Philadelphia is the 6th largest city in the nation. Many people have friends, family, or colleagues that they stay with while they are in town. Local public transportation makes it possible to commute into the conference from various neighborhoods and even suburbs.

PTHC Housing Shares board

To seek a space in a community members house or to offer a space for people to stay in your house in and around Philadelphia, please go to the PTHC Housing Shares board. This is also accessible by mobile phone

You can also post on the PTHC Facebook page that you are seeking a home-stay.

Besides your own network of friends or family, you may want to inquire with local institutions in your own faith tradition, as these are sometimes able to arrange housing.

Be creative! It's a great chance to reach out and find new community and connections...

For a less expensive housing option, you may want to consider local hostels.

• Apple Hostel (32 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106) - Prices start at $35 per night for a bed in a dorm. Dorms are segregated into male, female, and (heterosexual) couple spaces -- though they also offer private and semi-private rooms, with shared bathrooms. The management has worked with transgender guests before. This location is 1 mile from the conference venue and can be walked. Or the subway, bus, and PHLASH systems can provide transportation for $2 or less per ride. Taxis also run frequently along this route.
• Chamounix Mansion Hostel (3250 Chamounix Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131) - This economical option ($23/night) is not convenient to the conference venue via public transportation. You may need to plan for taxi ride or parking near the conference venue as a part of your commute.

The Pennsylvania Convention Center has a full list of hotels, including website links and their distance.

Closest Hotels

The Hilton Garden Inn and the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown are the shortest walk to our entrance of the Convention Center. The Hampton Inn and the Loew's are only a short block further.

Other Hotel Ideas

The PHLASH bus (though PHLASH only runs 10am to 6pm) and SEPTA ground transportation open up a convenient way to stay at hotels further away from the conference venue, without necessarily having to walk the distance on foot.

• Many hotels in Center City are located within a short walk of the conference venue -- or a short ride on public transportation.
• Hotels in Old City or near Penn's Landing (still considered Center City) may be a long walk (a mile or more) with public transportation options recommended
• West Philadelphia locations are further away, but still easily accessible by public transportation -- particularly by trolley, but also by bus or subway.
• Philadelphia Airport hotels are roughly 8 miles from the conference venue, but various taxi, shuttle, and train options serve the PHL to Center City route. Please review "By Plane" for details on transportation from the airport. If renting a car, you would need to consider parking expenses in Center City.
• If considering Suburban Philadelphia hotel options, you would need to consider parking expenses in Center City and/or access to SEPTA Regional Rail stations.
• If considering New Jersey hotel options, you would need to consider bridge tolls and parking expenses in Center City and/or access to PATCO stations.

Save money on your hotel booking

Do you have a friend that works in the hotel industry? See if they can get you a discounted room in the chain they work for

Priceline has great deals on hotel rooms of up to 50% off. Use Bidding for travel.com to help you get started on what to bid

Also check out Hotwire.com and Orbitz.com for more deals on hotels.