W Philadelphia draws inspiration from Grace Kelly and Marie Antoinette

by | 07 Sep 2021 | Hotel Openings, Projects

The latest W Hotels outpost, which occupies a 51-storey skyscraper in the City of Brotherly Love, combines daring cultural references with luxurious amenities.

A striking addition to the city’s skyline, W Philadelphia has now opened its doors in the heart of downtown.

Exclusive artwork at every turn

The new W Philadelphia aims to celebrate the former US capital’s street art, music and love of originality. It features a host of exclusive artworks commissioned by the hotel from local artists, ranging from abstract murals to oil and digital print portraits of famous recording artists past and present.

Set within a soaring 51-storey tower, the landmark property boasts 295 guestrooms, including 39 suites, each adorned with an illuminated version of the Declaration of Independence etched in graffiti font on a bespoke light fixture. Meanwhile, the six suite categories benefit from the inclusion of oversized soaking tubs, Danby marble, Chesterfield-style furnishings and private guest balconies.

“Philadelphia is the quintessential city for a W hotel – rebellious, unexpected and original,” said Tom Jarrold, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Its diverse neighbourhoods and rich history attract travellers from around the country and the world and we are excited to put our unique stamp on its luxury hotel scene.”

Premium coffee and cocktails

W Philadelphia’s impressive F&B options include Living Room, serving coffee from local artisan roaster Rival Bros by day and craft cocktails curated by renowned mixologist Resa Mueller by night. The Stevens’ Prophecy salon, moreover, is tucked away behind a two-way mirror, showcasing art honouring the Philadelphia-born Hollywood star Grace Kelly.

Elsewhere, the Wet Deck Bar on the seventh floor contains a large, pixellated, floor-to-ceiling floral motif, while the nearby Secret Garden, designed to host a variety of pop-ups and live gigs over the coming years, contains illuminated busts of Marie Antoinette and Benjamin Franklin. And destination restaurant Dolce, a signature concept of LDV Hospitality, promises to serve up regional Italian dishes and bring the ambience of auteur Federico Fellini’s 1960s Rome to the city.

A luxury spa fit for Marie Antoinette

There’s also the Away Spa for guests to discover, complete with five treatment rooms inspired by the colour palette and mood of Sofia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette, plus a 24/7 fitness centre. Lastly, there’s 45,000 sq ft of event space spanning three floors, with no fewer than 37 meeting rooms.

“This hotel is an homage to the city and the people who define it,” said Edward Baten, general manager, W Philadelphia. “By embracing its history through art and design to celebrating its present through local talent and brands that can’t be found anywhere else, W Philadelphia delivers an inspired local experience for the global guest.”

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Born from the bold attitude and 24/7 culture of New York City, W Hotels, part of Marriott International, is disrupting and redefining the global hospitality scene.