Philadelphia airport (map) is located about 10 miles from central Philadelphia. The two largest airlines serving Philadelphia are Southwest and US Airways.
SEPTA provides rail service between the airport and Suburban Station (map) on the R1 line. A taxi will cost $26.50. We don't recommend getting a rental car, if you are staying in Center City. Parking is expensive and wedding events and most tourist activities are easily accessible by walking or public transport.
Amtrak provides frequent rail service from New York, Baltimore, and Washington to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station (map). It's about a mile to the Courtyard, and less to the Sofitel or wedding venue itself. Taxis are available at the station. If you are going to the Courtyard you can take the trolley to Juniper Street. To catch the trolley, exit the station to the south, turn right, and cross 30th Street. The station is underground. Trolley lines 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36 all make this trip so you won't be waiting long.
The Amtrak regional trains take about 1.5 hours from New York and fares range from $35 to $67 depending on the time of day. From DC, the trip takes slightly under two hours on the regional and the cost ranges from $35 to $80. Acela Express trains make the trip in about 1h 35m, but can cost as much as $115 for peak-hour trains.
Another option if you're coming from New York is to take New Jersey Transit to Trenton and then change to a SEPTA R7 train to Suburban Station (map). This takes approximately 2.5 hours and the fare is approximately $20.
There are a wide variety of bus options to Philadelphia. BoltBus offers deluxe bus service from New York, with wi-fi on-board. The trip takes two hours and advance purchase fares are $8-$13. They stop near the Amtrak station (map).
Bike maps are available from the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
We have a limited number of rooms available at discounted rates at the Downtown Courtyard and Sofitel. Both are in the center of Philadelphia and a reasonable walk (or quick taxi or trolley ride) from the venue. To book a room at these rates, please call the hotel directly and mention "Mahoney-Westbrook wedding" as if you are subtly dropping the name of a celebrity.
UPDATE 9/11/2010 The block has expired, so rooms may not still be available at these rates.
Located at 21 N Juniper St., (map) right across from City Hall, the Courtyard is right in the center of town.
Rate: $119/night for a king or double room.
Reserve by calling 1-800-321-2211 or 1-888-887-8130.
Mention rate code M-KIITT.
All non-smoking.
If you are driving, you may want to check their website, as we've seen some packages that include parking with a two night stay at a somewhat higher rate. For comparison, the hotel charges $43/day for parking, and nearby garages charge around $30/day. See Wanamaker Garage (map).
The Sofitel is closer to the venue, and in a bit more of a residential neighborhood. It's at 120 S. 17th Street (map).
Rate: $145 a night
Reserve by calling (215) 569-8300.
Smoking and non-smoking rooms available.