| What to expect: A spacious atrium befitting a big-city hotel leads the eye skyward, up an oblique escalator to two open mezzanines, and back down again to airy, art-filled nooks for lounging and dining. Popular among business travelers and conventioneers, this urban hotel is also well-placed for visitors interested in exploring the nearby art and science museums and historic Boathouse Row. Amenity highlights: An impressive health club with a sky-lit indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, sundeck, and outdoor track is available free of charge to hotel guests. For an additional daily fee, visitors are granted access to the clubÆs racquetball, half-basketball, and rooftop tennis courts, aerobic and weight-training equipment, as well as classes in Pilates, Tang Soo Do, cross-training, step aerobics and yoga. Insider tip: Less than a mile away, two scenic drives border the Schuylkill River ù West River Driver and Kelly Drive. On weekends from spring through fall, the ôdrivesö come alive with bikers, runners, rollerbladers, walkers and picnickers. Both riverbanks provide excellent spots for watching rowing teams practice and race in crew competitions. |