Holiday Hotspot – Philadelphia

Sonesta Lobby

Philadelphia is walkable, easy to navigate, filled with kid-friendly attractions and museums, parks, restaurants and activities. It's also full of rich history, and is the perfect destination for families and couples looking for romance.  Independence Hall located in the heart of the old city was completed in 1753 as the colonial legislature building for Pennsylvania. Tour the building and learn about the Founding Fathers who once roamed its halls and the Independence Declaration which was agreed and signed here. Next door the Liberty Bell bears a timeless message: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof". Go beyond the iconic crack to learn how this State House bell was transformed into an extraordinary symbol.

Liberty Bell Philadelphia

In fact, abolitionists, women's suffrage advocates and civil rights leaders took inspiration from the inscription on this bell. The Philadelphia Museum of Art housing some of the world's best and most inspiring works of art also offers striking views of the city skyline. The Franklin Institute is a science museum that kids will never forget! The amazing exhibits, IMAX theatre, and Planetarium will keep young scientists happy for hours. If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience in downtown look no further than Reading Terminal Market. Home to everything from Amish produce stands to authentic Asian cuisine, the market has something for everyone.

Transport around the city is easy and visitors can hop on the downtown bus loop that runs every 15-minute during the day and makes 22 stops hitting countless destinations, all for $2 per ride or $5 for an all-day pass. The alternative is the subway which runs north-south along Broad Street and east-west along Market Street. www.visitphilly.com When you stay in the city for a weekend or longer, the hotel that takes care of the little things (and certainly the big things) that matter to you can make all of the difference in the enjoyment of your stay. Leading the hospitality conversation here is the artfully inspired Sonesta near Rittenhouse Square. This hospitality brand’s commitment to contemporary design is impressive and you can only marvel at New Orleans-based street artist Momo's use of practical geometry to design the towering mural on the side of the property on 18th and Market.

Sonesta Philadelphia Guest Rooms

Sonesta Philadelphia is also located in the middle of everything with immediate access to many fine dining options, vibrant nightlife or upscale shopping. All 439 guest rooms have been fully redesigned while the addition of 22 suites adds to the luxurious list of amenities offered. Art Bar with many communal tables and window seating encourages a friendly vibe surrounded by a strong local artwork commitment. Sonesta is also within a half-mile of Amtrak's 30th Street Station and eight miles from Philadelphia International Airport. www.sonesta.com   

Aer Lingus operate a Dublin to Philadelphia a five time a week service with convenient early afternoon arrival. Their service includes a state-of-the-art entertainment system in every cabin. If you want a little extra room to stretch out the Business Class cabin features include fully lie-flat seats, all with direct aisle access. Dublin Airport's US Preclearance facility also allows passengers landing in the US to be treated as domestic arrivals leading to a swift baggage collection and onward departure. The plan is to grow the route to a daily schedule from 2019, subject to its business performance.

Aer-Lingus-757-business-class Dublin - Philadelphia

Fares from EUR550 return pp. (inc. taxes). Fly in Business Class from EUR 2500 return pp. (inc. taxes) www.aerlingus.com.