What to expect: Two miles from Philadelphia International Airport, this hotel's convenient location is appealing to many travelers. Some guests enjoy exploring the surrounding wildlife refuge, while others prefer the indoor comforts of the atrium lobby, with its goldfish pond and traditional furnishings.

Amenity highlights: In addition to an attractive indoor pool, the Renaissance features a 24-hour fitness center with aerobic and weight-training equipment and a 24-hour business center with complimentary high-speed Internet access, fax, printer, and copier. Other conveniences include a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle service, and complimentary wireless Internet access in the lobby.

Insider tip: Surrounding the hotel, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, a freshwater tidal wetland, offers seasonal opportunities for bird-watching, canoeing, and fishing (with a state fishing license). The marsh is home to turtles, snakes, frogs, and 85 species of birds, including herons, ducks, loons, kingfishers, and owls.