A quick note from a former colleague who lives in Philly:

Warwick, Le Meridien, and Crown Plaza are all centered right in the middle of center city. The Best Western is 8 blocks from my house and is in a more residential part of the city (though across the street from the Rodin Museum and down the block from the Art Museum).

Yeah, I think there are a couple of Crown Plazas - the one who sent us a quote is over near Fairmount Park. I think it has a free shuttle into Center City anyway.

I love to walk right out my door and be "in the city", but Madison wasn't like that and I still had fun. The Crown Plaza is the cheapest, most inclusive option so far. But I would be okay with any of the places, and I am choosy about my hotels.

I just heard back from the Weehakwen Sheraton, our rooms would be $139 a night for either weekend.

Hey, Trudy, have you checked out the Jersey City Ramada? It's right by the Journal Square PATH station, so it's easy to get to the city, and it looks to be similarly priced to Weehawken.

Weehawken? As in Jolly Fats? Heh.

have you checked out the Jersey City Ramada?

I haven't. I'll give them a shout.

I, too, am hoping to appear at the F2F but have been hanging back because one of the weekends under discussion is an absolute no (my parents' 50th anniversary, yo!). I'm lurking, but I vote!

Two of the date options are a "can't go" for me. One is the day after my sister gets into town and the other is the day after she leaves (and I'll be exhausted, as usual).

So I'll just be over here in the quiet corner until we fully decide on a date.

Amtrak to Providence: Visit Rhode Island and Save 20%

Travel on the Northeast Regional and save 20% with our "Visit Rhode Island" offer, available through December 28, 2010.

Visit Providence, a hotbed of commerce, culture, history and fine eateries. Hop back on the train and visit beautiful Kingston. Be sure to bring a camera for your leisurely stroll around Kingston Village to capture its fine architecture. And just a short train ride away is Westerly, a delightful community nestled on the south shore of the state.

The 20% you'll save on the train ticket is cash in your pocket to spend wherever you please. Terms and Conditions

* Valid for 20% off the regular (full) adult rail fare. * Valid for sale December 29, 2009 - December 28, 2010. * Valid for travel January 1 - December 31, 2010. * Valid for travel on the Northeast Regional to Providence, Kingston and Westerly, Rhode Island. Not valid on Acela Express. * Advance reservations are required a minimum of three days prior to travel. * Up to two children ages 2 to 15 may accompany each adult at half the regular (full) adult rail fare. * Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times. * Valid for Coach seats only.

(Providence RI) T.F. Green Airport offers travelers a variety of airlines with diverse service areas.

Air Canada Reservations - (888) 247-2262 Markets served (non-stop) - Toronto Cape Air (seasonal) Reservations - (800) 352-0714 Markets served (non-stop)- Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket Continental Airlines/Continental Express Reservations - (800) 525-0280 Markets served (non-stop) - Cleveland and Newark Delta Airlines/Delta Connection/Northwest Airlines Reservations - (800) 221-1212 Markets served (non-stop) - Atlanta, Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul Southwest Airlines Reservations - (800) 435-9792 Markets served (non-stop) - Baltimore-Washington, Chicago Midway, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa and Ft. Lauderdale United Airlines/United Airlines Express Reservations - (800) 241-6522 Markets served (non-stop) - Chicago O'Hare and Washington Dulles US Airways Reservations - (800) 428-4322 Markets served (non-stop) - Charlotte, NC, NY LGA, Philadelphia, and Washington - Reagan National