ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived at the airport around 12:30 p.m., so I wasn’t expecting my room to be ready when I showed up way before check-in time. I hoped to stash my luggage at the front desk and grab a quick bite to eat somewhere before a 2 p.m. meeting. I was pleasantly surprised to learn I could check in right away and head straight up to my room. I enjoyed seeing the old bank vault door on my way to the elevators — a reminder of the building’s history as the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society building, one of the nation’s first modern skyscrapers.

I was starving, and I didn’t have time to get something to eat, so I was excited to find a selection of sweet treats and a cloche of fruits and cheese to snack on in my room.

GUEST QUARTERS: The hotel boasts 581 newly renovated guestrooms, including 15 suites and 54 Club Rooms. My room was light and chic, with clean, neutral shades of light gray and blue. The king-sized bed was comfortable, and the heavy comforter felt like a warm hug as I slept with the air-conditioning blasting. A comfy blue upholstered chair sat next to a small glass table, perfect for enjoying the view high above Philadelphia while snacking on the doughnuts I bought at nearby Reading Terminal Market. And the desk had an ergonomic chair for when I needed to catch up on work. The hotel’s brand-new bathrooms feature porcelain mosaic tile and polished nickel.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: With 47,000 square feet of unique function space, including three ballrooms, Loews Philadelphia makes a great venue for weddings, business meetings or events, with room for up to 1,000 attendees in a single space.

I could follow my nose to the spa because the relaxing scent wafted down the hallway. Located on the fifth floor of the hotel, this relaxing oasis offers guests one-of-a-kind services like the renowned Turkish bath experience and unique Soft Pack Float treatments.

If you’re hungry, look no further than the first floor, where you’ll find The Lounge with chic sofas and chairs for a Happy Hour drink and small bites; POD Market for quick grab-and-go salads, pastries, snacks and beverages; or Bank & Bourbon for a full meal. I enjoyed the smoked pastrami pork belly and delicious salmon. If you’re a bourbon drinker, you’ll appreciate the extensive bourbon selection!

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• For those wishing to have alcohol-free fun, the Free Spirited by Loews Hotels program offers unique craft libations with locally sourced ingredients — without the booze.
• Location, location, location! The hotel sits conveniently close to Reading Terminal Market, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Convention Center.

LOEWS PHILADELPHIA HOTEL
1200 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19107
tel 215 627 1200
loewshotels.com