hotel check-in

Prestigious digs in Philly

After a day exploring Philadelphia's Revolutionary War sights, check in to the Latham Hotel, a historic yet of-the-moment retreat. The recently renovated apartment building turned hotel is perfectly situated for playing tourist without feeling as though you're surrounded by chaos; it's minutes from the Liberty Bell, but set off in Rittenhouse Square. If only the Continental Congress members could have had such stylish, restorative digs, that whole declaring-independence thing might have gone much faster. Rooms from $150 (135 S. 17th St., Philadelphia; 1-215-563-7474; www.lathamhotel.com).

washington post

deal of the week

Big savings on Iberian peninsula

Intrepid Vacations has a fall and winter deal to Spain and Portugal. The nine-day package starts at $1,719 per person double and includes round-trip airfare from New York's JFK to Madrid, with return from Lisbon; one-way flight from Madrid to Lisbon; four nights at the three-star Regente Hotel in Madrid; three nights at the four-star Hotel Mundial in Lisbon; half-day Madrid tour; daily breakfasts; transfers, and taxes. Depart on select dates in November, early December and March. By comparison, international air alone costs at least $800 (1-800-505-5497, www.intrepid-vacations.com).

washington post