You’re walking down Market Street and it hits you. Most of Philadelphia’s skyline is a glass-and-steel blur, but then there's the PSFS building. It’s different. It’s got that massive red neon sign pulsing against the sky, a literal landmark of the city since 1932. Today, we know it as the Loews Hotel Philadelphia. Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle it’s still here and looking this good.
Staying here isn't just about grabbing a bed for the night near the Convention Center. It’s about being inside a piece of architectural history that changed how skyscrapers were built across the globe. Back in the early 30s, architects William Lescaze and George Howe went bold. They ditched the wedding-cake layers and gargoyles common at the time and went full International Style. It was the first skyscraper of its kind in the United States. Fast forward to the present, and Loews has turned this former bank headquarters into a luxury hub that somehow feels both retro and completely necessary for a modern traveler.
The Room Situation: Living in a Former Bank Executive’s Office
Walking into your room at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia feels a bit like stepping into a "Mad Men" set, but with better Wi-Fi. Because the building was originally a bank, the layout of the rooms is unique. You aren’t getting those cookie-cutter rectangular boxes you find at the big chains down the street.
The ceilings are high. Like, really high.
The windows go from floor to ceiling, which is basically the best part of staying here. If you’re on a north-facing upper floor, you’re looking straight at City Hall and the statue of William Penn. It’s an elite view. You’ve got the dark wood accents and the slate-gray tones that lean into that masculine, Art Deco vibe. But it's not all old-school; they’ve integrated tech fairly well. Most rooms have plenty of outlets—a pet peeve of mine in historic hotels where you usually have to crawl under a desk to charge your phone.
Now, let’s talk about the bathrooms. They’re spacious, mostly marble, and feel expensive. However, because it’s a historic renovation, sometimes the water pressure fluctuates if everyone on the 20th floor decides to shower at 8:00 AM. It’s a minor quirk of staying in a building that’s nearly a century old. You trade a tiny bit of modern plumbing perfection for the sheer soul of the place.
Why the Location Actually Matters for Your Trip
Look, I get it. Every hotel claims to be "centrally located." But the Loews Hotel Philadelphia is basically the gravitational center of Center City.
✨ Don't miss: Map Kansas City Missouri: What Most People Get Wrong
You’re directly across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. If you’re here for a trade show, you can literally roll out of bed and be at your booth in five minutes. More importantly, you’re a two-block walk from Reading Terminal Market.
If you haven't been to Reading Terminal, you’re missing the heart of Philly. Go to Beiler’s for a doughnut or DiNic’s for a roast pork sandwich with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. It's chaotic, loud, and smells like heaven. Staying at the Loews means you can beat the crowds there at 8:00 AM before the tourists descend.
- Walking to Independence Hall: It’s about a 15-minute stroll east. You get to see the transition from the modern business district into the cobblestone charm of Old City.
- The Fashion District: Right next door. If you forgot a tie or need a new pair of shoes, you don’t even need an Uber.
- Public Transit: The Market-Frankford line and SEPTA regional rail are right there at Jefferson Station. You can get to the airport or the sports complex (Go Birds) without ever touching a steering wheel.
Bank Vaults and Bourbon: Bank & Bourbon Explained
Most hotel restaurants are an afterthought. You know the type—sad club sandwiches and overpriced Caesar salads. Bank & Bourbon, the signature spot on the ground floor, is an exception. It actually attracts locals, which is the gold standard for hotel dining.
They leaning heavily into the "bank" theme, which works because, well, they are in a bank. The decor is all reclaimed wood, leather booths, and exposed pipes. It’s cozy. But the star is the barrel-aging program. They have a massive selection of bourbons and ryes, and they actually age their own blends on-site.
If you’re eating there, get the Dry Aged Ribeye. It’s pricey, but the char is consistent. For breakfast, the buffet is a bit of a splurge, so unless your company is paying for it, you might be better off hitting a local coffee shop or the aforementioned Reading Terminal. But for a late-night drink? Sitting at that bar with a customized Old Fashioned while looking out at the city lights through those massive windows is a vibe you can’t really replicate elsewhere.
The Fitness and Wellness Angle
Let's be real: most hotel gyms are a dark room in the basement with one broken elliptical. The Loews has the Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon. It’s massive.
🔗 Read more: Leonardo da Vinci Grave: The Messy Truth About Where the Genius Really Lies
The fitness center is actually functional. They have Pelotons, which is a must-have for a lot of travelers now. There’s also a lap pool. It’s an indoor, heated pool that actually allows for some decent exercise, though it can get a bit crowded with families on the weekends. If you're looking for a serious workout, the equipment is modern enough that you won't feel like you're sacrificing your routine just because you're on the road.
The Historic "Lescaze" Touch You Might Miss
If you really want to appreciate the Loews Hotel Philadelphia, you have to look at the details. Look at the elevator banks. They kept the original bronze doors and the analog floor indicators. Look at the Cartier clocks on every floor.
When Loews bought the building in the late 90s to convert it into a hotel, they spent over $100 million. They worked with the Philadelphia Historical Commission to make sure they didn't ruin what made the PSFS building special. You can still see the original marble in the lobby and the stainless steel accents that were considered incredibly futuristic in 1932.
The 33rd floor is where the "Executive Boardrooms" are. Even if you aren't there for a meeting, try to sneak a peek if the doors are open. The wood paneling and the view from the top of the "PSFS" sign are incredible. It’s where the high-stakes bank deals happened during the Great Depression. You can almost feel the history in the walls.
Dealing with the Logistics (Parking and Check-in)
Here is where I'll give it to you straight: Parking is a pain.
Valet is expensive. Like, "I could have bought a nice dinner for what I’m paying to park my car" expensive. It’s currently hovering around $50-$60 a night. Philadelphia is a tough city for cars anyway. If you can, take the train (Amtrak to 30th Street Station and a quick cab/Uber over). If you must drive, there are self-park garages nearby that are slightly cheaper, but they won't have the convenience of the valet.
💡 You might also like: Johnny's Reef on City Island: What People Get Wrong About the Bronx’s Iconic Seafood Spot
Check-in is usually smooth, but since this is a massive hotel with nearly 600 rooms, peak times (like 3:00 PM on a Friday) can be a bit of a wait. The staff is generally "Philly-friendly"—which means they are efficient, direct, and helpful, but they aren't going to give you that fake, sugary corporate sweetness. I personally prefer it.
What People Get Wrong About the Price
Some people see the "Luxury" tag and expect a Ritz-Carlton experience. This is a Loews. It’s "Upper-Upscale." It’s designed for the business traveler who wants comfort and the leisure traveler who wants style. It’s not a white-glove, butler-service kind of place. It’s a high-end, high-functioning urban hotel.
You’re paying for the architecture, the view, and the location. If you find a rate under $250, you’re getting a steal. If it’s a busy convention week, prices can spike, and that’s when you have to weigh if the convenience of being across from the Convention Center is worth the premium.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
To get the most out of your time at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia, don't just take whatever room they give you at the desk.
- Ask for a "City View" on a high floor. Specifically, ask for a room facing North. Looking at the lighted clock on City Hall at 2:00 AM is a core Philly memory.
- Check the "Loews Loves Pets" policy. If you’re traveling with a dog, this is one of the most pet-friendly spots in the city. They provide bowls, mats, and even treats.
- Skip the hotel coffee. Walk one block to Elixr Coffee Roasters on Sydenham Street. It’s some of the best coffee in the country, let alone the city.
- Use the text service. Loews has a pretty great "Chat Your Service" system. You can text the front desk for extra towels or a late checkout, and they actually respond quickly. It beats sitting on hold on the room phone.
- Explore the 2nd Floor. Most people go straight from the lobby to their rooms. The second floor has some great vantage points of the lobby architecture and some quieter seating areas if you need to get some work done outside of your room.
The Loews Hotel Philadelphia isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a landmark. Whether you're a fan of history, a business traveler, or just someone who wants to be in the middle of everything, it’s hard to find a building in the city with more character. Just remember to pack comfortable walking shoes—Philadelphia is a walking city, and you’re starting from the best possible jumping-off point.
Next Steps for Your Philadelphia Trip
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before booking, see if there is a massive city-wide convention. If so, book your room at least three months in advance to avoid surge pricing.
- Verify the Pool Hours: If you are traveling with kids, call ahead to ensure the lap pool isn't closed for maintenance, as it's a major draw for families.
- Book Your Table: If you want to eat at Bank & Bourbon on a Friday or Saturday night, get a Resy reservation at least a week out. It fills up with locals regardless of hotel occupancy.
- Download the SEPTA App: Since you are right above Jefferson Station, you can easily plan a trip to University City or the Stadium District for a fraction of the cost of an Uber.