Below is a sampling of hotels recommended by our correspondents.
                        It is not intended to be a comprehensive list. Costs should fall within
                        these guidelines based on the standard rate for a single room: US$ =
                        US$65 to US$125; $$ = US$125 to US$185; and $$$ = more than
                        US$185. Check for varying rates that may be extended to business
                        travelers, for conventions or for Saturday and Sunday. 

                        AT OR NEAR THE AIRPORT 

                        Embassy Suites Hotel—Five floors of nicely decorated suites, all with
                        microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker, overlooking an atrium.
                        Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, nightly manager’s reception.
                        Indoor pool, sauna, exercise room. Meeting rooms that accommodate up
                        to 300. Two TVs, free cable, free airport shuttle. $$. 9000 Bartram Ave. (at
                        the airport), phone 215-365-4500, fax 215-365-3195. 

                        Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Airport—Rooms and minisuites. Indoor
                        pool, game room, airport shuttle, meeting facilities for 500-800. $$. Airport
                        Business Center, 500 Stevens Dr., phone 610-521-5900, fax
                        610-521-4362. 

                        WATERFRONT AND INDEPENDENCE AREA 

                        Comfort Inn Penn’s Landing—Within walking distance of the Liberty
                        Bell and Betsy Ross House. Waterfront view, complimentary breakfast,
                        free parking, courtesy van to area restaurants, attractions, hospital and
                        Convention Center. Small meeting rooms will hold 30-45 persons. $
                        (weekdays), $$ (weekends). 100 N. Columbus Blvd. (at Race Street),
                        phone 215-627-7900, fax 215-238-0809. 

                        Sheraton Society Hill—This four-story brick structure blends in well with
                        its historic neighborhood. Atrium lobby, concierge, two blocks to
                        Independence Park and within walking distance of scores of restaurants.
                        Indoor pool, health club. Eight small conference rooms, ballroom
                        accommodating 700. $$-$$$. 2nd and Walnut Streets, phone
                        215-238-6000 or 800-325-3535, fax 215-922-2709. 

                        Omni Hotel at Independence Park—Luxury hotel with a view of the
                        park, twice-daily maid service, concierge, nightly entertainment in lobby
                        bar. Its Azalea Restaurant, overlooking Independence Park, emphasizes
                        regional dishes and locally grown produce. Pool, health club, sauna. For
                        meetings, the hotel can accommodate 60 people theater style, 30
                        classroom style. $-$$. 401 Chestnut St., phone 215-925-0000 or
                        800-843-6664, fax 215-931-4217. 

                        BUSINESS DISTRICT 

                        Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue (The Bellvue
                        Hotel)—Beautifully restored, historic landmark hotel built at the turn of this
                        century, one block from the Academy of Music. Conference rooms hold
                        12, ballroom holds up to 1,200. Unlimited use of the adjacent Sporting
                        Club. $$$. Broad at Walnut Street, phone 215-893-1776, fax
                        215-732-8518. 

                        Four Seasons Hotel—An elegant hotel on Parkway close to museums.
                        Conference rooms for 12-15, ballroom accommodates 600. Indoor lap pool,
                        health spa, in-room safes, twice-daily maid service, concierge,
                        complimentary town car service within city limits. Fountain Restaurant
                        rated among the best in the U.S. $$$. 19th Street and Benjamin Franklin
                        Parkway, phone 215-963-1500 or 800-332-3442, fax 215-963-9506. 

                        The Rittenhouse Hotel—Repeat winner of AAA’s Five-Diamond Award.
                        Located near many fine shops and restaurants. Town car, messenger
                        service, popular Treetops Restaurant. Indoor pool, fitness center and spa.
                        $$$. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, phone 215-546-9000, fax 215-732-3364. 

                        Holiday Inn Select Philadelphia Center City—Within walking distance
                        of Convention Center, business district, historic sites and shopping. Small
                        meeting rooms, ballroom accommodating 500. Outdoor pool, exercise
                        room. $$-$$$. 1800 Market St., phone 215-561-7500, fax 215-561-2556. 

                        Philadelphia Marriott—One of the city’s largest and most lavish hotels,
                        with 1,200 rooms, four restaurants, an enormous ballroom, a health spa,
                        lap pool, business center and 27 conference rooms. Ideally situated
                        adjacent to the Convention Center, one block from City Hall and close to
                        shopping, historic and cultural sites. $$-$$$. 1201 Market St., phone
                        215-625-2900 or 800-320-5744, fax 215-625-6000. 

                        Shippen Way Inn—A charming bed-and-breakfast, circa 1750, with a
                        walled herb-and-rose garden and a living room with working fireplace.
                        Breakfasts include home-baked breads; tea or wine and cheese served
                        each afternoon. Nine guest rooms, all with antique furniture. Within a few
                        blocks of major historic sites and Penn’s Landing, and one block from
                        South Street’s shops, restaurants and nightlife. $. 416-18 Bainbridge St.,
                        phone 215-627-7266, fax 215-627-7781. 

                        Clarion Suites Convention Center—This modern, all-suite property
                        offers full kitchens, lounges and balconies, as well as good service. It’s
                        popular with long-stay guests who require a certain amount of privacy.
                        Although there’s no restaurant onsite, there are dozens within walking
                        distance, including the multi-ethnic kiosks at Reading Terminal Market. A
                        complimentary Continental breakfast is served 6-10 am. Meeting rooms for
                        up to 100, a business center and a small fitness facility. 96 rooms. $.
                        1010 Race St., Chinatown, phone 215-922-1730, fax 215-922-6258. 

                        Hawthorne Suites—Philadelphia’s newest hotel, located adjacent to the
                        convention center, is a 16-story tower, housing 294 studios and
                        one-bedroom suites. This former garment factory was renovated to retain
                        its art-deco flair. Amenities include a fitness center, data ports, voice mail,
                        cable TV and free local phone calls. Complimentary breakfast daily and a
                        free manager’s reception, Monday-Thursday 5-7 pm. Meeting space for up
                        to 200 is available. $$. 1321 Arch St., phone 215-829-8300, fax
                        215-829-8104. 

                        Walnut Street Inn—Delightful, family-run, Victorian establishment, with
                        the 32 rooms and suites outfitted with cable TV and telephones. A stroll
                        from the convention center and historic sights. Ask for a room at the back
                        to avoid traffic noise. $. 1208 Walnut St., phone 215-546-7000, fax
                        215-546-7573. 

                        The Warwick Philadelphia—One of Philadelphia’s fine luxury hotels
                        near Rittenhouse Square. Near upscale shopping, galleries, points of
                        interest and excellent restaurants. European-styling, with traditional decor
                        and marble bathrooms. $$. 1701 Locust St., phone 215-735-6000 or
                        800-523-4210, fax 215-790-7766.