On the Road: Philly
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We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination mini-guides designed specifically for working girls-on-the-go. So, whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting, or a week-long conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Philadelphia
Where to Stay
Expense Account: Ritz-Carlton
Along the Avenue of the Arts you’ll find the luxurious Ritz-Carlton. Set in a turn-of-the-century building, the opulent lobby is filled with Rococo Versace furnishings and boasts a soaring, 140-foot-ceiling. Guests enjoy oversized marble-baths, plush robes, high speed internet, gourmet restaurants, and the superb service that the Ritz is famous for.
Standards from $250. Suites from $1,200.
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia: 10 Avenue of the Arts. Ph: 215-568-0942
Romantic Weekend: The Rittenhouse 1715
This hotel is located in the center of one of Philadelphia’s most fashionable districts. But with just 16 guest rooms, it couldn’t feel more intimate. Marble Jacuzzi baths, plasma TV’s, and posh details like triple sheeting create an atmosphere fit for a tryst. Complimentary wine (each night) and a lavish continental breakfast are there for the taking – should you ever venture out of your room.
Rooms from $260. Suites from $740.
1715 Rittenhouse Square St. Ph: (toll free) 877-791-6500
On the Cheap: The Antique Row B & B
Walking distance from the convention center, this B&B supplies inexpensive rooms (and of course, breakfast) with infinitely more charm than comparably priced commuter hotels. In your down time, hit the famous Antique Row located right around the corner. The priciest room will run you a mere $110.
341 South 12th Street. Ph: 215 592-7802
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Le Bec-Fin
The name translates to “the fine palate” in French, and for more than 30 years, Philadelphians have deemed it the ultimate in elegant dining. From the exquisitely renovated décor to the classic French cuisine perfected by chef Georges Perrier, every detail is sure to impress.
3-course fixed-price lunch $45. Fixed-price dinner $135. 9-course tasting menu $155.
Le Bec-Fin: 1523 Walnut Street. Ph:215-567-1000
Hot Spot: Mercato
Philadelphia is known for its intimate, neighborhood BYOBs, and Mercato, where hip locals clamor for a reservation, is a spirited standout. The Italian-inspired menu is delicious and the vibe (with a packed house and an open kitchen) is lively.
Entrees average $25. Chef’s tasting menu $45.
Mercato: 1216 Spruce Street. Ph:215-985-2962.
Eating Alone: Rouge
Perched on the edge of Rittenhouse Square, Rouge is a great spot to people watch while tucking into a gormet burger (dressed up with caramelized onions and gruyere). Rouge: 205
Small plates average $13. Large plates average $28.
Rouge: South 18th Street. Ph:215-732-6622.
Coffee: Bucks County Coffee
With 30 locations in the greater Philly area, Bucks County is the cuter, less-corporate Starbucks. The roasts are delish, and the location on Penn’s campus will spark feelings of nostalgia about cramming for finals.
Bucks County Coffee Co.: 3430 Sansom Street. Ph: 215-387-6722.
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Boyds
A family-owned institution, Boyds is straight-up luxury. Catering to top lawyers, bankers, and star athletes drawn by designers like Armani, Sonia Rykiel and Philosophy, as well as the top notch service (free custom alterations are de-rigueur).
Boyds: 1818 Chestnut Street, Ph: 215-564-9000
Date Night: Couture
In a perfect world, all closets would be wall-to-wall Couture. Think Cynthia Steffe sundresses, Alice + Olivia sweaters, and skinny Habitual jeans. The space is decorated with pressed-tin ceiling, mini-chandeliers, and extra-pretty dressing rooms.
Couture: 4319 Main Street. Ph: 215-483-1946
Tech: Radio Shack
Whether you’ve forgotten your phone charger at home or you need an additional cord to make that power-point presentation work, there’s no substitute for old reliable Radio Shack. The Cheltenham location has the best hours; 10-9 Mon-Fri, Sat 10-9:30, Sun 11-6. Ph: 215-885-4550, www.cheltenhamsquare.com.
Weekend & Time-off Activities
Running Routes: Fairmount Park
At 9,200 acres, Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world. Start exploring by jogging the famous 8-mile loop that begins at the Art Museum, and hugs the river along MLK Drive (off limits to traffic every Saturday and Sunday during running season).
Yoga Studios: Bikram’s Yoga College of India
Sweat out all the toxins while stretching your body further than you ever thought possible during a Bikram’s style class. 26 intense poses later you’ll feel like a whole new you!
Bikram’s Yoga: 1520 Sansom Street Suite 3. Ph: 215-977-YOGA.
Day Spas: Toppers
While there are plenty of well-kept ladies at Toppers, it’s not your grandmother’s spa. The glass enclosed roof deck looks more like a Caribbean resort than downtown Philly. Toppers keeps its clients happy with three floors of services including; massages, mani/pedis, a hair salon, and hydrotherapy rooms.
Toppers Spa: 117 South 19th Street and Sansom. Ph:215-496-9966.
Travel
Airport: Philadelphia International
Philly’s airport is blessedly easy to get to, and simple to navigate. The Septa R1 local train can get you from PI to 30th Street Station inn about half an hour. Ph: 215-580-7800 Septa: www.septa.com.
Taxis: Medallion Taxi, PHL Taxi & Town Limousine
It’s not always easy to hail a taxi on one of Philadelphia’s many small streets so be sure to keep a couple of numbers on hand. Medallion Taxi Ph: 877-MEDALLION. PHL Taxi Ph:800-936-5111. Town Limousine Ph: 215-758-4241
Business Critical
Where to Host a Meeting: Perelman Quadrangle
Impress your clients with an Ivy-League setting—the Perelman Quadrangle sits in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania’s gorgeous campus, and can accommodate up to 2,000 guests. A mix of old-world style and modern technology, the Quad is the perfect place to showcase your smarts.
Perelman Quadrangle: 3417 Spruce Street. Ph: 215-898-5552.
Best Printing and Copies: Spring Garden Street Kinko’s
While this downtown Kinko’s is often packed with students and business people, it’s for a good reason—with plenty of computer terminals and a large staff, you won’t have to wait long. Internet service, color printing, large-size prints, binding, laminating, and package shipping are just a few of the handy services available.
FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Center: 1816 Spring Garden Street. Ph:215-567-2679.
Wireless Hotspots: Love Park, Benjamin Franklin Parkway or Last Drop
If the weather is fair try one of the many outdoor locations such as Love Park: 15th Street & JFK Boulevard. Benjamin Franklin Parkway: from 15th Street and JFK Blvd to Kelly and Sedgley Drive (behind the Art Museum). Not so nice out? Head to The Last Drop, at 1300 Pine Street Ph: 215) 893-9262