PA’s premier city, Philadelphia, is the birthplace of America. Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, explore the many museums and art galleries, and indulge in some of the best food and craft beer on the East Coast. Then there’s the city of Pittsburgh, with unmissable views from atop Mount Washington. And the complete change of pace experienced in Amish Country; here you can observe the group’s unique culture and traditions, taste homemade Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine and take a buggy ride through the picturesque countryside. Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains and the waterfalls of Ricketts Glen State Park are also well worth a stop.
Philadelphia
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia At Comcast Center
Rising 60 storeys and 1121-feet into the Philadelphia skyline, is the Comcast Center. The Four Seasons occupies the building from the 48th floor, ensuring guests have incredible views (this is the highest altitude you’ll reach in a North American hotel). 180 rooms and 39 suites have floor to ceiling windows, app-based tech, smart controls and Guerlain toiletries. The crystal-encrusted health and wellness centre resides on the 57th floor, complete with Peloton bikes and a dreamy pool. It also houses a top-floor restaurant and bar with a towering glass atrium, a further seafood eatery and there’s a house car at guests’ disposal.
The Ritz Carlton
Set in one of Philly’s aforementioned historic buildings, The Ritz was once the Girard Trust Bank. As such, the public rooms are grand and imperious, with 301 bedrooms taking on a softer, more contemporary feel. The Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon is very well respected in beauty circles and there’s a Latin-American restaurant in the lobby, to treat your tastebuds. As there’s only one restaurant, if you want access to a further lounge (with complimentary food), you’ll need to book a club suite. While the hotel may look formal, it offers a relaxed approach for families, with an Ocean Futures kids club offering environmentally-themed activities.
The Rittenhouse Hotel
Named after its location just off Rittenhouse Square, the Rittenhouse is a paradise for pet lovers — personalised bowls, treats baked on the premises and bookable dog walkers or sitters, ensure Fido is as pampered as you are. Meanwhile, humans can receive their share of indulgence at the sleek, contemporary spa and pool. 118 bedrooms are, by contrast, decorated in a more classical style at the Forbes Four-Star hotel, some with four-poster beds. Guests can feast on five-course tasting menus at The Rittenhouse’s fine-dining venue Lacroix, or eat at one of three further venues.
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection By Hilton
Another hotel taking its name from an adjacent square (itself named after statesman James Logan), this hotel is found Downtown. Art is important here, with carefully curated works hung throughout the building. 391 rooms – with a minimum of 400 square feet of space each – are decorated in dark greys and whites, with a pop of colour coming through soft yellow logo detailing. Larger suites include luxuries like private balconies, large dining areas, pool tables, grand pianos and sweeping city views. Four eating and drinking establishments are offered, with small plates served at the ninth-floor rooftop bar and restaurant and there’s an underground spa.
Pittsburgh
Fairmont Pittsburgh
Make the Fairmont your base during your time in Pensylvania. The skyscraper building is close to the Cultural Quarter. It accommodates 185 bedrooms (one bedroom suites and the Fairmont Room are accessible), with floor-to-ceiling windows maximising its elevated outlook and four-fixture bathrooms as standard. For the most premium experience, book out the Presidential Suite on the 23rd floor; this has both north and south-facing aspects, can be set with up to four bedrooms and caters for dinner parties with as many as 20 guests. There’s a health club and spa onsite, as well as a Starbucks and second floor restaurant.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh
This design-forward property is part of an international pet-friendly collection, yet offers plenty of nods to local culture in its decor. 248 guest rooms include statement pieces, such as oversized tufted Kelly green headboards, bedside chandeliers encased in golden birdcages and ceramic penguin desk lamps, plus Atelier Bloem Bath products and Frette linens. The Commoner is the Kimpton Monaco’s industrial-chic US-tavern-style eatery and the Biergarten is its seasonal rooftop haunt. There’s a fitness centre, loaner bikes for guest use and Mini Me Milk Fridges for nursing mums available on request.
The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection
If you prefer a more suburban setting, choose this Autograph Collection hotel, named after its district (Oakland). It may be a little further away from the city’s nucleus, but is the briefest of strolls from neighbourhood bars, restaurants, the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Memorial Chapel. A maritime blue colour scheme prevails throughout, with elements of monochrome in bathrooms and public spaces. 167 bedrooms have blackout drapes, laptop-friendly workspaces and eco-friendly practices (such as LED bulbs, recycling and environmentally-friendly cleaning products). Spirits & Tales is the hotel’s restaurant and there’s an in-house library.