Fodor's Expert Review Loews Philadelphia Hotel
1200 Market St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, USA See on Map
Topped by the red neon letters PSFS (for the former tenant, Pennsylvania Savings Fund Society), this 1930s building was the country's first skyscraper in the ultramodern international style. With an attitude that is decidedly contemporary, the hotel has guest rooms equipped with comfortable chaise lounges and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary toys and games are available for children. There are three levels of concierge rooms with a private library and lounge. For drinking and dining, guests can hang in the lobby lounge or in Bank & Bourbon, a ground-floor bar and restaurant with a serious whiskey focus. A 15,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center includes a sauna, steam room, and indoor lap pool. Be sure to check out the 33rd floor for some of the best views of the city and beyond.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The 31st floor is a Concierge Club Level. Guests on this floor have exclusive access to our Concierge Club Lounge and its comfortable seating, stunning views—and complimentary continental breakfast but it is only open on weekdays.
room
Standard rooms have a king size bed, spacious work desk with ergonomic chair, keurig coffeemaker, charging station and black out curtains. The robe is the Ultimate Doeskin by Chadsworth & Haig, On Demand movies for a fee. There's an in-room safe, chaise lounge, flat-screen TV, MP3-compatible alarm clock/radio, two telephones with dual voice lines and voicemail. Wake-up calls are a nice perk.
YOU SHOULD KNOW As per a disturbing trend, complimentary water is not available in the room, nor does the lobby have a water jug for guests, the GM recommended a Target run, the pod market or the in-room mini fridge and there's always tap.
bathroom
Black marble sinks, pressure heaed shower/tub combos in most rooms (just walk-in shower if not.) Comfort Zone skin and body-care products and Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa shampoo and conditioner are supplied. There's a makeup mirror and hair dryer supplied.
lobby
Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a landmark structure and was America’s first skyscraper, rising a commanding 33 stories into the air. Using curved glass and bold geometric shapes, it was constructed in the Art Deco period and was home to our country’s first savings bank. Rare woods along with marble and granite from over 30 countries were utilized to dramatic effect, and clocks by Cartier made sure everyone was on time.
pool
The hotel features a 20-meter, two lane heated lap pool open until 10 PM .
gym
The state-of-the-art fitness center and gym is equipped with a full range of Cybex cardio and strength equipment.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The spa is under repair and not currently open.
dining
Bank & Bourbon's upscale American menu offers creative, seasonal interpretations of classic dishes -like grilled octopus, classic steaks and oysters by the shell and poke. Desserts are standouts as they're made with in-house ice cream using La Columbe coffee, for example. The pod also sells Philadelphia favorite La Columbe coffee and local Metropolitan Bakery handmade pastries, snacks and chocolate croissants at the POD Market.
drinking
Bank & Bourbon features an innovative barrel-aging program for house aged liquors and creative cocktails under the guidance of experienced Bourbon Masters. Try the secret knock, in house made whisky clarified milk and earl grey infusion. The Lobby Lounge offers comfortable conversation areas with chic sofas and chairs.It's a popular place for the after work crowd and can be crowded on weekends with Penn students. But on weekdays the Lobby Lounge's library tables equipped with outlets for your laptop or smartphone make a chill drinking/working spot.
LOCATION
Getting Around
The Flash bus stops directly in front of the hotel and can take you around the city sights (20 stops.) The concierge recommends taxi stands and SEPTA is right at the 13th Street station, the Market Frankford line takes you from Fishtown to South Philly.
Restaurants
New sexy Spanish bar and restaurant by Chef Townsend Wentz, Oloroso (6-minute walk) has sherry, cocktails and creative tapas. Harp and Crown (10 -minute walk) is Michael Schulson's artsy-chic bi-level American eatery which has a downstairs bowling area!
WHY WE LIKE IT
Bank & Bourbon is a destination in itself and the history and height of the old PSFS building begs a view to see vintage Cartier clocks and sweeping views of the city.
QUICK FACTS
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