Ranked with the five most visited states in the nation, Pennsylvania, with its 54,000 miles of streams and rivers, 116 state parks and 20 state forests, is an enriching tourist destination that has been always known for its rich cultural and recreational opportunities. For art lovers, Pennsylvania is first of all home to over 1,000 art museums and historical sites telling the rich past of the Commonwealth, while families visit the state to enjoy its 25 amusement parks, two of which have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. Enthusiastic skiers are offered some 33 ski area, in addition to plentiful frozen ponds and skating rinks, and the bargain hunters may consider shopping at one of the numerous outlet malls, designer boutiques or antique shops, found throughout the state.

Pennsylvania lodging options are diverse as well, ranging from traditional bed and breakfast inns to European-style hotels for all tastes and budgets. Today, after many years of disappointing choices, Pennsylvania is attaching particular attention to its visitors' comfort, improving and diversifying its accommodations. Since 2000, the number of Pennsylvania lodging choices has been increased from 6,000 to 11,000 in order to accommodate 55,000 delegates and press. These successful tourism marketing efforts have resulted in an upsurge of Pennsylvania visitors over the past two years. Some of the most remarkable Pennsylvania lodging options include Four Seasons Hotel, Rittenhouse Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, the Priory Hotel and Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel among others.

Named the best hotel in Philadelphia by the 2003 Zagat Guide, Four Seasons Hotel has received five diamonds from AAA and has been also ranked with the top twenty hotels in Conde Nast Traveler. This grand eight-story hotel on Logan Square opened in 1983, and has managed to establish itself as one of the finest Pennsylvania lodgings, offering views of a lush interior courtyard and the beautiful Swann Fountain.

Its lobby designed in pale tones features plenty of flowers, honey-colored woods and intimate areas, while the promenade and peach-hued lounge are designed in a rare white mahogany and serve as foyers to the meeting and dining facilities. Guest rooms feature an American elegance, with rich carpets and chairs in tone of pale yellow and in-room top business facilities. The bathrooms are equipped with beautiful marble dressing area and wonderful lighting, while all the guest rooms have private verandas with marvelous views of interior courtyard or Logan Circle.

Also available are rooms with views down the Parkway to the Art Museum, and across to the Free Library. The Four Seasons restaurants are ranked with the finest dining options in Pennsylvania, including the Fountain Restaurant, known for its fabulous Sunday brunch and exceptional service. Alternatively, you may consider dining in the café of the hotel, offering great dining experience at about half the price of a dinner at the Fountain Restaurant.

Open for afternoon tea, cocktails and an extensive lunch is the Swann Lounge, regarded as another wonderful option.