2 nights within the coronary heart of the motion: A assessment of the W Philadelphia

Philadelphia is understood for a number of issues: serving luxurious cheesesteaks (I am you, Barclay Prime), being the birthplace of our nation and appearing because the backdrop for the “Rocky” motion pictures. However the Metropolis of Brotherly Love provides a lot extra, together with a number of top-notch accommodations, such because the W Philadelphia.

Wanting to discover a property for a weekend keep, the W Philadelphia instantly caught my eye. Its proximity to glorious bars, eating places and retailers meant I would have numerous facilities inside simple attain. To not point out, its Residing Room lounge and Moist Deck areas appeared promising.

When you, too, are planning a go to to America’s former capital, do not sleep on this lodge. Here is why it’s best to contemplate a keep on the W Philadelphia.

What’s the W Philadelphia?

The W Philadelphia is a part of a worldwide community of Marriott accommodations. A number of W properties span the globe, from Osaka, Japan, to Rome to Mexico Metropolis and past, although the vast majority of W Accommodations are within the U.S.

W Accommodations are geared towards a youthful demographic and sometimes function dim lighting much like what you’d discover in a nightclub, in addition to darkish, daring decor.

Unsurprisingly, the vibe on the W Philadelphia is comparable, providing a moody aesthetic with black and deep, wealthy crimson accents, plus textured wallpaper within the rooms, the widespread areas and the elevators. Funky lighting fixtures and artwork all through the property add to the atmosphere.

Mix the property’s cool, energetic ambiance with its proximity to lots of Philly’s must-visit landmarks, eating places and bars, and it is secure to say the lodge serves as an eye catching place to mattress down whereas sightseeing and having fun with all town has to supply.

Associated: 11 greatest accommodations for nightlife — from well-liked nightclubs to swanky lounges

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e-book the W Philadelphia

I booked my keep instantly on the W Philadelphia web site. The method was easy and easy, taking lower than 5 minutes to finish from begin to end.

You possibly can decide to pay a money fee or redeem Marriott Bonvoy factors to cowl your keep. After I made my reservation for the standard Fantastic room, the nightly room fee, together with taxes and costs, was $363; alternatively, it could’ve price 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening if I would opted to pay that method as an alternative.

When you drive to this property like I did, know that there isn’t a self-parking possibility accessible. Until you make your personal parking preparations off-site, you will want to make use of the lodge’s valet service, which can set you again a further $60 per evening (plus tax).

When reserving the W Philadelphia, think about using a bank card that earns further factors for Marriott stays — ideally one which additionally provides automated Marriott Bonvoy elite standing so you possibly can take pleasure in value-added advantages — comparable to:

• Marriott Bonvoy Good® American Specific® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program; automated Platinum Elite standing; and 25 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevyâ„¢ American Specific® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program; automated Gold Elite standing; and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program; automated Gold Elite standing; and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Enterprise® American Specific® Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program; automated Gold Elite standing; and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit score Card: Earn 6 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program; automated Silver Elite standing; and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Daring® Credit score Card: Earn 3 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at accommodations taking part within the Marriott Bonvoy program; automated Silver Elite standing; and 15 elite evening credit per yr towards a better tier.

The data for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.

When you’re trying to enhance your factors, miles or cash-back stash, it’s also possible to decide to e-book your stick with a journey bank card — just like the Chase Sapphire Most well-liked® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card — to maintain these rewards rolling in.

Associated: Bank card switch companions: Information to transferring factors and miles to airways and accommodations

Anticipate a central, energetic location

This W property is within the coronary heart of the motion, situated mere steps away from superbly ornate Philadelphia Metropolis Corridor and an array of outlets, eating places, leisure venues and might’t-miss landmarks.

Historical past buffs will take pleasure in visiting the Liberty Bell and Independence Corridor, that are solely about eight blocks east, whereas foodies will discover that they’ve inside strolling distance their choose of eateries that cater to each palate. The combo of close by eating choices will turn out to be useful, as Dolce — the on-site restaurant — shouldn’t be value going out of your approach to go to.

When you’re trying to discover different elements of Philly, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s fifteenth Road Station is lower than a five-minute stroll from the lodge, making the property a fantastic possibility for individuals who do not wish to depend on a automobile or ride-hailing companies to get round. The W Philadelphia can be inside strolling distance of restaurant-packed Rittenhouse Sq. — my favourite neighborhood in Philly — and different areas of curiosity, just like the macabre Mutter Museum and the science- and technology-focused Franklin Institute.

Whereas I selected to drive to the property, renting a automobile to get to town heart is not crucial. Along with its proximity to all downtown Philly has to supply, the lodge is handy to succeed in from Philadelphia Worldwide Airport (PHL). When you’re flying in, allot about 20 minutes for the drive from the airport to the lodge.

The check-in course of is speedy however personable

Checking into the W Philadelphia was about as easy as you can anticipate. My accomplice and I pulled up into the designated valet parking area proper in entrance of the property and had been promptly supplied help in getting our baggage out of the automobile.

After a clean transition from the automobile to the spectacularly adorned foyer, we had been warmly greeted and supplied a glass of inexperienced juice. The drink appeared thick and customarily unappetizing however tasted phenomenal — it was really the most effective inexperienced juice I’ve ever had.

Whereas getting checked in, the receptionist requested me if I had ever stayed at a W property. After I shared that this was my first time, he talked about upgrading our room based mostly on availability. Although I had initially booked an entry-level Fantastic room, we had been upgraded one room class to a Spectacular room on the thirty ninth flooring — fairly excessive up contemplating this property options 51 flooring.

In whole, checking in took lower than 10 minutes from the second I entered the foyer to the second I unlocked the door of my upgraded room.

Rooms proceed the moody aesthetic

Upon stepping foot inside my room, I used to be instantly impressed with its total format and measurement. The 402-square-foot area matched the darkish, moody design of the remainder of the lodge whereas nonetheless providing tons of pure gentle from floor-to-ceiling home windows.

I loved the considerate touches all through the room, together with an arrogance that allowed me to dim or brighten its lighting as wanted and a small reusable towel for eradicating make-up. The vainness, which supplied loads of floor area and was splendid for laying out my toiletry bag and hair instruments, felt a bit misplaced, although, as a consequence of its location on the entrance of the room as an alternative of throughout the toilet.

As an aspiring morning individual, I used to be so glad to see the in-room Nespresso machine, full with pods, cups, creamers and stirrers. The room additionally had a minibar with snacks that included chips, nuts and goodies, plus beer and miniature bottles of liquor (all for a payment).

One in every of my favourite room options was a distant atop the workstation that had 5 settings for several types of lighting:

Every possibility adjusted the lighting all through the whole room, which was useful for each going to sleep and waking up. I did not should stroll across the room to flip each gentle change and lamp on and off.

As for the toilet sink, it was sizable however featured a really quick faucet and a moldy receptacle. Nonetheless, the massive sink space was nice for laundry my face and brushing my enamel, although the tap design was not my favourite.

Due to how quick the tap was, water splashed in every single place each time I attempted washing my palms since I needed to place my palms proper up in opposition to the facet of the sink to get underneath the flowing water. I remedied this by stuffing a small hand towel within the space the place water splashed probably the most, but it surely was nonetheless an inconvenience to maneuver round.

The lavatory was an honest measurement, with the bathroom in its personal part behind a dividing wall. The area featured a bathe with a glass “door” (which was extra of a divider; there have been no precise doorways connected to the bathe) and supplied a stream of low water stress. There was an enormous temperature vary for individuals who take pleasure in cooler showers (like myself) and people who come out of the bathe wanting like a lobster as a result of they like the most well liked potential temperature (my accomplice).

One noteworthy draw back to the bathe setup was that water splashed all around the toilet tile each time both of us showered. This offered a slip hazard, particularly when reaching for a towel as a result of the closest hook required us to completely step out of the bathe to get our towels.

There have been a number of different issues that weren’t splendid, together with the dust-covered vent over the bathroom and the bed room window getting caught when closing, however total, the room was comfy and effectively designed. My accomplice and I by no means acquired in one another’s method; I had an outsized desk to work from, and there was further seating that made it so we did not have to sit down on or lie within the mattress whereas hanging out within the area.

As an added bonus, the wardrobe was a fantastic measurement. It supplied greater than sufficient room for 2 adults to hold up their garments whereas staying for a weekend.

On-site eating is hit and miss, although the cocktails are excellent

For meals, the W Philadelphia has one sit-down restaurant, plus an informal spot for espresso and drinks and a poolside bar for wholesome drinks and snacks.

Throughout our keep, we ate at Dolce, the full-service restaurant, for 2 meals: breakfast and dinner. The dinner choices had been first rate and generously portioned, although the breakfast dishes we ordered left rather a lot to be desired.

For dinner, I selected the roasted half hen accompanied by fennel, haricots verts, Campari tomatoes and crispy polenta ($31). The hen was juicy and impeccably seasoned and featured a tasty piece of crispy pores and skin. The fennel and inexperienced beans actually upped the flavour on this dish, however the two small polenta cubes that got here with it added nothing to the plate, as they had been tasteless.

My accomplice ordered the lamb osso buco, which got here on a mattress of Parmesan risotto, broccoli rabe and roasted peppers ($46). The lamb and greens had been flavorful, however the risotto fell quick.

The place Dolce actually stood out was with its cocktails. I loved a cucumber gimlet ($18) with my meal, and my accomplice had a blood orange Outdated-Customary ($18). Each drinks had been scrumptious and refreshing.

Our second meal at Dolce was breakfast on the morning we had been set to depart the lodge. There have been a number of choices to select from, together with oatmeal, avocado toast, numerous egg-based dishes and even an acai bowl. We selected a Belgian waffle ($15) and French toast ($16) with a single cup of espresso ($4) and two sides of bacon ($12 whole).

The perfect a part of each of our meals ended up being the bacon. The waffle had no taste other than the facet of syrup and the contemporary fruit on high — the Nutella whipped cream topper supplied no help in that division — and the French toast was equally bland.

Throughout our keep, we additionally visited the Residing Room, the lodge’s foyer lounge. Our cocktails right here had been incredible.

For our predinner drinks, my accomplice and I ordered La Toxica ($17), a fruit-forward however not overly candy concoction, and the Smoked & Prepared ($19), which masterfully blended Earl Gray tea with ginger, scotch and bourbon. We additionally shared an Italian Market Espresso Martini ($18) and liked that it got here with a miniature cannoli garnish.

If the lodge restaurant is not interesting to you however you want extra sustenance than the small plates accessible on the bars, know that room service can be an possibility. Obtainable from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. or 1 a.m., relying on the day, the intensive room service menu options an eclectic mixture of meals and drinks, together with:

• Fruit juices ($4 every or $18 for a pitcher)
• Numerous sodas ($5 every)
• Sizzling chocolate ($5)
• Numerous forms of milk, together with complete, skim, almond, oat and soy (all choices are $8 per glass)
• Eggs Benedict ($17)
• Bagels ($5)
• A fruit platter ($12)
• Smoked salmon ($8)
• Roasted garlic hummus ($16)
• Grilled shrimp lettuce wraps ($21)
• Philly cheesesteak empanadas ($19 for two items)
• Jerk crabcakes ($20)
• A falafel gyro ($18)
• An Angus burger ($21)
• Pan-seared Atlantic salmon ($32)
• Rigatoni bolognese ($25)
• Pizza ($19)

We skipped the meals objects, however on our first morning we ordered 4 bottles of water ($2 every) and two cappuccinos ($6 every) through room service. Our drinks arrived rapidly, although they weren’t delivered collectively. The water bottles got here first, and the cappuccinos adopted about 10 minutes later. The cappuccinos tasted watered down and had been expensive, given the cups had been solely midway full.

Health buffs will recognize the lodge health club

One factor the W Philadelphia does extremely effectively is make the general public areas really feel tremendous luxe. For instance, the 24-hour health club felt like an upscale, personal health facility as a consequence of its spacious format and number of facilities.

The truth is, the health club on the W Philadelphia is likely one of the greatest I’ve ever seen. The area — which homes a choice of cardio tools, free weights and health equipment, plus extras like contemporary towels, a water station and flat-screen TVs — was designed deliberately. In contrast to so many different lodge gyms I’ve visited, this one was not tucked away right into a nook as an afterthought.

Do not miss the seventh-floor facilities

When you’d reasonably unwind than break a sweat, head to the seventh-floor Moist Deck. It provides a big heated pool, personal cabanas, chaise lounges and chilly plunge swimming pools, amongst different facilities. Although the principle pool is open freed from price for visitors, the cabanas require a rental payment and have a minimal spend threshold you will have to comply with when making your cabana reservation. The chilly plunge swimming pools additionally require their very own reservation.

One in every of my favourite hidden gems at this W property is the Secret Backyard, additionally situated on the seventh flooring. This area contains a hearth pit and many seating. Throughout my go to, it felt like a sanctuary fully faraway from the bustling metropolis a number of tales under.

I regrettably did not get any remedies on the on-site spa — additionally on the seventh flooring — however the area, which blends trendy design with artwork deco particulars, appeared like an ideal place to chill out and decompress. Friends have the choice to e-book massages, physique remedies, facials, personal health coaching and vitality therapeutic classes. Relying on the season, it’s also possible to e-book particular packages designed to reduce the results of environmental stress.

Causes the W Philadelphia will not be for you

When you’re on the lookout for a quiet getaway, the W Philadelphia shouldn’t be the property for you. You possibly can catch DJs on the weekend — one within the foyer and one other on the Moist Deck. These areas basically grow to be nightclubs that draw sizable crowds; if that is not your scene, you will wish to keep away from a weekend keep.

Accessibility

The W Philadelphia provides three forms of accessible rooms — Fantastic, Fabulous and Mega — a few of that are near the elevators. They are often specifically requested.

Here is a breakdown of the accessibility options every room provides and the way they differ:

• Fantastic: These rooms provide roll-in showers, hearing-accessible options like visible alarms and notification units for doorways and in-room telephones.
• Fabulous: These rooms do not have roll-in showers however do come geared up with hearing-accessible facilities, comparable to visible alarms and door and telephone notification units.
• Mega: This kind of room provides roll-in showers and the aforementioned hearing-accessible options.

Moreover, the elevators are roomy, leaving ample area for wheelchairs and different mobility units.

The lodge entrance is wheelchair accessible since it’s at avenue stage, and the transition from the indoor portion of the Moist Deck to the out of doors pool space can be wheelchair accessible. The Moist Deck pool has a carry as effectively, so visitors who want additional help can simply enter and exit the water.

Trying out

Total, the W Philadelphia is a superb property to remain at in the event you ever end up within the space. It is near historic landmarks, an superior meals scene and nice buying. To not point out, it provides a number of top-notch facilities to take pleasure in whereas lingering on-site, together with a small city oasis and a powerful health heart.

I will surely keep at this property once more, and subsequent time I would depart time to benefit from the pool, spa and health club. In case you are right into a energetic atmosphere, wish to be close to world-class eating — or just a superb old school Philly cheesesteak — and want to be in the course of a bustling metropolis, the W Philadelphia checks all these packing containers.

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