Debuting in the heart of downtown, W Philadelphia, with 295 guest rooms and 39 suites, is bringing a new vibrant energy to the city thanks to its intentional design. “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.”
Located in a 51-story skyscraper, the hotel features an extensive artwork collection, much of it exclusively commissioned by the hotel, incorporating work from local artists. Abstract murals celebrating urban gardens and portraits of the city’s most famous musicians of the past and present are just some of the gems to be found in the thought-provoking display.
Throughout the hotel, elements of traditional Pennsylvania craftsmanship can be found in the entry way and bathroom tile patterns and in the Shaker-style chairs at each workspace. Another creative touch is the illuminated words of the Declaration of Independence etched in graffiti font on a custom light fixture. The signature W bed features a bespoke comforter print, Philly Toile, with modern and historical icons. A throw pillow sports the celebrated Robert Indiana LOVE statue on one side and the word LUST on the other.
The hotel’s six suite categories come with oversized soaking tubs and Chesterfield-style furnishings. They also feature the only private guest balconies of any luxury hotel in the city. The WOW and Extreme WOW Suites even include custom foosball and billiard tables as well as in-room DJ booths.
Home to the brand’s signature Away Spa, W Philadelphia makes wellness a priority. The five-treatment-room spa embraces social spa-ing with a lounge, beauty bar, and DJ setup for private events. Situated on the 7th floor, Away Spa is decked out in a color palette inspired by Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” and has two large wallpaper prints of Marilyn Minter’s provocative take on beauty and pleasure, Kicksilver and Goldkicker. A custom detox menu in addition to traditional luxury spa services, featuring products from The Davines Group and local favorite Franklin & Whitman, are available. FIT, the hotel’s 24/7 fitness center, provides a lineup of FUEL programming for guests to enjoy.
On the same floor, the hotel features the WET Deck, which includes a heated, year-round pool with green and blue custom tilework inspired by the French parterre pattern. Nearby is a lush greenspace known as the Secret Garden. Illuminated busts of Benjamin Franklin and Marie Antoinette can be found among the greenery.
“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 general manager Edward Baten. “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 experience for the global guest.”
