STAYING POWER

Philadelphia’s landmark Bellevue Hotel reopens after a major renovation

- WRITER: DAN HOWARTH

There's no city in America where the country’s history is displayed as proudly as in Philadelphia, which is home to some of the USA’s most important landmarks and artefacts and is poised to host a yearlong series of events celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary next year. In a timely fashion, the Bellevue Hotel - founded more than 120 years ago and very much part of the city’s historic fabric - has just undergone a major renovation.

Lovingly referred to as the Grand Dame of downtown, the hotel is located on South Broad Street, close to several award-winning restaurants around Rittenhouse Square, and just across the street from Philly’s thriving LGBTQ+ neighbourhood. The building was completed in 1904 by GW & WD Hewitt in the French Renaissance style and features a sculptural mansard roof, a soaring lobby and an impressive atrium. Despite several renovations throughout its lifetime, many original details have fortunately remained intact - although some required uncovering.