You can’t miss it. If you’re standing anywhere near Market Street, that giant "PSFS" sign glows red against the Philly skyline like a neon beacon from a different era. Honestly, it’s iconic. That’s the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, but locals still just call it the PSFS building. It was the first International Style skyscraper in the United States, built back in 1932 during the height of the Great Depression. It basically changed how architects thought about buildings forever.
Walking into the lobby today feels weirdly like stepping onto a movie set where the 1930s met the future. You’ve got these massive marble columns and polished granite everywhere. It doesn't feel like those cookie-cutter corporate hotels you find out by the airport. It feels heavy. Important. There’s a specific smell to the air—sort of a mix of expensive leather and old-school luxury that you just don't get at a brand-new boutique spot.
The Design History People Actually Care About
Most people check into a hotel and just want to know if the Wi-Fi works. Fair enough. But at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, you're sleeping inside a National Historic Landmark. Architects William Lescaze and George Howe were the masterminds behind this thing. They ditched the fancy, frilly Art Deco stuff that was popular back then and went for something functional. Stark. Bold.
They used expensive materials because, well, it was a bank. The Philadelphia Saving Fund Society didn't mess around. We’re talking about Cartier clocks on every floor. Seriously. If you wander the hallways, look for the original wood-paneled elevators. They kept a lot of the original hardware, which is a rare move for a big hotel chain. Usually, they gut everything to make it look "modern," but Loews leaned into the history.
What it’s Actually Like to Stay Here
Rooms here are big. Like, surprisingly big for a city hotel. Because the building was originally designed for offices, the ceilings are high and the windows are massive. If you get a room on the north side, you’re looking right at City Hall. Seeing William Penn’s statue at eye level while you're drinking your morning coffee is a flex.
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The beds are soft. Maybe too soft if you’re a "firm mattress" person, but most people love them. The bathrooms have that black and white aesthetic that mirrors the building's exterior. It’s clean. It’s sharp.
Let's talk about Bank & Bourbon. That’s the on-site restaurant. Usually, hotel restaurants are overpriced traps where you pay $28 for a mediocre burger. This place is different. They actually have an in-house bourbon aging program. You’ll see the barrels right there in the dining room. Chef Thomas Harkins knows what he’s doing with American classics. The dry-aged steaks are legit. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, locals actually come here for happy hour because the vibe is just right—dim lighting, heavy glasses, and good conversation.
The Logistics of Center City
Location is everything in Philly. You’re right across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. If you’re in town for a trade show, you literally just walk across the street. But more importantly, you’re two blocks from Reading Terminal Market.
Pro tip: Don't eat the hotel breakfast. I mean, it’s fine, but why would you do that when you can walk to Reading Terminal and get a DiNic’s roast pork sandwich or a warm glazed donut from Beiler’s? It’s arguably the best food hall in the country, and it’s your neighbor.
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Parking is the only real headache. This is Center City Philadelphia. Streets are narrow. Valet is pricey. Honestly, if you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The hotel is a short walk from Jefferson Station, so you can take the SEPTA regional rail straight from the airport. It's cheaper, faster, and you won't have to deal with the nightmare that is I-76 traffic.
Hidden Perks and Small Details
The fitness center is actually decent. It’s not just two rusty dumbbells and a broken treadmill in a basement. It’s a full-sized lap pool and a gym that has enough equipment to actually get a workout in.
They are also incredibly pet-friendly. Loews has this "Loews Loves Pets" program. They give you treats, bowls, and even a specialized room service menu for your dog. It sounds a bit extra, but if you’re traveling with a 60-pound Lab, it makes a huge difference.
Why Some People Might Not Like It
Nothing is perfect. Because it's a historic building, sometimes the plumbing can be a bit... vocal. You might hear a pipe clanking in the wall. Also, the elevators are smart elevators—the kind where you press your floor on a touch screen outside before you get in. Some people find them confusing. It's a minor gripe, but worth noting if you're easily annoyed by tech.
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Planning Your Trip to the Loews Philadelphia Hotel
If you're looking to book, try to snag a room on a higher floor. Anything above the 20th floor is going to give you those "Discover" page views.
- Check the Convention Center schedule before you book. If there's a massive medical convention in town, prices will skyrocket.
- Ask for a room with a City Hall view. It doesn't always cost more, but it makes the stay 10x better.
- Use the texting service. They have a "Chat Your Service" thing where you can text the front desk for extra towels or a late checkout. It’s way better than calling and waiting on hold.
- Don't forget the 33rd floor. Sometimes it's closed for private events, but the views from the terrace are some of the best in the entire city.
Whether you're here for a wedding, a business trip, or just to eat your way through Philly, this building is a piece of living history. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a landmark that actually feels like Philadelphia. It's gritty, it's grand, and it doesn't apologize for being exactly what it is.
To get the most out of your stay, sign up for the Loews rewards program before you arrive; they often throw in free Wi-Fi upgrades or late checkouts just for being on the list. When you arrive, skip the standard tourist maps and ask the concierge for the best "under the radar" spot in Washington Square West—they usually have better local leads than Yelp. Pack comfortable shoes because while the hotel is great, the real magic is in the four-block radius surrounding it.