Transportation
Getting HereArriving By Land
Driving: The Warwick Hotel is located at 220 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
- From major highways (e.g., I-76, I-95, or via the bridges from New Jersey), you can follow standard downtown/Center City signage, then navigate toward 17th Street. Center City traffic and parking can be tight — the hotel offers valet parking (or guests may use nearby garages or alternate parking).
- If driving yourself, consider arriving outside of peak hours to avoid rush-hour congestion.
Train / Long-Distance Bus Arrival: If you arrive in Philadelphia by intercity train or bus (e.g., via the city’s main rail hub, 30th Street Station), the hotel is within walking or short-rideshare distance from that station.
- From 30th Street Station, you could walk (≈ 20–25 min depending on pace) or take a quick taxi/rideshare — an easy “last mile” into Center City near the hotel.
Local Public Transit (for city-to-hotel transit): For inner-city bus or trolley services, you may use public transit to get closer, then walk or rideshare the rest of the way. The area around the hotel is well-connected to central City District transit routes.
Tip: If you arrive by long-distance rail or bus, combining transit with a short rideshare or walk tends to be more convenient than navigating downtown driving & parking.
Arriving by Air
Most guests flying to Philadelphia will land at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is about 9–10 miles from the hotel. From the airport you have multiple transit options to reach the Warwick Hotel:
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Regional Rail + Walk / Short Transit: The recommended and budget-friendly option is the regional rail operated by SEPTA. From the airport, take the “Airport Line” to downtown (typically to Suburban Station). From Suburban Station you’ll be within a short walk or quick rideshare to the hotel’s 17th Street location.
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Taxi or Rideshare: For fast, direct travel — especially with luggage or after late-night arrival — taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) are readily available at the airport, and can drop you off directly at the hotel in roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
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Driving / Car Service: If you prefer private transfer or car service, driving from PHL to the hotel is straightforward — about 8–9 miles. The hotel does not provide its own shuttle service.
Quick Facts:
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Distance from PHL to the hotel: ~9.2 miles.
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Hotel does not offer shuttle service.
Getting Around Town
Local Transportation
Philadelphia offers an easy mix of public-transit, walking, biking, rideshare, and rail options — and staying at the Warwick (in Center City / near Rittenhouse Square) puts you within reach of some of the city’s best-connected transit services. This means you don’t need a car to get around once you arrive.
Public Transit — SEPTA & Regional Rail / Trolley / Bus
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SEPTA: The regional public transit authority for Philadelphia and surrounding counties. It runs a combination of subway / elevated trains, trolleys, buses, and commuter rail — covering most of the city and beyond.
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Nearest Stops to the Hotel: If you leave from the Warwick, the nearest transit options include:
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The rapid-transit station 15–16th & Locust station (the terminus of the PATCO Speedline) — a 1–2 minute walk.
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Several nearby bus and trolley stops, e.g. around 17th & Locust, Walnut & 17th, Market Street / Walnut-Locust — often just a few minutes’ walk.
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How to Use: You can ride SEPTA buses, trolleys (light rail), metro/subway-surface lines, or Regional Rail depending on where you are heading.
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Maps & Schedules: For a full map of SEPTA’s Regional Rail, Trolley, Subway/Rapid, and Bus network, check the official SEPTA system map and timetable listings.
Using SEPTA is often the easiest, most cost-effective way to explore beyond Center City — whether you’re heading to museums, sporting venues, or neighborhoods outside downtown.
Walking, Biking & Rideshare
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Walking: Because the Warwick sits in the heart of Center City near Rittenhouse Square, many restaurants, shops, conference venues, and cultural spots are within easy walking distance — making walking a top choice for short trips.
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Biking: Philadelphia offers a bike-share program called Indego, which lets you rent bikes from docking stations around the city. It’s a great way to explore nearby neighborhoods or access transit hubs.
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Rideshare / Taxi: For nighttime trips, travel with luggage, or destinations not easily served by transit — rideshare services and taxis remain convenient and widely available.
Rail & Transit from Other Arrival Points
If you’re heading out beyond the city center (or arriving from elsewhere), the transit infrastructure still works well:
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The PATCO Speedline (with the nearby 15–16th & Locust stop) connects Center City to parts of New Jersey and suburbs — helpful if your trip takes you out of Philly.
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Trolley (light rail) lines and bus routes provide access to broader neighborhoods, including residential and commercial areas outside downtown.
Tips for Conference Attendees
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Use public transit or walk when possible: With the hotel so centrally located, it’s often faster and simpler than driving — and you avoid downtown traffic and parking hassles.
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Check transit schedules & maps early: Use the official SEPTA map and route planner to figure out the best route for your conference venue or evening plans.
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Consider Indego for short errands / exploring nearby areas.
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For late-night or off-hours travel: Rideshare or taxi may be your easiest option, especially if transit service is limited.
Things to Do & Places to Go
Food and Drink
RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS
• K’Far Café – Israeli-inspired café by Chef Camille Cogswell, James Beard Award winner (Women-owned).
• Vernick Coffee Bar – Women-led team; inclusive, excellent for grab-and-go.
• Goldie Falafel – LGBTQ+ friendly, vegan menu by the Zahav hospitality group.
• Parc – LGBTQ+ friendly French bistro on Rittenhouse Square; diverse and inclusive staff.
• El Merkury – Latina-owned Central American street food and churros spot.
• Cake & Joe – AAPI women-owned café known for pastries and minimalist décor.
• Cleo Bagels – Woman-owned bakery known for queer-friendly staff culture.
• HipCityVeg – Woman-founded vegan fast-casual (Nicole Marquis), LGBTQ-friendly.
• White Dog Café – Women-owned, farm-to-table, sustainable, LGBTQ-affirming.
COFFEE SHOPS
• Elixr Coffee Roasters – LGBTQ+ friendly; inclusive barista culture; ethically sourced coffee.
• ReAnimator Coffee (Pine St. location) – Community-oriented and LGBTQ+ affirming.
• Good Karma Café – Woman-owned, environmentally conscious; multiple Center City locations.
Shopping & Activities
BOOKSTORES & CULTURAL SPACES
• Giovanni’s Room – The oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore in the country (Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room). A must-visit.
• Uncle Bobbie’s Books & Café (short rideshare) – Black-owned, community-centered bookstore by Marc Lamont Hill.
• House of Our Own (UPenn area; rideshare recommended) – Woman-owned.
SHOPPING & LOCAL MAKERS
• The Black Beauty Collective Pop-Up (frequent in Rittenhouse area) – Black women–owned beauty and body-care vendors.
• Lobo Mau (Fabric Row; short rideshare) – Women-owned slow-fashion brand; Latinx designer.
• Mushmina (Rittenhouse markets) – Women-owned, ethically sourced Moroccan artisan goods.
WELLNESS, BEAUTY & SERVICES
• Rescue Spa – Woman-owned luxury spa with strong LGBTQ+ clientele.
• Lacquer Lounge – Woman-owned nail salon; inclusive and welcoming environment.
• AME Salon & Spa – Women-owned, LGBTQ-friendly
NOTES
• Hours and availability may vary; always check business websites before visiting.
• Walking distance is defined as 2–15 minutes from the Warwick, unless otherwise noted.
Entertainment
THEATRE & LIVE PERFORMANCE
• Plays & Players Theatre – Historic, intimate theater offering local and contemporary productions.
• Helium Comedy Club – Popular comedy venue featuring national headliners and local comics.
• Miller Theater – Broadway tours, major stage productions, and special events on the Avenue of the Arts.
MUSIC, JAZZ & FILM
• Chris’ Jazz Café – Six nights a week of live jazz with dinner and bar service.
• Theatre of Living Arts (TLA) – Iconic South Street concert venue known for indie, rock, and touring artists.
• PFS Roxy Theater – Independent film screenings in a cozy two-screen cinema.
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES & CULTURE
• Rittenhouse Square – Walking-distance public park surrounded by shops, art events, and seasonal markets.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – World-class collections and the iconic “Rocky Steps.”
• The Barnes Foundation – Renowned for its impressionist and modernist art collection.
• Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts – Home to orchestra, opera, dance, and Broadway-style shows.
NOTES
• All locations listed are within walking distance or a short rideshare from the Warwick.
• A mix of nightlife, arts, culture, and laid-back options suitable for different conference schedules and preferences.
• For exact showtimes, availability, and ticketing, please visit each venue’s official website.
Outdoor Activities
This guide highlights walking-friendly, scenic, and recreational outdoor activities within easy reach of the Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia.
- Rittenhouse Square – Urban park in Center City, ideal for a stroll, picnic, people-watching, or reading outdoors. – Walking distance from the hotel: 1–3 minutes. – Website: https://www.rittenhousesquare.
org - Schuylkill Banks & Schuylkill River Trail – Eight-mile stretch along the Schuylkill River offering walking, jogging, cycling, picnicking, and dog-walking. – Boardwalk portion provides skyline and river views. – Website: https://www.schuylkillbanks.
org - Water Activities: Kayaking, Canoeing & River Tours – Guided kayaking tours available from Walnut Street Dock. – Riverboat tours offer sightseeing along the Schuylkill River. – Website: https://www.visitphilly.com/
articles/philadelphia/ schuylkill-river-trail - Fairmount Park & Nearby Green Spaces – Vast park with trails for walking, jogging, biking, historic estates, and gardens. – Half-day excursion possible for nature, exercise, or picnicking. – Website: https://www.fairmountpark.org
- Historic / Scenic Walks & Riverfront Strolls – Pedestrian paths along the Schuylkill or Delaware River offer waterfront views and skyline perspectives. Ideal for sunrise, sunset, or evening strolls. Check local trail maps for access points and distances.
NOTES
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Most locations are within 15–30 minutes from the hotel (walking, rideshare, or transit).
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Water activities: morning or early-evening slots are best; weekday tours are less crowded.
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For longer excursions, plan 2–4 hours to fully enjoy the site.
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Dress appropriately for weather; bring water for walking or biking trips.
Stay Connected!
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