W Philadelphia opened in downtown last week. The 51-story skyscraper features a lineup of local creative partners who authenticate and elevate every stay.
“Philadelphia is the quintessential city for a W hotel—rebellious, unexpected and original,” says Tom Jarrold, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “Its diverse neighborhoods and rich history attract travelers from around the country and the world and we are excited to put our unique stamp on its luxury hotel scene.”
W Philadelphia features 295 guestrooms including 39 suites, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic city views. Nods to traditional Pennsylvania craftsmanship can be seen in entryway and bathroom tile patterns, as well as Shaker-style chairs at each workspace. Illuminated in the guestrooms are the words of the Declaration of Independence, etched in graffiti font on a custom light fixture. The signature W Bed is made with a bespoke bedspread print —“Philly Toile”—featuring both modern and historical city icons. A throw pillow features the iconic Robert Indiana LOVE statue on one side and the word LUST on the opposite side.
The hotel’s six suite categories feature oversized soaking tubs and details including Danby marble and Chesterfield-style furnishings, as well as private guest balconies. Local artwork imagined under the theme of “Collective Independence” is displayed in salon groupings inspired by the impressionist and modern art collections housed at the nearby Barnes Foundation. The WOW and Extreme WOW Suitespush the unexpected even further with custom foosball and billiard tables as well as in-room DJ booths.
Equally important to the design of a W is each hotel’s identity. Shaping the sounds of W Philadelphia’s music activations is Joshua Lang, a multi-faceted artist with a background in design and music. In addition to spinning regular sets on property as resident DJ, Lang will book DJ talent with his distinct approach to curating the sound and vibe specific to the hotel’s social outlets: think soulful and loungey in the Living Room with funk and soul and high-energy and vibrant house and global dance music on the WET Deck.
In addition, punctuated throughout the hotel is an extensive artwork collection, much of it exclusively commissioned by the hotel using the talent of local artists. From abstract murals celebrating urban gardens to oil and digital print portraits of the city’s most famous musicians of the past and present.
Dining + Cocktails
W Philadelphia features an eclectic selection of spaces for guests and locals to socialize as they unwind and indulge. First is the Living Room, with design inspired by the historic sunken gardens of Fairmount Park. By day, coffee from local artisan roaster Rival Bros. will be served and by night, craft cocktails curated by famed local mixologist Resa Mueller. The focal point of the Living Room is a wall of hand-painted, custom ceramic skulls, which draw inspiration from the Hyrtl Skull Collection at the nearby Mutter Museum and feature references to hip-hop, fashion and garden icons.
Tucked away behind the skulls and a 2-way mirror, guests will find “Stevens’ Prophecy,” a salon adorned with artwork celebrating Hollywood and Philadelphia royalty, Grace Kelly. The name is a reference to the story of Grace Kelly’s high school yearbook superlative in which it was predicted she would become “a famous star of stage and screen.” The salon will soon feature its own specialty menu including small-batch as well as limited-run spirits.
On the 7th floor, the WET Deck features a heated, year-round pool, while the WET Deck Bar is adorned with a large-scale, pixelated floral motif from floor to ceiling. Around the corner, guests will discover a lush greenspace known as the Secret Garden, where Illuminated busts of Benjamin Franklin and Marie Antoinette are tucked amongst the greenery for a modern twist on traditional garden design. The property will host local pop-ups and live music performances where guests and locals can discover up-and-coming talent of the musically-driven city.
Dolce, a signature concept of LDV Hospitality, is W Philadelphia’s destination restaurant. The timeless spirit of Fellini’s 1960s Rome is brought to Center City with a menu of fresh, regional Italian dishes.
Wellness Offerings
W Philadelphia is home to the brand’s signature AWAY Spa which, unlike other spa concepts, embraces socialization with a lounge, beauty bar and DJ set-up for private events. Located on the 7th floor, AWAY features five treatment rooms inspired by the color palette and joie de vivre of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, as well as two large-scale wallpaper prints of Marilyn Minter’s provocative take on beauty and pleasure—Kicksilver and Goldkicker. AWAY embodies the brand’s “Detox. Retox. Repeat.” philosophy with a custom detox menu (including a Detox Massage, Detox Body peel and wrap and a Detox Facial), in addition to traditional luxury spa services. AWAY is stocked with clean products from The Davines Group, as well as local favorite, Franklin & Whitman. Furthering this Detox philosophy, the hotel features FIT, a 24/7 fitness center and will feature a regular lineup of FUEL programming where guests can take classes with top local fitness pros.
“Philadelphia is ready to ring free and we are excited to open our doors and change the city’s social scene as only W can,” says Edward Baten, general manager, W Philadelphiam in a press statement. “This hotel is an homage to the city and the people who define it. 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.”
For more information, visit wphiladelphia.com.
