Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the commencement of construction for its first-ever W and Element dual-branded hotel development, scheduled to open in the heart of downtown Philadelphia in early 2018. The 295-room W Philadelphia and 460-room Element Philadelphia will occupy a 51 story skyscraper located in the geographic centre of the city’s business, arts and retail districts, and directly across from Philadelphia City Hall. Owned by Chestlen Development and developed by Vine Street Matthews Development, the highly-anticipated project will also boast panoramic city views and facilities include an outdoor pool bar and terrace, market-leading meeting and banquet facilities, exciting food and beverage outlets, and prime retail space along Chestnut Street. Combined the W Philadelphia and Element Philadelphia can operate jointly as a 755 room headquarters hotel ideal for conventions and group business due to its direct views as well as short walking distance from both Suburban Station and the Broad Street entrance to the Pennsylvania Convention Centre. Additionally, the property’s downtown location is proximate to leading city attractions such as the Avenue of the Arts, Independence Hall, Barnes Foundation, Liberty Bell, Mutter Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the galleries, restaurants and boutiques along Walnut Street, Chestnut Street and Rittenhouse Row. Less than 10 miles from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and one block from the re-designed Dilworth Plaza.
Guests will enter W Philadelphia via the hotel’s distinct entrance on Chestnut Street. The ground-floor will feature a signature W Living Room (the W brand’s take on the traditional hotel lobby) with a full bar and VIP room and a 150-seat destination restaurant. In addition, the hotel will feature a 2,900 square foot spa, 1,400 square foot FIT gym, and 7,000 square foot WET outdoor terrace with a year-round heated outdoor pool and destination bar, and 45,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space for conventions, business meetings and social functions of all sizes. More than just a hotel brand, W Hotels is an innovative luxury lifestyle brand that connects global jetsetters and local tastemakers to the pulse of the next big thing. First introduced in 1998, W Hotels is a global design powerhouse with more than 46 hotels and retreats in the world’s most vibrant cities and exotic destinations.
The Element Philadelphia will feature a separate arrival lobby on Chestnut Street with elevator access to the main second floor lobby, which will feature a 1,400 square foot breakfast and lounge area, a 1,600 square foot fitness centre and 560 square feet of branded meeting space. The hotel’s light-filled studios will offer a fluid design of modular furniture, fully equipped kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms will feature an invigorating rain shower and dual-flush toilet. Guests will be able to stay on the move with Element’s complimentary bikes to borrow program and enjoy the brand’s signature complimentary RISE breakfast and RELAX evening reception. On track to double its portfolio in the next two years, Element is the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. It’s recognized as an industry leader in the eco-space and offers travellers a fresh, reimagined interpretation of the extended stay hotel experience.
