Free Spirit

The Independent

The Independent

1234 Locust St., Philadelphia
(215) 772-1440, theindependenthotel.com

Cost: $139-$169.

Drive time: 30 minutes

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The scoop: Center City convenience meets B&B coziness in this new urban getaway housed in a restored Georgian Revival building. The 24 rooms and suites are anything but cookie-cutter; some have Cathedral ceilings, exposed brick, French windows, fireplaces and loft bedrooms.

Amenities: Complimentary local and long-distance phone service, business center, concierge, continental breakfast in the fireside lounge, and weekday wine-and-cheese reception.

Don’t miss: The lobby’s three-story mural of Independence Hall, hand-painted by local artist Kim Senior. Jan. 26 is the Chinese New Year, so head to Chinatown for the festivities, then to Joe’s Peking Duck restaurant, where Joe Poon will cook up a traditional holiday feast (Jan. 1-March 31).
 

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