With my daughter about to go to college at University City, on the west part of Philadelphia, my wife and I booked the Hampton Inn acroos the Convention Center because it looked pretty central to all the attractions of Philadelphia (very important if you don't have a car). The hotel is just two blocks from Reading Market and the subway to Old City (the colonial landmarks are there) . Chinatown is only one block away and Independence Center (Liberty Bell and Independence Hall) just a 20-minute walk away.
The hotel is comfortable and the staff very acommodating. On the day of arrival I asked to be changed from a double to a suite. For a minimal increase on the price of the room we spent the night in a comfortable king size bedroom (while my daughter slept in the living room). The included breakfast was OK (scrambled eggs, muffins, bagels, potatos, coffee, juices, etc.) and better than the 'continental' servings at other hotels.
I would recommend this hotel for parents of students at University City (if the hotels there are full) since this Hampton Inn is only two short blocks to the 'Drexel Shuttle' that takes you to University City in less than 7 minutes.
