGHT’S STAY BUNDLED WITH A TRUE URBAN ADVENTURE!!

For more information regarding Urban Adventures visit the tour’s website:

www.philadelphiaurbanadventures.com

Spring is a peculiar time of year.  This season has many traditions and generational meanings attached to it, and that means there is always something new to discover.  Before it was known as Spring, this particular season was known as Lengten, or, Lenten.  This word literally means “Lengthen”.  As the days get longer, and the ground starts to sprout new life, the season moves steadily along, helping all of us forget the misery that sometimes is Winter.

As the Winter season comes to a close, the snow melts, and the ground begins to sprout, there is a buzz in the air around the city of Philadelphia.  Sure, that could just be the harassing bee announcing his presence in your ear, but it could also be the City of Brotherly Love whispering to you:”Visit Me”.

We, here at the Independent Hotel, know all too well how many great specialties the city has to offer during this season of rebirth.  That is why we would be ecstatic to welcome you to the city of Philadelphia during this most beautiful of seasons.

Island life is great in the winter, but in the Spring there is just too much the city offers for you to pass over.  In just a few short weeks our boys of summer, the Philadelphia Phillies, will be officially kicking off their season on April 12th at 3:05P.M. at Citizen’s Bank Park against the Washington Nationals for their home opener.  Staying in the heart of the city, enjoy a walk, some shopping, and some breakfast or lunch, and then in the late afternoon head down to the ballpark to witness the defending National League Champions in action!

http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=phi

Miss the flower show earlier in the year?  Have no fear, Macy’s will come through for you for only the second time in its history as it hosts its 2nd Annual Flower show between March 28th and April 11th.  With Macy’s just a few short blocks away from the Independent, it’s almost too convenient!

Take advantage of one of spectacular packages.  The Ancient Rome and America exhibit at the National Constitution Center (also located almost too conveniently from the Independent) is appearing through August 1st.  This package will truly make you feel like a V.I.P.  This includes accommodations at the Independent, two V.I.P. Passes to the Ancient Rome and America exhibit, which includes access to the award-winning theatrical performance “Freedom Rising” and Singer’s Hall.

http://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/p_prod.cfm?HotelID=15322&ProdID=264764&killcookie=1&LanguageID=1

Feeling charitable?  On April 29th, what many consider the busiest restaurant night of the year (and the most important) is Dining out for Life.  With most of the city’s greatest and most popular restaurants within walking distance of the Independent, make a night out of it and help fight A.I.D.S. by dining out within the city.  Every participating restaurant will donate 33% of the cost of your meal to help fight the virus.  For a list of participating restaurants, and to discover which ones are closest to us, please visit:

http://www.diningoutforlife.com/philadelphia/participating

Located right off Broad Street, the Independent is a great place for you to relax and prepare for the annual Broad Street Run.  This 10-mile run will allow the most competitive, and leisurely runners to enjoy the great sights and history of the city while jogging down broad street.  After you’re finished, unwind with us at the Independent on May 2nd!

Want to the see the Olympians of tomorrow?  Visit the city and stay with us while you attend the Penn Relays.  The Penn Relays are the single most important amateur track and field event in the country.  Witness the athletes who may one day wear the gold right here in our backyard.  Join us during April 22nd through the 24th.  After becoming tired with all the daily activity, unwind with us on property for the complimentary Guest Reception that features our wine picks and cheeses.

Even though it is now known as ‘Spring’, this great season boasts a lot of great opportunities to explore new things.  Philadelphia can be an old friend, or a new acquaintance…no matter, visit the beautiful, historic city and ‘Lengten’ your senses to something truly wonderful.  The Independent is here to welcome you with open arms.

In the mood for a winter chill?

We are!

That’s why we’re getting ready for the upcoming Valentine’s Ghost Tour of Philadelphia on February 12th, 13th, and 14th!  We’ll be hosting Candlelight Walking Tours each night at 7:30 pm (and 9:30 pm on Saturday), which will begin outside Varga Bar at 10th and Spruce Streets and last about an hour and a half.

Love is one of the classic ingredients of a ghost story, so we’ve round up all the hauntings brought about by love and its many discontents, and spun tales of romance and heartbreak, revenge and betrayal, and, of course, undying love!

Finally, we can kiss those ordinary Valentine’s happenings goodbye!

Check out all the details here >> www.ghosttour.com

This fall, October 2nd - December 31, 2009, the National Constitution Center will feature its newest exhibition, Diana: A Celebration.  This exhibition comes to Philadelphia for the first time, showcasing the life and work of the Princess of Wales.

Nine galleries showcase the life and legacy of Diana Frances Spencer, Princess of Wales.  This award winning exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into her childhood, her engagement to HRH Prince Charles, their fairytale wedding, their children and Diana’s tireless charity work.

Exhibition highlights include:

*Diana’s royal wedding gown, diamond tiara, veil, 25-ft. train, shoes and parasol

*28 dresses, suits and gowns designed by Versace, Valentino, Chanel, and Azagury, among others, worn by Diana during her public life

*Diamond tiaras and priceless family jewels

*Home Movies of Diana’s childhood, historical artifacts, personal letters, photos and heirlooms

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to view this historical exhibition!

The Independent Philadelphia Hotel has partnered with the National Constitution Center in creating this wonderful package inclusive of the following;

*Overnight Accommodations for (2)

*Two VIP/untimed tickets to the exhibition Diana: A Celebration

To book your package click here:  http://theindependenthotel.com/philadelphia/?cat=22

April 23 - 25, 2009

As the first and oldest of relay meets, the Penn Relays has always tried to stay at the forefront of advances in the sport.  From April 23 to April 25, Philadelphia will be dashing with spectators from around the world who are eager to see tomorrow’s Olympic stars at one of the oldest and longest-running track and field events in the world.

So who competes in The Penn Relays? Men and women from high schools, colleges, clubs, the armed services, prepatory schools and even elementary schools. This year, during some 33 hours of competition, participants from ages eight to 80 will run more than 425 races — that’s more than one race every five minutes.

Paul Cézanne’s posthumous retrospective at the Salon d’Automne in 1907 was a watershed event in the history of art. The immediate impact of this large presentation of his work on the young artists of Paris was profound. Its ramifications on successive generations down to the present are still in effect.

This exhibition features forty paintings and twenty watercolors and drawings by Cézanne, displayed alongside works by several artists for whom Cézanne has been a central inspiration and whose work reflects, both visually and poetically, Cézanne’s extraordinary legacy.

Based on the remarkable resources of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, both in its holdings of major works by Cézanne and in its large collections of early modernist works—thanks to A. E. Gallatin and Louise and Walter Arensberg—this show is a unique occasion to experience the continuing impact of this influential painter.

Francis Alÿs (Belgian, born 1959)
“I remember blaming Cézanne (or was it that I blessed him) for having saved me from having to deal with the enigma of painting.”

Max Beckmann (German, 1884–1950)
“Cézanne was my greatest love and still is when I think of French art.”

Georges Braque (French, 1882–1963)
“To my way of thinking, there is no master equal to Cézanne.”

Paul Cézanne (French, 1839–1906)
“In my thought one doesn’t replace the past, one only adds a new link to it.”

Charles Demuth (American, 1883–1935)
“John Marin and I drew our inspiration from the same source, French modernism. He brought his up in buckets and spilt much along the way. I dipped mine out with a teaspoon, but I never spilled a drop.”

Alberto Giacometti (Swiss, 1901–1966)
“Cézanne did not … seek to be original. And yet there is no painter so original as Cézanne.”

Arshile Gorky (American, born Armenia, 1904–1948)
“Cézanne is the greatest artist, shall I say, that has lived.”

Marsden Hartley (American, 1877–1943)
“[Cézanne had] ideas that were to make the world of painting over again.”

Jasper Johns (American, born 1930)
“As for the Cézanne [Bather], it has a synesthetic quality that gives it great sensuality—it makes looking equivalent to touching

Ellsworth Kelly (American, born 1923)
“Cézanne tackled and conceptualized the three-dimensional world in terms of its underlying structure and our uncertain relationships to it.”

Fernand Léger (French, 1881–1955)
“[Cézanne’s] influence was so strong that in order to free myself I had to move all the way to abstraction.”

Sherrie Levine (American, born 1947)
“I engage the idea of removing the artist completely from the artwork, so that it becomes a kind of group project with audience participation.”

Brice Marden (American, born 1938)
“Cézanne, my hero.”

Henri Matisse (French, 1869–1954)
“I thought: If Cézanne is right, I am right. Because I knew Cézanne had made no mistake.”

Piet Mondrian (Dutch, 1872–1944)
“Beauty in art is created not by the objects of representation but by the relationships of line and color (Cézanne).”

Giorgio Morandi (Italian, 1890–1964)
“We sat down around the big table and talked about art,” John Rewald recalled, “not so much about his [Morandi’s] as about the masters he admired, above all Cézanne and Seurat.”

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973)
“[Cézanne] was my one and only master! Don’t you think I looked at his pictures?”

Liubov Popova (Russian, 1889–1924)
“Cézanne no longer depicted the impression of the object, but only its essence.”

Jeff Wall (Canadian, born 1946)
“I have always admired Cézanne.”

There’s a revolutionary new way to see historic Philadelphia - The Independent Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia.  Follow in the Founding Father’s footsteps with this self-guided fun-filled activity for the entire family!  This tour takes you on a walking journey through America’s most historic square mile - the birthplace of our nation. 

Step back in time to see where The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution were created.  The 3-mile journey features more than 30 historic sites in the Independence Mall area, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House and the National Constitution Center.

Included in this package;

Overnight Accommodations for (2)

Self-Guided Walking Map

Philadelphia Treat Upon Arrival

2 p.m. Late Checkout

Packages starting at $149.00 single/double occupancy plus applicable taxes and based upon availability

Click here to make your reservation:  http://theindependenthotel.com/philadelphia/?cat=22

Step aboard one of the signature burgundy and green Victorian-style “open-air” trolleys and tour Philadelphia in style!

Enjoy the view as the past meets the present through the colorful narrative of your experienced tour guides. The knowledgeable staff will enlighten and entertain you with humorous stories and fascinating facts about Philadelphia’s famous sights and attractions.

The Brotherly Love Trolley Works Tour Independent Style is inclusive of the following;

Overnight Accommodations for Two (2)

Two (2) Trolley Works Tickets

A “Philadelphia Treat” upon arrival

*Additional tickets can be purchased at the front desk for a reduced rate of $22 per ticket

 The City Tour operates daily except Christmas and New Year’s. All tours subject to availability and are on a first come / first serve basis. Trolleys and Big Bus vehicles operate interchangeably on the tour. Your pass is good for either vehicle.

Tours depart from the northeast corner of 5th & Market Streets.

Hours:

April – November
Tours Depart Daily from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm weekdays, 6:00 pm weekends

December – March
Tours Depart Daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Packages starting at $179.00 single/double - click here to book your package today http://theindependenthotel.com/philadelphia/?cat=22

Make this New Year’s Eve one to remember by booking your overnight accommodations now at The Independent Philadelphia Hotel and enjoy the 2010 Mummer’s Parade on New Year’s Day up close and personal!  This Philadelphia tradition takes place a block away from The Independent Philadelphia Hotel - location, location, location! 

The 2010 Southwest Airlines Mummers Parade will feature unique costumes, music, and pageantry that is the Philadelphia Mummers. Crowds will line Broad St., in Philadelphia, from South Philly straight through Center City. The climax of the parade takes place at City Hall where the official judging takes place.

The parade itself is one of the longest running traditions in the country.  The parade began in 1900 as an offical  event for the city, however the parade has been going on since the 1800’s as a way to celebrate the New. 

Plan now to be a part of this tradition “Independent Style” by making your reservation to spend New Year’s Eve at The Independent Philadelphia Hotel!  Happy New Year!

“Congratulations, Philadelphia Phillies - World Series 2008 Champions!”  The Independent Philadelphia Hotel could not be prouder of their home team, the Philadelphia Phillies for bringing home the World Series 2008 Championship and for making us forget that it had been 28 years since the last win - Good things come to those who wait!!  They truly are a team to be proud of and have earned the title, World Series 2008 Champions - that is for sure!

The Independent Hotel Philadelphia, a center city boutique hotel, is now taking reservations!  With only 24 gorgeous rooms, we feel that we’re offering a unique boutique experience! 

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TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF OUR HOTEL AND OUR GREAT NATION, WE HAVE A JULY 4TH WEEKEND SPECIAL OF $139/NIGHT FOR MOST ROOMS.  CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR’S!! or call 215-772-1440. 

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Yesterday, The Independent Hotel had its grand opening celebration.  We were thrilled that the news networks were there to celebrate with us:

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Click to hear Neil Shah being interviewed by a local radio station:  The Independent Hotel Owner Interviewed

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Yes, all the rumors are true! The Independent Hotel Philadelphia is now taking reservations. We are a boutique hotel, with so much more!

Visit the Hotel website at www.theindependenthotel.com to explore our wonderful boutique experience.

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