Official Convention Hotels

NCTE has negotiated discounted hotel rates for 2026 NCTE Annual Convention attendees. All reservations are made through Orchid Events, NCTE’s official — and only — housing provider. The 2026 headquarters hotel is the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Browse all official Convention hotels and book your room on the Orchid Events booking site.

Book Your Hotel

Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis, so submit your request as early as possible for the best chance at your preferred hotel. Booking within the NCTE room block also supports the NCTE community — it helps us meet our commitments to the host city and negotiate the lowest possible rates in future years, keeping registration affordable.

Beware of housing scams. Orchid Events is NCTE’s only affiliated housing partner. Please disregard any communication from other companies offering hotel reservations — they are likely fraudulent.

How to Book

Reservation Details

  • Deposit / guarantee: a credit-card guarantee of one night’s room and tax is required per room. Your card is not charged at booking — it is held as a guarantee only.
  • Confirmation: Orchid Events emails an acknowledgment within 24 hours of booking. You will not receive a separate written confirmation from the hotel; if your acknowledgment doesn’t arrive, contact Orchid Events.
  • Changes & cancellations: a $25 fee applies to cancellations on or after October 1, 2026; cancellations within 72 hours of arrival are charged one night’s room and tax. Through October 26, make changes online or email help@orchid.events; after October 26, contact your hotel directly.
  • Questions or special requests: contact Orchid Events at 888-747-7860 or help@orchid.events (special requests are not guaranteed).

Reservation deadline: Make your hotel reservation by October 26, 2026, to guarantee availability and the discounted Convention rate. After this date, reservations are based on availability and may be at higher rates.

Getting to Philadelphia

By Air

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located approximately seven miles from Center City. The airport serves as a hub for American Airlines and offers direct flights from most major US cities.

Air Transportation Options

  • Airline Discount Program:

    Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for NCTE Annual Convention attendees. Please click here to book your flights. You may also call Conferences & Events® at 1-800-328-1111 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and refer to Meeting Event Code NY4YY.

    *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation 800 number

  • SEPTA Airport Line:

    $8 one-way to Center City (30-minute ride). Trains depart every 30 minutes. Take the train to Jefferson Station, which is directly beneath the Convention Center.

  • Taxi/Rideshare:

    Approximately $30–$40 to Center City (20–30 minutes, depending on traffic)

  • Shuttle Services:

    Various shared-ride services available at Ground Transportation

By Train

Philadelphia is easily accessible via Amtrak, with service from New York, Washington DC, Boston, and other cities along the Northeast Corridor.

Train Transportation Options

  • 30th Street Station:

    Amtrak’s Philadelphia hub. Take SEPTA Regional Rail to Jefferson Station (one stop, 5 minutes) or taxi/rideshare to the Convention Center.

  • From New York:

    1.5 hours on Acela, 2 hours on Northeast Regional

  • From Washington DC:

    1.5 hours on Acela, 2 hours on Northeast Regional

By Car

Philadelphia is accessible via I-95 (North-South) and I-76 (East-West). The Convention Center is located in Center City, easily reached from major highways.

Car Transportation Options

  • Convention Center Parking:

    Garage located at 13th and Arch Streets. Daily rates approximately $25–$35.

  • Hotel Parking:

    Most Convention hotels offer valet or self-parking ($35–$55/day)

  • Alternative Parking:

    Several commercial garages within walking distance offer competitive daily rates

Pro Tip: If you’re staying at a Convention hotel, consider leaving your car at home. The Convention Center and most hotels are within easy walking distance of restaurants, attractions, and public transit.

Getting Around Philadelphia

SEPTA Public Transit

Philadelphia’s public transit system (SEPTA) includes buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail. A SEPTA Key card makes travel easy and affordable.

Options

  • Subway:

    Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line serve Center City

  • Buses:

    Extensive bus network throughout the city

  • Regional Rail:

    Jefferson Station is directly beneath the Convention Center

Indego Bike Share

Philadelphia’s bike share program has stations throughout Center City. A great way to explore the city between sessions!

Walking

Center City Philadelphia is very walkable. Most Convention hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within a 15-minute walk of the Convention Center.