ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: As a resident of the Greater Philadelphia region, I’d watched many news segments filmed at W Philadelphia. Housed in a newly constructed 51-story tower that opened in 2021, the hotel is one of the city’s newest upscale properties. This May I finally had the chance to experience it in person when my husband and I stayed overnight after attending Global Traveler’s Leisure Lifestyle Awards.
I arrived before my husband and checked in after dropping my bags for storage earlier in the day. When I returned following a lunch meeting, check-in was smooth. There was a short delay retrieving our luggage, and the hotel’s welcome team graciously sent a complimentary bottle of Prosecco to the room as an apology.
The elevators whisked me up to a high-floor guestroom where more awaited than just a comfortable bed.
GUEST QUARTERS: Entering the room prompted an immediate “wow.” The open-concept layout begins with a generous entryway and an exposed clothing rack with drawers to the right. Straight ahead is a living area furnished with a sofa, chairs and coffee table. A long console—part dresser, part counter—separates the living and sleeping zones and houses a swiveling flat-screen TV that can be viewed from both spaces. The minibar is integrated into this unit.
The bedroom features a plush king-sized bed flanked by nightstands and a chair positioned beside floor-to-ceiling windows. In keeping with the open design, the bathroom area is not fully enclosed: a separate water closet sits in the corner to the left of the entrance, alongside a shower and a Jack-and-Jill double sink.
What truly inspired the “wow” reaction were the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that span both the living and sleeping areas and open onto a private, well-sized patio with outdoor seating. From that vantage point we had sweeping views of the city—from the Delaware River to the sporting complexes in South Philadelphia. These were among the most impressive hotel views I’ve experienced in the region.
PHOTO: © W PHILADELPHIA
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The hotel offers a variety of dining and leisure options. Living Room, located off the lobby, provides light bites and cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Dolce on the lobby level channels 1960s Rome with an Italian-inspired menu available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. WET Bar supplies small plates, fresh juices and cocktails for guests enjoying the outdoor pool.
The hotel’s WET Deck features a year-round heated outdoor pool with cabanas, bringing a summer feel to downtown Philadelphia every day of the year. AWAY Spa by W Hotels delivers a full menu of treatments and beauty services, using products from The Davines Group and local skincare brand Franklin & Whitman. For meetings and events, the property offers approximately 45,613 square feet of versatile event space.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Staying at W Philadelphia gave us a fresh perspective on our own city, with panoramic views that highlight Philadelphia’s skyline and riverfront.
- Room service breakfast arrived promptly and was delicious, making for a relaxed departure morning.
- After the awards event, our group gathered at the Living Room bar on the lobby level to celebrate. We were even seated in a tucked-away private room behind the bar known as Stevens’ Prophecy.
W PHILADELPHIA
1439 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
tel 215 709 8000
marriott.com