Cue the trumpets and roll out the red carpet! Philadelphia’s beloved Bellevue Hotel, the so-called “Grande Dame of Broad Street,” is back—and she’s had quite the glow-up. After 120 years of playing hostess to dignitaries, Hollywood icons, and high society, The Bellevue, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, is emerging from an extensive renovation that’s part restoration, part reinvention, and wholly spectacular. And let’s be real—this city loves a good comeback story.
photo: @The Bellevue, Philadelphia’s Iconic Hotel, Reawakens After 120 Years – The 1904 historical landmark opens after extensive renovations
Old World Charm Meets Modern Luxury
First opened in 1904 by hospitality trailblazer George C. Boldt (of Waldorf-Astoria fame), The Bellevue has been synonymous with opulence and grandeur for more than a century. Now, after an ambitious refresh, this historic beauty is ready to reclaim her throne, seamlessly blending turn-of-the-century elegance with contemporary luxury. The official grand reopening is set for February 11, 2025, but the buzz around town suggests that this is more than just a ribbon-cutting—it’s a cultural reset.
The Bellevue’s facelift has been meticulous, bringing together some of the biggest names in design, including Tony Machado of LUCID, the design wizards at Ward + Gray, and legendary tastemaker Anouska Hempel. The goal? Honor the past without being stuck in it. The result? A striking blend of historic charm and modern indulgence.
For the history buffs, the team preserved treasures like the original Thomas Edison electrical panel (because who doesn’t love a little OG electricity?) and the iconic four-time-zone lobby clock, lovingly restored by a Pennsylvania-based clock master. For the aesthetes, expect full-height windows, intricate crown moldings, and marble-tiled bathrooms that scream Gilded Age luxury with a contemporary twist. It’s like stepping into a Parisian pied-à-terre—if that pied-à-terre happened to be a 19-story luxury landmark in the heart of Philadelphia.
photo: @The Bellevue, Philadelphia’s Iconic Hotel, Reawakens After 120 Years – The 1904 historical landmark opens after extensive renovations
Suites That Make You Swoon
November 2024 marked the debut of 184 freshly revamped guest rooms, including 39 suites dripping in French Renaissance inspiration. Think paneling details that whisper old-world romance, honed marble floors, and antique mantels fit for a period drama. The pièce de résistance? The 1,800-square-foot Presidential Suite, complete with a hand-painted Pennsylvania landscape mural, an antique European dining room, and a conservatory-style “Orangerie” for when you need to sip champagne under the stars.
Beyond the Rooms: The Bellevue as a Cultural Hub
The Bellevue has always been more than a place to sleep—it’s a place to see and be seen. The Sporting Club, a 100,000-square-foot wellness haven, has reemerged as a game-changer in luxury fitness. Meanwhile, The Conservatory, the hotel’s seven-story atrium, has been revived as a chic social space inspired by Parisian garden cafés, complete with vintage-inspired sconces and a restored fountain centerpiece.
And then there’s Pergola, the rooftop restaurant that’s bringing back the glamour of the hotel’s original 1904 Roof Pergola Garden. With sweeping views of Center City, ethereal landscape murals, and a cocktail program that nods to Philadelphia’s rich cultural influences, it’s set to become the city’s next see-and-be-seen spot.
Not to be outdone, Mr. Edison, a new dining concept by legendary restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow, will pay homage to the Bellevue’s original lighting designer with an inventive menu that fuses history with culinary artistry.
A Love Letter to Philadelphia
The Bellevue’s grand reopening isn’t just about a hotel—it’s about Philadelphia reclaiming its place in the pantheon of luxury destinations. While New York and D.C. often steal the East Coast spotlight, Philly has always been a city of substance, style, and stories. And now, with The Bellevue back in her prime, the city’s luxury scene has a new (or should we say, old) leading lady.
As General Manager Reginald Archambault puts it, “This is just the beginning of a journey that honors over 120 years of history.” And what a journey it’s shaping up to be.
So, whether you’re a lifelong Philadelphian with Bellevue memories of yesteryear or a traveler looking for an unforgettable stay, one thing’s certain: The Grande Dame is back, and she’s more fabulous than ever.
