By Anna Ryan
Whether you’re on business or family vacation, Philadelphia offers a variety of luxury hotels, fine dining and attractions you won’t want to miss. So take a step into the City of Brotherly Love and explore all that this city has to offer.
The Latham Hotel, situated in downtown Philadelphia, is a renowned boutique hotel conveniently surrounded by museums and historical landmarks. The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the National Constitution Center are only a couple of the popular attractions in the surrounding area. The hotel was first built in 1907 on the original site of William Bucknell’s home, the founder of Bucknell University, and served as rental units for those living in Philadelphia. It wasn’t until 1970 that the Latham Hotel became the first hotel to offer accommodations to travelers.
With newly renovated rooms, the hotel offers a modern European style to the historic area. 24-hour room service provides guests with the comfort they seek along with a wide variety of other amenities, including a fitness center with new equipment that looks out to the hustle and bustle of the city. Don’t worry about the family dog, Latham Hotel is a dog friendly hotel giving guests the option to bring their loving companion along. There is also no need to worry about traveling around Center City; the hotel offers complimentary chauffeur service in a 2012 Audi A8 luxury sedan. Having a unique experience is an aspect that this hotel prides itself in.
The Ritz-Carlton, also located in downtown Philadelphia, sets the scene with a historic yet modern interior. This 299 guest room hotel with a penthouse to overlook the city offers guests the dynamics of a downtown experience. Historic sites are only minutes away, and hotel amenities provide complete satisfaction.
Hotel Monaco Philadelphia is another well-known luxury hotel in downtown Philadelphia offering guests a taste of modern design while being surrounded by historic sites. 268 guest rooms and suites are offered along with amenities that are sure to make the stay enjoyable. This hotel also knows the importance of pets and allows pets to share a room with their owners at no extra charge.
If you’re looking for fine dining during your stay, the Red Owl Tavern is a great place to start. It’s connected to Hotel Monaco Philadelphia and overlooks the historic sites of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. During the day the restaurant turns into an upscale deli and butcher shop along with the serving of breakfast. Saturday’s and Sunday’s welcome brunch hours and afternoon and evening hours turn into lunch and dinner specialties. Whether it’s autumn, winter, spring, or summer, this restaurant keeps their flavorful dishes in tune with the changing seasons. Pennsylvania farms are an important aspect to this restaurant and local ingredients are used as they become available.
If French cuisine is what you desire, Le Bec Fin, located on Walnut Street, is just the place to satisfy that yearning. It is claimed to be one of the leading destinations in Philadelphia for French fine dining. Exquisite dishes are prepared for their lunch and dinner hours throughout the week along with brunch dishes served on Sunday afternoons.
Tequilas Restaurant, established in 1986, offers a Mexican cuisine that is sure to bring you back for more. Occasionally they have Tequila Night where they bring out their best tequilas and serve them with your meal. Be sure to make reservations for this particular event as it is extremely popular.
To top off your adventure in downtown Philadelphia, famous historic sites are on a must-see basis. One of the most raved about attractions which symbolizes America’s independence is the Liberty Bell. Best of all, admission is free. Afterwards, don’t forget to make your way to Independence Hall where you can take a tour and watch the Founding Fathers debate the Declaration of Independence.
If you’re looking for museums, take a trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is one of the largest museums in the United States and holds over 227,000 objects. The museum is also known for the “Rocky Steps.” In an iconic scene from the movie Rocky, Rocky Balboa runs up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps and throws his fists up victoriously. Mimicking this famous scene is a tourist favorite. But, before you make that 72 stair climb, you can get a picture with the statue of Rocky situated at the bottom of the stairs.
Philadelphia promises to make your stay unique and enjoyable. Luxury hotels, fine dining, and attractions are all features this city prides itself in. So book your visit and stay a while, Philadelphia would love to have you. •
For more information about the hotels mentioned above visit:
lathamhotelphiladelphia.com
ritzcarlton.com
monaco-philadelphia.com
For more information about the restaurants mentioned above visit:
redowltavern.com
lebecfin.com
tequilasphilly.com
For more information about the attractions mentioned above visit:
visitphilly.com
philamuseum.org