Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Approximate driving time is 20 minutes and distance is 10 miles.

Driving directions from PHL: Follow signs to take I-95 north; then take I-676 west. Take the Broad St exit and bear right onto 15th St. Turn left on Penn Sq and continue bearing left to drive around City Hall. Turn right on Market St, and right on 12th St. The hotel is on the right.

Getting there: The best option from the airport is Lady Liberty shuttle ($5–$15), which serves several area hotels. Taxis ($16–$25) are also available. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Getting around: There are several attractions within a short walk of the hotel. For other destinations, SEPTA subway (less than $5) is a good way of getting around town. SEPTA commuter rail ($5–$15) offers transportation to surrounding areas. (All fees subject to change without notice.)

Teller's Bar - Backed by a mosaic mural, this curved bar serves specialty cocktails and features live music on weekends. Open afternoon until late evening.

Amenity highlights: For a per-day fee, guests can use the hotel's 15,000-square-foot health club and spa. The club features a two-lane lap pool with an eastward view of the city through tall glass windows, a dozen cardio and strength-training machines, treadmills, free weights, and personal training. The spa has steam rooms and saunas and offers treatments such as massage, facials, herbal wraps, and nail care.

Insider tip: Architecture buffs may know this National Historic Landmark was the world's first Modernist skyscraper, erected in 1932 by architects George Howe and William Lescaze. It was also the largest building to be constructed with central air conditioning. Signs adorn significant original structures, some of which no longer function, such as a set of brass elevators and a steel vault.

Balance Spa & Fitness center is available daily to guests (fee). The center has six treadmills, a dozen strength and cardio machines, free weights, stationary bikes, locker rooms with sauna, and a two-lane lap pool. For additional fees, guests may take advantage of massage, facial, nail and body treatments, and personal training.

A "did you forget?" closet at the front desk lends necessities such as umbrellas, computer supplies, belts, and bowties. Children under 10 and teens receive age-appropriate complimentary goodie bags and child-sized bathrobes upon arrival. The front desk has a supply of children's and teen games, VCRs and video movies, DVD and CD players, books, and safety items. The hotel also provides supervised recreation programs for children. Pets are welcomed with food bowls and placemats, and their own room service menu.