WashU update: We are now meeting up with friends in St. Louis who procured a free room at the Clayto

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We're planning a spring break college tour and are looking for hotels near the above schools. car rental malaga spain I've been given varying recommendation from parents of students. In all cases, we'd ideally like to be walking distance to the admissions building, and preferably in an area where we can experience student life and walk to cafes and restaurants. We will not have a car at Penn, but will at Northwestern and Georgetown...still undecided about WashU.
In Evanston, there is a newer Hilton Garden car rental malaga spain Inn that is adjacent to a large parking garage and walking distance to everything (and probably 10 minutes to the admissions office). I haven't stayed there since we live locally, but I park in that garage every time I go to NU/Evanston, including car rental malaga spain our campus visit/tour there a few months ago, as I find it convenient.
The Orrington is also right in the center of downtown and close to campus and the admissions office. I haven't been in there in years (we had our wedding reception there years ago), so not sure what it's like these days.
There is a Sheraton and a Hilton (Inn at Penn) within blocks of UPenn. The Inn at Penn is wonderful. I've stayed there several times. I hope you'll have time to explore the neighborhood around Penn a little bit. I have always thought it was the perfect neighborhood for college students. Here's car rental malaga spain a web site that describes car rental malaga spain what the area has to offer:
The Cheshire Inn is close to Wash U. It is an older tudor style property The last time we were there it needed a facelift (about 5 years ago). There may be better choices, like in Clayton. Wash U is a gorgeous campus. If your student can get in there, he/she is a star!
We actually stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn when we looked at Northwestern with my older son. If I remember correctly (unlikely, because we saw so many schools), it was fine - brand new and had laundry facilities plus a great breakfast buffet. But we walked past the Orrington, which wasn't a Hilton then, then and it seemed to be in a better location, closer to campus and the student action. So I've booked that one.
For WashU: The nearby Loop neighborhood in University City has a fairly new boutique hotel called The Moonrise. Very nice. It's about a mile from the campus. Lots of restaurants and shops just outside the door.
Our son (now a sophomore at Penn) applied to most of the same schools you are visiting. If you have time to do sightseeing as well as touring the area around Penn, I will put in a plug for the Penn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology which has an amazing car rental malaga spain collection. As Birdie notes, it is easy to get into the central part of the city using public transit or even walking. It is also easy to get to Penn/University City from either the train station (basically right there) or the airport.
Penn Update: the Hilton AND Sheraton at Penn are both fully booked car rental malaga spain on our night for a convention (of high school schoolers). So we need some alternative suggestions there. Friends car rental malaga spain have recommended the Sofitel, but it doesn't car rental malaga spain seem very convenient...We won't have a car and my son will be spending the evening visiting his older brother's friends on campus. Also, sadly, the Silk Road exhibit is sold out...although it's nearly six weeks from now!
Vtt, Another Penn Q: We will be arriving from NY. Planned on taking the train to Philadelphia, car rental malaga spain but our NY friends and other Penn parents have said that we're crazy to not take the Bolt Bus for $10. However...we car rental malaga spain will be leaving NY at about 4:30pm - and I'm concerned about rush hour traffic. What do you think?
WashU update: car rental malaga spain We are now meeting up with friends in St. Louis who procured a free room at the Clayton Sheraton with Starwood points, car rental malaga spain so we're staying there with them. Would have liked to try the Moonrise, though. Looks very cool.
I don't have experience with the NY Bolt bus at that time of day -- maybe you should post a separate question about whether it is a problem in rush hour traffic. It is certainly much cheaper than the train.
Center City, particularly the Rittenhouse Square area isn't too far from the UPenn campus. I have walked from UPenn to city hall and back without a problem. You could always easily cab it or take the bus or subway. The Rittenhouse Hotel is very nice and right on the square. If you did stay at one of the nicer hotels, I bet the concierge could get tickets for the Silk Road. I am surprised it's sold out. We were able to walk in and get tickets.