Accommodations and Transportation

Arrangements and expenses for both travel and accommodations were the responsibility of each participant in the conference. However, where possible members of the Conference Organizing Committee helped attendees  make arrangements. 
 

ACCOMMODATIONS

The OMNI Hotel at Independence Park
Fourth & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA  19106

The official conference hotel was the OMNI Hotel at Independence Park. 

"Magnificently situated in Philadelphia's historic district, the OMNI Hotel at Independence Park offers guests classic elegance combined with contemporary convenience. In this peaceful park setting, unrivaled by any other Center City hotel, our concierge staff -- many fluent in several languages -- anticipates your every need."

"From the moment you step into our intimate lobby salon, your senses are stimulated. Imported marble floors, fine fabrics, classical music, floral fragrances, original art. And always service the way it was meant to be. Perhaps you require travel assistance or business arrangements. You may simply wish to relax with a cocktail in our lobby bar or sample selections from our 'country tea' in the salon."

Transportation from Philadelphia International Airport to the OMNI Hotel at Independence Park

For airport shuttle service, go to the Luggage B area and look for the "Lady Liberty" shuttle. The shuttle will take you directly to the hotel for a cost of $15.00 USD.

There is also a regional rail line from the airport to 8th and Market Streets, which is four blocks from the hotel for a cost of $6.00 USD. You can either walk from there or get a taxi for a cost of $3.00 USD.

Taxi service is also available at the airport and costs about $23.00.


The Doubletree Hotel
Broad Street at Locust
Avenue of the Arts
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s business and cultural districts on the Avenue of the Arts, the Doubletree Hotel offers spacious and elegant guest rooms that are only steps away from the Academy of Music, where the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and Pennsylvania Ballet perform.

Transportation from Philadelphia International Airport to the DoubleTree Hotel

Shuttle service is available from the airport for a cost of $8.00. You may take any of the several public shuttles available at any of the luggage claim areas.

The regional rail line takes you to the 30th Street station, which is six blocks from the hotel.

Taxi service is approximately $23.00 USD.


Other area hotels:

The Latham Hotel
17th at Walnut Street
215-563-7474

Holiday Inn Express Midtown
1305 Walnut Street
215-735-9300

The Windsor Hotel Crowne Plaza
1800 Market Street
215-561-7500

Alexander Bed and Breakfast Inn
Located in the heart of the city, two and a half blocks away from one of the conference hotels (the DoubleTree).
$80 to $110 USD per night.
(215) 923-3535

For low budget accommodations:

Bank Street Hostel (Hosteling International)
32 South Bank Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Very Spartan, student atmosphere, shared rooms. Located in the historic area of the city, four blocks away from the OMNI Independence Park Hotel. 
$16 USD per night. 
Network(s):HIUSA.

Tel: (215) 922-0222
Fax: (215) 922-4082

Chamounix Mansion Philadelphia (Hosteling International)
Chamounix Drive, West Fairmont Park
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Located in the Fairmont Park area (beautiful and green, but far away and inconvenient for public transportation)
$13-$16 per night
Network(s):HIUSA

Tel: (215) 878-3676
Fax: (215) 871-4313
Email: chamounix@philahostel.org
 

TRANSPORTATION TO, FROM AND AROUND PHILADELPHIA

Philadelphia International Airport

For information on flights and travel to/form the airport, call (800) 745-4283 or visit http://www.phl.org/

SEPTA

The South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is the nation's fifth-largest public transportation system. Its buses, subways, commuter rail, trolleys and paratransit service carry nearly one-million commuters daily throughout the 2,200 square-mile five-county metropolitan area, as well as to Delaware and Trenton, New Jersey (with connections to New York City). SEPTA's web site is http://www.septa.com.

AMTRAK

Amtrak offers intercity train service from/to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, including convenient travel to New York City; Baltimore, Maryland; and Washington, D.C. Sample unreserved round-trip fares, which vary depending on departure time, include $86 (USD) to New York City (about 2 hours), $76 (USD) to Baltimore (about 90 minutes), and $80 (USD) to Washington, D.C. (about 2 hours). For reservation and ticket information visit http://www.amtrak.com

New Jersey Transit (NJT)

New Jersey Transit offers direct service from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station to Atlantic City and a connection service from Trenton to New York City. For schedules and rate information visit http://www.njtransit.state.nj.us

MapQuest

For driving directions and detailed maps of the area, visit the MapQuest web site, http://www.mapquest.com