This edition of Featured Journeys: All-American Patriotic Road Trip takes us on a journey along the East Coast of the U.S.A. The journey begins in Boston to explore historic sites and iconic attractions, then it's on to New York City for the Statue of Liberty, Broadway Shows, and famous pizza. Next up, Philadelphia, home of the new Museum of the American Revolution and the Liberty Bell. The road trip wraps up in the capital city of Washington, D.C. Whether you choose to travel via car, rail, or air, this journey offers an itinerary filled with history and must-see attractions, along with top luxury hotel choices to start and end each day in pure comfort. 

Boston
New York City
Philadelphia
Washington, D.C.

Boston

One of the country's oldest cities, Boston is a walkable city known for history and seafood. Begin your trip with a walk along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, where you'll visit 16 iconic landmarks while walking along a red-lined trail. Explore museums, churches, meeting houses, and burying grounds with historical significance, including King's Chapel, Faneuil Hall, Old State House, Paul Revere House, the site of the Boston Massacre, and Bunker Hill Monument. While you're here, be sure to try some local seafood, perhaps at the city's oldest restaurant, Ye Old Union Oyster House, a National Historic Landmark. You'll also want to try a cup of clam chowder, and maybe some Boston Cream Pie. If it's summer, head to Fenway Park for a one-of-a-kind baseball viewing experience at the national's oldest Major League Baseball Stadium or visit Boston Common and go for a swan boat ride. Those who love to shop will want to visit the boutiques along Newbury Street. 

Here are a few of our top Boston Luxury Hotels:

Liberty Hotel

Spend the night in a former jail at the Liberty Hotel. Formerly the Charles Street Jail, the property is considered one of the best examples of "Boston Granite Style" from the mid-19th century. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 2007, The Liberty has 298 guest rooms and suites featuring playful nods to the building's past, the Clink restaurant serving seafood and New England fare, Alibi serving cocktails and late night snacks, and the Liberty Bar. Editor's note: this is an extremely pet-friendly hotel with "yappy hours" and special amenities for four-legged friends. 

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Fifteen Beacon

Reigning over the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, Fifteen Beacon is luxury boutique hotel set within a turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts Building. Focused on discreet service and bespoke amenities, the property mixes modern with an original caged-glass elevator, grand marble staircase, and mahogany paneling. The property's Mooo...restaurant offers a modern take on a steakhouse menu with regional influences, warm lighting, and sleek furnishings. 

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Fairmont Copley Plaza

Since opening in 1912, the Fairmont Copley Plaza has been an iconic Boston landmark. Situated in Boston's historic Back Bay, the property is located along the Freedom Trail, steps from the Boston Public Library, Newbury Street boutiques, and Copley Place Mall. Carley Copley--the resident canine welcomes guests, and the hotel's 383 lavish guest rooms and suites are furnished in classic style infused with Boston influences. There's a rooftop health club overlooking the city, and the OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is an American brasserie serving locally-sourced cuisine. 

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New York City

After exploring the historic city of Boston, it's time to head south to New York City. From Times Square and the Broadway Theaters, to Fifth Avenue's shopping, NYC is an iconic destination in itself. Central Park offers a retreat from the hussle and bustle, the Empire State Building features one-of-a-kind views of the metropolis, and a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island provides visitors with a look at what life was like for the immigrants arriving in the 1800s. While you're here, be sure to a slice (or two) of New York Pizza, see a Broadway Show, and perhaps check out a baseball game at Yankee Stadium or Citi Field. 

Here are a few of our top New York City Luxury Hotels:

The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park

For a room with a view of the Statue of Liberty, The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park provides an ideal setting. In the heart of the city's financial district in Lower Manhtattan, the hotel offers luxury accommodations with a waterfront setting. There's a full-service spa and fitness center, along with Ritz Kids programming and amenities, and the 2West modern American bistro. Steps from Battery Park and the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the hotel is perfect for business and leisure travelers. 

Learn more about The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park

The Plaza Hotel

An iconic NYC landmark, The Plaza Hotel recently completed a major restoration transforming the property into a historic luxury hotel infused with a contemporary spirit for the modern traveler. Guest rooms and suites feature in-room iPads for visitors to control their entire experience, and suite guests receive 24 hour butler service. The Palm Court serves a legendary Afternoon Tea, and new offerings include the Champagne Bar, stylish Rose Club, The Todd English Food Hall, and The Plaza Food Hall.

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The NoMad Hotel

Close to the Flatiron District and Gramercy Park, The NoMad Hotel is nestled within a turn of the century Beaux Arts building. Featuring a boutique style setting by renowned French Designer Jacques Garcia, the chic guest rooms have custom-designed furnishings and original artwork. Public spaces are designed as gathering spaces, and the hotel's restaurant serves casually-elegant food and beverages by acclaimed Chef Daniel Humm and Restauranteur Will Guidara, founders of the critically acclaimed Michelin three-star rated Eleven Madison Park.  

Learn more about The NoMad Hotel

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Philadelphia

Next stop, the City of Brotherly Love. On the Five Star Alliance's List of "17 Places to go in 2017", and founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The Independence National Historic Park is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where visitors can stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Two blocks away, the newly opened Museum of the American Revolution, provides guests with an in-depth look at how the country gained its freedom with interactive exhibits and historic artifacts like George Washington's tent.

Here are a few of our top Philadelphia Luxury Hotels:

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia

Situated within an Art Deco-style building, Hotel Palomar Philadelphia provides a city center location in the popular Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The eco-friendly property features a variety of art infused with political and historical figures, including three brightly-colored Ben Franklin effigies, the Square 1682 restaurant with chef-prepared new American cuisine, and daily hosted wine hours. 

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Rittenhouse Hotel

Almost as iconic as the city itself, the Rittenhouse Hotel towers nine stories above Philadelphia. Guest rooms and suites are spacious, and the hotel offers family travel amenities such as welcome gifts, children's bathrobes, baby bathtubs, in-room movies and popcorn, and a copy of the book, "Goodnight Philadelphia". There's also Afternoon Tea, brunch, and fine dining at LaCroix, and the Rittenhouse Spa and Club with Hair by Paul Labrecque. 

Learn more about the Rittenhouse Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

Steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia is set beneath the marble dome of a former bank building. Originally built as a reconstruction of the Pantheon in 1908 by the Girard Trust Company, the hotel recently completed a $25 million redesign. The refreshed property offers reimagined modern guest rooms and suites, Club Lounge,  and a revitalized lobby with Aqimero--a new restaurant, bar, and lounge. 

Check rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

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Washington, D.C.

The final stop of this Featured Journey takes us to the nation's capital city. From the White House to the National Mall, the city offers iconic landmarks and sites to see. The Smithsonian Museums provide free admission, giving visitors the opportunity to explore as many of the museums as time allows. During the summer months, take in a Nationals Game or go kayaking along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. To learn more about the country's government, visit the Capital's Senate and House Chambers, then be sure to stop and enjoy the views of the memorials along the National Mall. For shopping, head to Georgetown with an array of international and local boutiques, and check out one of the city's rooftop bars for a nightcap with one-of-a-kind vistas. 

Here are a few of our top Washington, D.C. Luxury Hotels:

The Hay-Adams Hotel

Overlooking the White House, The Hay-Adams Hotel offers accommodations with iconic views, including the White House View Room (shown above). Built in 1928, the iconic hotel housed in an Italian Renaissance-style mansion features original details like high ceilings, ornate plaster moldings, and a walnut-paneled lobby. Close to the city's top attractions, the hotel's Lafayette Restaurant has fine dining with views of Lafayette Park, the Off the Record Bar is popular with politicos and visitors, and children receive nightly turn-down service with milk and cookies.

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The Watergate Hotel

Fresh off a $200 million renovation, The Watergate Hotel provides an urban retreat in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. The infamous hotel features the Top of the Gate--a rooftop bar and lounge with panoramic Potomac views, Kingbird restaurant, and The Next Whisky Bar. Plus, the Argentta Spa with the hotel's original indoor pool, along with a fitness center and barre studio. Five Star Alliance Perk: Guests booking through Five Star Alliance receive a $50 hotel credit to use during their stay.

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The Dupont Circle Hotel

Perched above one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods, The Dupont Circle Hotel offers spacious and contemporary accommodations. Rooms on the hotel's LEVEL NINE provide elevated luxuries, private glass-walled balconies, and memorable city views. Cafe Dupont serves an American menu wtih French influences, and Bar Dupont has a happy hour popular with the cosmopolitan after-work crowd. 

Learn more about The Dupont Circle Hotel

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