The Willow Grove center is about 4 miles northeast of Arcadia University and 5 miles northwest of Bustleton.
Ever since the mid-1800s, people have been visiting Willow Grove during the summer to get away from the city. Not much has changed in all that time if you look at peak travel times. July is the most crowded month, with August not too far behind. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, January is the best time to travel. This is represented perfectly when you look at average lodging prices. Hotel prices in July are nearly double what you'd find in January.
In general, the winter months tend to be a more affordable time to travel, likely due to the winter chill. It's certainly not insurmountable with average temperatures of 33 degrees Fahrenheit in January, so with a few extra layers, you should be able to stay cozy. Summers, on the other hand, can be quite hot with average temperatures in July around 84 degrees. Remember to bring your umbrellas unless you're traveling in the fall due to high rainfalls in other seasons, particularly in December and June.
Fortunately, just about every attraction in Willow Grove is open all year, so the best time to travel really depends on your personal preference. If you don't mind the cold and want to stay away from the crowds, traveling in the winter might be your best bet, but Willow Grove makes a nice summer retreat as well. The fall months are perfect if you're trying to stay dry, while the spring offers cool temperatures and beautiful sights. Opt for the winter, though, if you're looking for the most affordable hotel prices.
For all travelers who plan to stop by the Willow Grove Park Mall, you know the value of a good discount. That's why so many of the local hotels offer discounts for AAA members. At the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Philadelphia Willow Grove, members can save 5 percent on their rooms and enjoy a multitude of exciting features. You'll find free WiFi in every room along with premium bedding, a coffee/tea maker, and premium TV channels. Outside of your room, you have the benefit of a 24-hour business center and front desk, along with a snack bar/deli area.
AAA members can also save 5 percent when they book a stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Willow Grove. When it comes to food, this hotel will be hard to beat. Your breakfast is cooked to order every day, and there's a restaurant area complete with a bar/lounge and coffee shop. There's a golf course nearby, and the pool area features a hot tub. Inside your room, you'll find a luxurious shower/tub combination along with free toiletries. A coffee maker is included along with premium TV channels and WiFi.
When you're booking your hotel in Willow Grove, you don't have to side with one extreme or the other. There's a nice middle ground to be found between affordability and luxury, and this area offers plenty of options. The Residence Inn by Marriott Philadelphia Willow Grove, Horsham is an extremely well-rated hotel with amenities you're sure to love. This hotel features a free breakfast buffet complete with coffee and tea. Inside your room, you'll find a separate sitting area and premium TV channels. Free WiFi is included, of course, along with a free newspaper.
Another great option is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Philadelphia Willow Grove, Philadelphia. When you book your stay here, you're just a short walk from the mall, but you don't have to go far for entertainment as there's a tennis court on site. You can also get a free full breakfast that's available all day, so you don't have to worry about getting up early. Inside your room, you'll find a TV with premium channels as you might expect, but it's also a smart TV with Netflix.
As you've probably discovered by now, the most popular attraction in Willow Grove is the Willow Grove Park Mall. This is one of the biggest and most popular malls in the state with over 120 stores in addition to numerous restaurants. Due to its significant regional attraction, it's been a complete economic success, bringing money and jobs to Abington Township. As the third most profitable mall in the Philadelphia area, this place gets traffic, so they've done a lot to make it exciting for everyone who walks through their doors.
Inside you'll find a fountain, decorative carousel horses hanging from the ceiling, and a fully functional merry-go-round. This is an homage to Willow Grove Park, a Victorian-era amusement park that used to occupy the space where the mall currently resides. The original park was built in 1896 and was incredibly popular lasting 80 years before closing. In fact, this park didn't have much competition throughout the entire country until Disneyland opened. One of the most exciting features was the music pavilion, one of John Philip Sousa's favorite venues.
The Willow Grove Park Mall may be the main attraction, but Willow Grove still has so much more to offer. If you want to experience it, you need to make sure you book your stay with a hotel that can cater to all your specific needs, whether it's an affordable place to sleep or a luxurious home away from home. It's time to embark on your journey to enjoy everything Willow Grove has to offer.
Below are reviews of the city of Willow Grove, PA from an actual visitor's perspective.
The hotel is in close proximity to the PA Turnpike.
There was a two story Target store down the road from hotel!
Great
Hotel was nice
Very nice area!
Loved the rooms and the quiet, just overall everything!
The shopping center was very nice. A nice variety of stores.
Nice quiet town!
Recommend: Mad Mex - Mexican food - get the jalapeno margarita; Tara Yoga (fantastic); MomentOM Yoga; Nadia's Thai; Ooka Japanese Restaurant.
Good shopping and restaurants