FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I request a room? 

• You can submit a request online at by clicking here or by phone at 267-969-6220, 7 days a week. Please note- the Family Services office is closed after 5 PM. Please leave a message and we will return your call promptly. 

How much does it cost to stay? 

• We have a suggested donation of $25 per night. Donations can be made at any time during your stay with the front desk or though out website by clicking here. 
• If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please call our Family Services office at 267-969-6220 to discuss alternative arrangements.  

How do we make a donation? What can we donate? 

• Click here for information on ways to give.

How many people can stay in the room?  

• Our rooms hold up to 4 people at a time. An exception could be made if you are a family of 5 that includes small children. Please call the Family Services office at 267-969-6220 to discuss. 
• Each family is provided one room only regardless of family size. 

What is the layout of the room and what is provided?  

• We have rooms with 1 queen bed, 1 queen bed and 1 couch that pulls out into a queen bed, and 2 queen beds. Please notify Family Services if you have a preference and we will do our best to accommodate your request pending availability.  
• All rooms have linens, bath towels and washcloths, and travel-size toiletries are provided. 
• Items like tide pods, hairbrushes, and additional toiletries are available by request at the Front Desk. 

Which transportation and parking options are available? 

• Each family is permitted to bring one car. All family vehicles must be registered at the Front Desk for families staying in either House.
• There is no on-site parking available at the Chestnut Street House. One vehicle per family is permitted to park for free at the Buerger Center near CHOP. Information on this process is given at check-in.
• Our volunteer-run shuttle service is available for transport between the House, CHOP, and the Buerger Center. Please call the Front Desk for more specific information on when the shuttle runs.
• On-site parking is available at our Front & Erie House along with transportation to Shriners Hospital through their shuttle service. Please contact Shriners for their Shuttle’s hours of operation.
• Click here to view information about free medical flights. 

Is food provided? Can we bring in our own groceries and cook? 

• Our dining room is stocked with grab-and-go items like juice, milk, fruit, snacks, and sandwiches, all free of charge. We also provide a hot dinner served buffet-style each night at 6 PM. Leftovers will be packaged up and stored for easy heat up at your convenience.  
• We have a pantry and fridge area that is available to store your groceries and a community kitchen area stocked with seasonings, cookware, and cleaning supplies.  

Where can we do our laundry? 

• Laundry rooms are located by the elevators on each floor and is priced at 50 cents a load. 

Can we arrive before treatment begins? When do we need to check out? 

• Our families can check in up to 24 hours in advance of their child’s scheduled appointments, treatment, or surgery. We cannot take arrivals more than 24 hours in advance. Once a child is discharged, families must check out within 24 hours. 

Which location do I stay at? 

• Our Chestnut Street House is located in University City and is in close proximity to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Wills Eye Institute, Jefferson Hospital, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Hospital.  
• Our Front & Erie House is located in North Philadelphia and is in close proximity to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and Shriners Hospital for Children. 
• Room Requests and inquiries for both Houses are received through the Family Services office at our Chestnut Street location. 

What are acceptable forms of ID? 

• State-issued driver’s license 
• State-issued ID 
• Current passport 
• Valid Government-issued photo ID 
• Valid Active Military photo ID 
• University/College photo ID 

You will be asked to provide a photo ID at check-in. 

Where can we stay if you don’t have availability/we don’t qualify? 

• If we do not have availability, we suggest the following: 
  • Reserve a room at one of the hotels on our discount list 
  • Submit a room request at the South Jersey Ronald McDonald House at https://www.rmhsnj.org/online-guest-stay-request 
  • Connect with the hospital for support in finding alternative accommodations 
  • Request accommodations at Hosts for Hospitals at 484-380-2999 
• If you do not qualify to stay with us, we suggest you do the following: 
  • Connect with the hospital for support in finding alternative accommodations 
  • Inquire with Hope Lodge which houses adult oncology patients