Field Guide: The 10 Sexiest Hotels in Philadelphia
Attention, would-be romancers: You’ve got two weeks until Valentine’s Day, which means there is still time (though, it’s quickly dwindling!) to nab coveted reservations at restaurants, theaters and hotels. As for the latter, we’ve rounded up the 10 swankiest, sexiest spots to spend a romantic weekend. From top-notch pampering to room service worth ordering, consider this your guide to getting away, if only for a night. (Sorry, you’re on your own for the babysitter.)
For a Playful Romp
Hotel Monaco // With pet-friendly accommodations, new “Rocky” robes (see them here) and a yoga mat upon arrival, this Kimpton Hotel property caters to Gen Y. The same holds true upstairs, where the Stratus Rooftop Lounge teems with an attractive crowd of young professionals. (Note to singles: If you show up alone, you might not leave alone.) Tip: Guests’ bathrooms are stocked with C.O. Bigelow toiletries, so leave room in your dopp kit. 433 Chestnut Street, Old City.
Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel // Though listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel is delightfully contemporary: massive white fireplaces, Scandinavian wingback chairs and an extra-long, Missoni quilted couch outfit the lobby. The cool factor extends to the guest rooms, where executive rooms include an espresso machine, a Sleep Number adjustable bed and citrus-hued furniture. Pop by the salon or spa for some pre-date primping. 220 South 17th Street, Rittenhouse.
For a Hush-Hush Dalliance
AKA Rittenhouse // You probably already know about A.Kitchen and A.Bar, both see-and-be-seen spots with stellar menus. But you might not be as familiar with their namesake hotel, which is staffed with discreet, in-the-know concierges that can get you anything you might need on a moment’s notice, from the romantic (champagne) to the risqué (ahem, fill in the blank). 135 South 18th Street, Rittenhouse.
The Logan // Housed inside the Four Season’s former digs, the Logan is the newest darling of Philadelphia’s hospitality scene. Forgoing blindingly bright furnishings for a subdued palette of grey and blue, guest rooms are sultry and sophisticated. Thanks to its recent December debut, the hotel — for now — remains relatively under-the-radar, ensuring individualized attention. Come spring, check out the highly anticipated Assembly Rooftop Bar. 1 Logan Square, Logan Square.
For Total Relaxation
Hotel Palomar // The in-room spa services at this sleek hotel are eco-friendly, organic, and best when scheduled à deux. Try the aromatherapy massage, which treats headache tension and stress, or the spirulina body wrap, which leaves skin taut and radiant. In the morning, draw a bath in the en-suite two-seater Fuji soak tub to maximize your Zen time. 117 South 17th Street, Rittenhouse.
Hyatt at The Bellevue // If the thought of binge-watching Game of Thrones in bed sends chills down your SO’s spine, then perhaps a day spent detoxing is your ideal date. Guests at the Hyatt at The Bellevue receive complimentary access to The Sporting Club, a 93,000-square-foot exercise facility where you can run on the indoor track, play hoops on a full-size basketball court, or take a Pilates class. At the end of the day, you’ll have earned that restful night’s sleep, which luckily, is atop a Hyatt signature pillow mattress. 200 South Broad Street, Rittenhouse.
For Old-School Glamour
Loews Philadelphia Hotel // Housed inside the iconic PSFS Building, the Loews is appropriately Mad-Men-esque. Make a reservation at Bank & Bourbon for a leisurely dinner (order the 32-ounce cowboy steak for two) along with a flight of house-aged whiskeys. To commemorate the occasion, consult bourbon master Paul Zuber, who can explain the locker membership program where you can barrel-age your own bourbon on-site. If you prefer to stay in your room, you’re in luck: The B&B kitchen also handles room service. 1200 Market Street, Market East.
Le Méridien // Don’t let the fashionable bubble chandeliers fool you: This French-inspired hotel is committed to the classics. Its lobby bar — one of the chicest in town — is the ideal place for pre-dinner pommes frites and a glass of bubbly. Or, share a plate at Amuse, its on-site brasserie, which features French fare like escargot and frisée aux lardons. Book a light-filled suite for an impeccable view of the city. 1421 Arch Street, Penn Center.
For Ultra-Luxe Lodging
The Rittenhouse Hotel // The Rittenhouse combines sweet services (twice-daily housekeeping, overnight shoe-shining) with endless places to hole up during your visit (a tea room, two bars, a top-notch spa and an indoor pool). Guys, make a point to visit Brittany, the spa’s master barber, who gives one of the best shaves in the city. 210 West Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse.
Ritz-Carlton // From Sean “Diddy” Combs to J.Lo, all sorts of celebrities have been spotted at the Ritz-Carlton, a Pantheon-inspired Philadelphia institution. Though it’s currently undergoing a $24 million redesign, the hotel remains as opulent and palatial as ever. So hunker down in that luxurious suite, don a terry robe and order in, because even in the Age of GrubHub, late-night room service — best consumed upon Egyptian cotton — can’t be beat. 10 Avenue of the Arts, Center City.