Hello everyone new to here trying to get a feel for these discussion boards and using this site anyhow I’m visiting philli Monday for a few days and curious of safe areas to stay? It’s been a long while since I visited. Thanks in advance.

they call it Philly.
Be sure to eat a cheese steak for me.

Indeed...

But honestly, you just can't get a bad cheese-steak hoagy in Philly.

You are an out of towner obviously. Pats and Geno's are famous bc they are right across the street from each other and they have a rivalry, but not because they are the best. Pat's is considered to be the originator of the sandwich so there's that.  
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Now, "the best" is always going be subjective of course, but most Philadelphian's would not consider either to be in that lofted category. Most would say the best steaks are either Jim's on South Street or Dalessandro’s, in the Roxborough section of town. John's Roast Pork (but better known for their steak sandwich) will usually get the bronze.
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All that said, I generally tell Philly neophytes to go to Pat's and Geno's to sample both if they are coming to town for just a day and want a traditional cheesesteak in an iconic setting in South Philly. It's an interesting area, to say the least, especially later at night after a Phillies or Eagles game.  
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We'll get into "Wiz, Wit" another time as that is for more advanced cheesesteak aficionados. I'll give you a hint...it's how we order them. lol

Most people know I live in the DC area...  

What about Tony Lukes? I’ve heard a lot of good things.

I think we agree that no matter where you get it in town, it's a pretty damn good sandwich. lol.

Very good cheesesteak and their roast pork with sharp provolone is to die for!

The response order is visible to everyone.

Tony Luke's. Provolone steak with.

agree with Robert.  

khloe - down town area still going to be the easiest most likely. but the sonder chain has small airbnb style 1 bedroom units in various neighborhoods. you'd be fine in any of those areas.  

Pat's and Geno's is where out-of-town (tourist) people go for Cheese Steaks and the Tourist Experience.