Spread The Love Winter Promotion

As the snow melts in Philadelphia, we’re inviting you to help Spread the Love — with free parking, SEPTA discounts and dining deals!

The deals will help you enjoy Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day in Philadelphia — and, of course, allow you to splurge at the city’s restaurants, shops, museums and more!

Free Parking and Parking Deals

Here’s the lowdown on the parking deals coming up:

Friday, February 12 – Wednesday, February 17 (until 12 midnight):

- Street parking: Beginning on Friday, February 12 and through Wednesday, February 17, all on-street metered parking in Philadelphia will be FREE!

To help Philadelphia area residents and businesses “Spread the Love” starting with the Valentine’s Day weekend, the City of Philadelphia has partnered with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) and SEPTA to provide free or reduced-cost transportation options.

Note: While all metered parking will be free throughout the city, the PPA will continue to enforce parking prohibitions in restricted safety zones, including handicapped spaces, bus zones and in front of fire hydrants.

- Parking garages: The first four hours of parking will be free, followed by a $3 per hour rate in the following center city garages:

- AutoPark at JFK (16th & JFK)
– AutoPark at Independence Mall (5th & Market)
– AutoPark at Jefferson (10th & Ludlow)
– AutoPark at Gallery Mall (10th & Filbert)
– 8th & Filbert
– Old City at 2nd & Sansom

PPA Lots at:
– 8th & Chestnut
– 19th & Callowhill
– 15th & Arch

Learn more about PPA-operated lots and garages at philapark.org.

Tuesday, February 16 (starting at 5 p.m.) – Friday, February 19:

There will be a flat $5 per 12 hour rate for parking in the garages listed above.

And during this same period, in the same garages, the PPA will provide a reduced $10 all day garage parking rate for any parker who brings a receipt from a local merchant or restaurant for a purchase taking place after the initial eight hour parking period. The full-day rate for most center city garages would be on average $19.00, which would result in savings of $9.00.

Saturday, February 20 – Sunday February 21:

The first four hours of parking will be free, followed by a $3 per hour rate in the garages listed above.

Not sure where and how to park in Philadelphia? Check out our new Parking Videos, which helpfully (and humorously) answer questions like, “What the heck is a multi-space meter?” More…

Public Transportation

SEPTA is celebrating its “Break Your Winter Blues” promotion by offering “Red Hot Sweetheart Deals” on its regional rail lines from February 12-21, 2010. SEPTA fares are as follows:

Weekend Round-Trip Fare

Add convenience and bargain pricing to the list of reasons to take SEPTA Regional Rail. Purchase a round-trip ticket in advance or on board the train for one low price. (Also good weekday evenings on inbound trains arriving in Center City after 5 p.m.)

$6.00: Zone 1 or Zone 2 stations
$8.00: Zone 3 stations
$9.00: Zone 4 or Zone 5 stations
$15.00: Zone 6 stations

~ Parking Free at all surface parking lots at SEPTA Regional Rail Stations on Weekends

Also, enjoy a Special Weekend Fare ($1.00 cash each way) on theMarket Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line

~ Available February 13-15 and February 20-21

Dining & Shopping Deals

Check out the Spread the Love page at phila.gov (the City of Philadelphia’s Official site) for Dining Deals available through February 21.

Note: All promotions are subject to change. Please call the business directly for details.

Hotel Deals

Here’s a list of special offers at select participating hotels.

Crowne Plaza Philadelphia City Ave.
Relaxation package includes overnight, $25 gift certificate to Sak’s 5th Ave Salon/Spa, breakfast for two, late check out. Rates starting at $129. Now through April. Mention Relaxation Package.
Call (215) 477-0200 to book.

Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown
Packages start at $159 includes overnight, complimentary parking, and bottle of champagne. Feb. 12-14.
Call (215) 561-7500 to book.

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
Rates starting at $99 for a Deluxe room.
To book, visit hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com and use code: PSTL. Offer valid through 2/20.

Hilton Inn at Penn
$189+ tax includes guestroom, breakfast & Dinner for 2 in Penne Rest & Wine Bar and Parking.
To book, call 800-HILTONS and ask for package SVD or visit secure.hilton.com. Offer valid through 2/21.

Historic Independence Park Hotel
Offer: $20 off best available rate. Feb. 15-28. Does not apply to existing reservations.
Call (215) 922-4443 to book.

Rittenhouse 1715, A Boutique Hotel
Stay 3 nights at Rittenhouse 1715 and pay for two. Valid Monday February 15th, 2010 to Sunday February 28th, 2010. Includes continental breakfast daily and a complimentary glass of wine in our Drawing Room. Deluxe, Superior or Suite rooms only. Based on availability. Offer valid through February.
Call (215) 546-6500 to book.

Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
Business Boost Package – $229 includes Deluxe accommodations, wireless internet access and breakfast for one.
To book, call 1-800-241-3333 or visit ritzcarlton.com. Offer begins 2/15.

Sheraton Philadelphia City Center
Rates for $99 per night.
To book, call 1-800-325-3535 or visit sheraton.com/philadelphiacitycenter. Offer valid through 2/21.

Sheraton University City Hotel
Godiva Getaway package includes complimentary suite upgrade, box of Godiva chocolates, Bitter Sweet love songs CD, breakfast for 2, late check-out. Valid through Feb. 28.
Call (215) 387-8000 to book.

The Windsor Suites
Studio suite, plus 2 coupons for breakfast in Con Murphy’s, rates starting at $107 per night plus tax.
To book, call 1-877-784-8379 or visit windsorweb.windsorhotel.com. Offer valid through 2/21.

Hampton Inn Center City
Accommodations for $89 and includes breakfast.
Call (215) 665-9100 to book. Offer valid 2/18 – 2/21.

Why the sudden outpouring of deals?

With two major snowfalls blanketing the region in less than a week, the City of Philadelphia enlisted the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (that’s us!), Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Parking Authority, SEPTA, Center City District and others to offer residents incentives to get out of their houses and spur the economy by patronizing the city’s many hotels, attractions, restaurants and shops. Thanks, Mayor Nutter!