Four-Diamond Loews Philadelphia Hotel Welcomes Guests Like Family

Whoa, Loews! You had me at HELLO … and that Charcuterie Board. Family, indeed.

“Whether anybody was home meant everything to a house. It was more than a major fact: it was the only fact … The family was the house’s soul.”

— Jonathan Franzen

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

It didn’t take me long to discover that The Loews Family at Loews Philadelphia Hotel meant what they said when they said I’d be welcomed like family.

In July 2020, the luxury hospitality company introduced “a fresh brand position which defines Loews as more than simply a collection of hotels, but a brand deeply rooted in welcoming and caring for guests like family.” Then during Fourth of July weekend 2022, I was hosted on assignment for a summertime Stay and Play, where I felt the kinsfolk-y love in a way that my home city’s Loews is only now–with this writing–discovering.

I’ve been hosted many times by Loews Philadelphia; our familial history and connection has proved solid, secure and strong. But this time was different. Let me tell you about it.

Firstly, my version of family involves those who support me whether I’m the proverbial windshield or bug, when I arrive on their doorstep bedraggled and bereft or when I’m riding a glam wave of personal and career success. In other words, the love is unconditional, and there’s always room at the inn. Loews Philadelphia Hotel both meets me and accepts me as I am. That speaks volumes in a ghosting and oft-disconnected culture. Did you know that the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy “released a Surgeon General Advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country?” All the more reason like family resonates.

I type this piece as summer has just wrapped, where I’m catching up on writing assignments in pressing need of my attention. It’s been a rough second half of 2022 and first half of 2023 in my world.

My mother, for whom I was primary caregiver, passed in late January at 95 years of age. Her health had taken a serious turn for the worse just after my stay and play weekend in Philadelphia. It proceeded to vacillate between hoped-for recovery and downslide for the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, the downward spiral culminated in many ER visits, increasingly dire news and end-of-life hospice care until her death on January 17, 2023.

For a long time after my mom’s funeral, I was completely out of sorts, able to manage only enough to do well in my demanding healthcare-career during the week. Evenings and weekends found me bone-tired, bereaved and indifferent to the balls, galas and shindigs I had previously attended. Being a carer is an enormous responsibility and a serious stressor. It would take more than a few naps to resolve the combined trials of caregiver fatigue and mother-loss grief. Social fatigue and writer’s block set in and burrowed deeply.

I gave myself grace, knowing life is a journey, recovery a process and grief-anguish weighs without timestamp. I am irrevocably changed in every way, navigating my existence without a living parent. And now, as all things pumpkin spice creep deep and daylight wanes, I’m ready to relinquish sweltering days and shorts in favor of hoodies … but not without sharing this last hurrah of summer memories. For that, I have my Loews family to thank for what I did on my Independence Day Stay and Play-cation in 2022. I did a lot … and had a blast from start to finish!

I was definitely travel weary on arrival on July 4th. Driving in city traffic does that to me. All I wanted was a quick and painless check-in, then a retreat to the peace and quiet of a room of my own. I’d download my gear, test the bed, set lighting to my liking–my usual routine and rituals when on the road. Not only was my check-in as I’d hoped for, but the front desk staffer was particularly welcoming, gracious and warm. The prodigal daughter had returned!

Loews Philadelphia Hotel is housed in the Market East neighborhood–a perfect Center City location central to City Hall, the Pennsylvania Convention Center (home to the annual Philadelphia Flower Show) and other Philly hot-spots and top-tier food and drink establishments frequented by locals and visitors alike. It’s pet-friendly to boot, which scores major points with me as my three children are four-legged. The aesthetic vibe is contemporary, cool and sleek, dotted with subtleties of cozy and snug.

Of course, I jumped on the bed to test it! It didn’t disappoint. Rather, it invited. The sweetness of cool cotton sheets on a summer day nearly made me want to slip between them for a quick lie-in, but I had a full day’s agenda of play before any nodding off could be had. I sorted my stuff, happily noted the bear-hugging white robe hanging in the closet, then went to pull the curtains for a view-check before heading out. But wait! Before I could suss the view, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks by one of the loveliest gifts I’ve ever received. My Loews family had gone above and beyond, greeting me with a welcome “mat” that was actually a board–a charcuterie board, that is.

My jaw nearly dropped when I saw it contents, the bottle of top-end Fiji water and a white envelope bearing my name propped nearby. There were hunks and wedges of cheese, apple slices, thinly sliced prosciutto, candied walnuts, a medley of flavorful veggies and a literal honeycomb. It was everything I needed to energize myself for the afternoon of exploring I had planned. I dug in before checking out the Fitness Center.

With each and every year around the sun, the benefits of exercise increase in importance. In fact, an onsite fitness center is a non-negotiable amenity for me when traveling. I’m a former marathon runner, who has completed many a long-distance training run in hotel gyms, so I feel more than qualified to weigh in on the hotel’s workout area. It’s designed to accommodate all levels of fitness from serious athlete to weekend warrior. It also is spacious, clean and well-stocked with both fruit-infused water as well as pint-sized signature water bottles, wooden bowls filled with rows of rolled towels and all the requisite state-of-the-art equipment such as treads, Peloton bikes, free weights, machine weights and more. The natural lighting streaming in from large windows was an added bonus from my treadmill perspective.

Spa-like touches abound at the Fitness Center, including curvy wood, aromatic infusion and Reiki lanterns. They complement well the gleaming equipment, softening the sweaty experience with some Zen vibes. Did you know Loews Philadelphia Hotel is home to a Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon? I do because one of my previous hotel stays had me on assignment to discover the spa and enjoy some hosted treatments. Having spa accents surrounding hotel guests while they take sport is a subtle but perfect reminder to book a post-workout treatment to unkink and unwind. And I did not miss the wonder that was the fresh sunflower bouquets, which lifted my spirits as flowers always do.

My city adventure awaited, but I stopped momentarily for some quick shots of the lobby area. There’s a lobby bar and an enormous space filled with comfortable furniture and seating areas that welcome vacationers and business class alike. Large screen televisions mounted on walls keep guests entertained and informed.

On hotel exit, I took a left turn and soon found myself at Dilworth Park on the west side of Philadelphia’s City Hall. As Philadelphia’s Center Square, Dilworth Park boasts an interactive fountain, expansive seating areas on a beautifully appointed and manicured grounds redolent with verdant trees, lush grassy lawns, a cafe and a nearby Starbucks. On that July 4th day, the interactive fountain was an understatement. The place was lit with kids splashing and shrieking with joy while adults watched nearby.

Those kids were everywhere all at once–braids flying, sunnies reflecting, romping and stomping on the fountains’ spouts, thrilling to the feel of cool water and immersive wetness on a hot summer day. I really didn’t need to do anything more for play during my stay. I could’ve photographed all day that happy and carefree innocence that is childhood. In fact, between those spirited kiddoes fountaineering (as I call it) and the activity at the adjacent Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink, I did spend hours vicariously playing through a camera lens.

Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio did incredible work with their seasonal design installation at the rink, which featured some 500 various-sized beach balls hung on high above the black and white checkerboard floor. The skaters were a fun lot to watch as they posed for selfies and demonstrated skill levels on the continuum from what-was-I-thinking beginner to the one-in-every-crowd expert looping in and out at warp speed. The majority circled on the fair to middling spectrum.

While enormously entertaining, watching others at play definitely contributed to the fatigue I began to feel and the rumbling belly alerting me that it was time to recharge and replenish with some drinks and eats. Back in my room, I showered and dressed in red, white and blue best before heading to the bar for some much-needed thirst-quenching and imbibing. The two bartenders were super friendly and expert craftsmen who obviously enjoyed one another’s company, which made the cocktail hour that much more amusing for guests.

I ordered what has long been my favorite mixed drink, the classic Margarita–light salt and straight up. I also couldn’t resist trying something called the Secret Knock, which is associated with a rather fascinating historical narrative. Its backstory involves Benjamin Franklin and James Bowdoin, circa 1763, when Franklin shared a “receipt” with Bowdoin for the signature cocktail. This may sound yucky; however, “curdling whole milk for its whey and combining that with brandy and lemon juice for a hybrid and ‘syllabub’ to hold off cold-fighting properties” makes for some tasty swillin’. My 2022 iteration of the mashup blended whiskey, green tea, lemon juice, simple syrup and “milk clarify.” It was a potent potion; I’ll give it that. And better than I’d expected from something that sounded like a grandmotherly remedy to cure all that ails a la the outrageous drawing out of boils with milky bread-slice applications. Okay-Boomer-I-mean-Grammys.

The buzz I began to feel was my signal to belly away from the lobby bar and into Bank & Bourbon Restaurant to satisfy my hunger. I knew fine dining awaited me. I had only to walk a few feet to enter the Philly favorite eatery located on the ground floor near the bar. According to the website, Bank & Bourbon “features an innovative barrel-aging program for house-aged liquors and creative cocktails under the guidance of our experienced Bourbon Masters, and an inherently American menu by Chef Craig Meyers that offers creative, seasonal interpretations of classic dishes–all in a comfortable, relaxed setting.” All true. The ambience is lovely. Rustic-yet-modern has become one of my favorite styles and vibes to dine by. It conjures up welcoming home and hearth. I was primed for a hearty meal amid beneath wooden beams, exposed pipes with my tush sunk into one of their tufted leather banquettes.

My server greeted me warmly and maintained that same demeanor from the moment I arrived until my midnight snack boxes were locked and loaded for next day’s lunch and more. When I couldn’t decide on a particular menu item, he quickly chimed in with suggestions and explanations about the dishes.

Oh, how I dined! From starters to greens to entrees to dessert, I feasted royally, egged on by my server, whose advice when I couldn’t choose was of the try ’em all sampler ethos. Back to the “like family” with Loews, who clearly realized that a city play date is an appetite-inducing enterprise, and who, much like my aunts when I was younger, encouraged me to eat something lest I go hungry.

I was putting some meat on my bones and confirming with every bite that Bank & Bourbon is truly an iconic gathering place with Chef Meyers at the helm. The menu has classic American fare with or without a twist–you can eat what you know or get creative on the taste front and explore the seasonal and local variations Chef Meyers is always incorporating in his food preparation and cuisine. Do not miss below a photographic collage of just why Bank & Bourbon is a jewel in the culinary crown in my home city of Philadelphia! This foodie loves to shoot shots of foodstuffs.

Team Bank & Bourbon not only greeted me like family on arrival, but they also bade me farewell in similar fashion, reminding me yet again of those family outings and visits that end with lingering, drawn-out goodbyes. Parting is such sweet sorrow, yet nothing gold can stay, c’est vrai? I carted the next day’s nourishment back to my room, wrapped myself in the proffered plush robe and awaited the start of the fireworks show–the climactic culmination to one very exciting getaway.

Unfortunately, the glare from the windows on the hotel’s upper floor (graciously made accessible to me) made for difficulty capturing spectacular photos. Without a polarizing filter to eliminate reflections, I wasn’t able to do pictorial justice to the rockets’ red, orange, yellow, green, silver, purple, white and blue glare that illuminated Philadelphia that evening. I decided to bag my Nikon and just enjoy one of the best fireworks shows I’ve ever seen. Because of my unique vantage point on high, I was able to simultaneously witness several communities’ shows. The skies were alighted over the river and bridges. Ooh and aah!

After the last ember from the rousing finale trickled into the Delaware River, I returned to my room–too excited to sleep, yet wholly tuckered. I thought about my Loews family’s generosity and hospitality. When Loews decided to rebrand with their “Welcoming You Like Family” campaign, it really was much more than a slick PR move. It’s a philosophy that absolutely “captures the powerful feeling of belonging, familiarity and comfort that characterizes the Loews guest experience.”

According to Sarah Murov, Vice President, Communication & Brand, Loews Hotels & Co., “At Loews, we understand that the future of travel is contingent on how hospitality brands make guests feel. Brands need to find a way to connect with their guests and ensure that a human element to travel remains, even in our currently physically distanced world. Through ‘Welcoming You Like Family’ we aim to do just that.”

Thanks to my lovely hosts for going the familial distance, the wonderful members of the Loews Philadelphia team that kept me feeling loved up and for their ultimate generosity of allowing me as they state, “the space (and in this case, the time) to be myself,” to grieve the loss of my mother, knowing that my integrity would prevail. Like Loews, I mean what I say when I say what I say–every story gets told.

For information on how you can be welcomed like family during this beautiful fall season in Philadelphia, visit www.loewshotels.com/philadelphia-hotel

I arrived in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July ready to stay and play the day and night away.

AAA’s Four Diamond status is awarded to hotels with “upscale style and amenities, enhanced with the right touch of service.”

Contemporary decor is sleek and functional; it both soothes and refreshes newly arrived, travel-weary guests.

Bright, warm color hues speak the comforting language of home and hearth.

The look, lines and feel of efficiency, order and neatness. I don’t need wacky carpet patterns or an overabundance of objets d’art, thank you very much. Simplicity rules in this well-appointed room.

Ah, luxe bed … but not yet for me! I’ve hours of fun to explore. All in good time.

My room provided a spectacular view of the city I call home. Imagine drawing the curtains to this jewel of an urban vista.

Like a North Star offering direction and guidance, Billy Penn watched over me.

Truth be told, I’ve never been welcomed by family with a gift such as this gorgeous charcuterie board; however, once my family reads this article, they may consider upping their game.

What a terrific way to fortify for the play portion of my stay. A protein boost from the delicate prosciutto and cheese hunks (along with fresh fruit and other goodies) hits the energy spot required for an afternoon of discovery in Philadelphia. The ooey-gooey honeycomb was giving YUM!

As a former marathoner, working out on vacay is one of my favorite things to do. I love to scope new gyms, and this spacious Fitness Center has a great Zen aesthetic along with exercise equipment for any and all fitness levels.

As a yoga practitioner for 25 years, this spa decor speaks to my namaste mother tongue. Ohm.

Uplifting sunflowers brought a smile to my face and an energizing boost to a workout. And hydration matters!

Spa design elements appeal to my sensibilities. Warm and curvy elemental wood, soft white sand, aromatic infusion and a Reiki lantern elicit tranquility and peace.

Just looking at this shot takes my breath away, as did these state-of-the-art treadmills during my five-miler.

Bespoke Loews water bottles are the perfect quench-size and paired a plentiful supply of sweat-swiping towels.

After unpacking and settling into my room, I sauntered pass the lobby before heading into the city.

The Lobby Lounge is a one-stop area for working, mingling and indulging in drinks or light bites. Connect your laptops or smartphones into the tables’ outlets and Zoom on or check your sosh feeds.

When your plan is to get away from it all, but you still want to check your sports’ teams deets or keep abreast of breaking news, the lobby’s large screens keep you in the loop.

My first stop on venturing from hotel to city is an afternoon perk. SBUX is my jam. My drink? A tall Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew, which costs $5.57. If you request a tall Nitro Cold Brew with Vanilla Sweet Cream, you’ll pay $6.58. Word the same drink differently, you’ll pay an extra buck.

Stopping by Starbucks for a well-deserved summertime treat made for a pleasant moment during the workday.

Chillin’ in his patriotic best style, this gent gave me a wave from his spot at the Starbucks that skirts Philadelphia’s City Hall off Dilworth Park.

Colorful signage advertised July’s event calendar at Dilworth Park.

The programmable water fountain at Dilworth Park was consciously designed for “dynamic engagement.” Photographing the kiddoes doing what they do best was a joyful experience for this big kid.

Hot town, summer in the city.

Splish-splash on the “sprayground,” where it’s mission possible to beat the heat.

A mother and her child share a moment in the sun.

A ceiling of colorful beach balls tops the checkerboard playground of Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink as City Hall-as-backdrop towers into the sky.

Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio designed the vibrant overhead installation of multi-colored beach balls.

Retro-white sunnies on these young women match the roller rink’s retro vibe.

Roller girls … and guy.

After a playful afternoon at Dilworth Park, I encountered a group of protestors as I made my way back to Loews Philadelphia Hotel.

After a quick freshening up in my room, I was ready for a cocktail or two and bellied up to the lobby bar for my very own happy hour.

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrels and Bourbon Whisky Glass Gallon Barrels with spigot dispensers create a focal point at the lobby bar, which is steps away from the entrance to Bank & Bourbon, Loews Philadelphia Hotel’s restaurant that boasts upscale dining at its finest.

I had a lot of fun with these two bartenders, who elevated my cocktail-hour experience with a potent combination of skill and personality to spare.

The Secret Knock cocktail is steeped in history. The signature cocktail’s backstory involves none other than Benjamin Franklin and James Bowdoin in October 1763. Want more deets? See next photo.

Knock-knock. Who’s there? In 1763, Benjamin Franklin passed on a “receipt” to James Bowdoin for the Secret Knock, which involved “curdling whole milk for its whey and combining that with brandy and lemon juice for a hybrid and ‘syllabub’ to hold off cold-fighting properties.”

Sharon Kozden, sporting red, white and blue, sips the modern version of the historic Secret Knock, which blends whiskey, green tea, lemon juice, simple syrup and “milk clarify.”

My go-to cocktail has always been (and continues to be) the classic Margarita, which I prefer straight up. This one did not disappoint!

Does anyone NOT stop for a photo at this barrell with its cheeky sign?

Calling all foodies: time for the best part of my stay and play–the dinner feast at this upscale city favorite.

I popped into Bank & Bourbon early in the day just to scope the place; it looked as warmly rustic (yet modern) as I recall from past visits.

I’m often early to dinner, so I was able to capture the warm ambiance and comfy banquette seating before other guests began arriving.

Chef Craig Meyers creates a gorgeous, blended menu of decidedly classic American fare with items more adventurous and unanticipated.

Charcuterie and cheese board includes More Cowbell (“a semi-firm, cave-aged mountain-style cheese from Allegheny County’s Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy“), Humbolt fog goat cheese, which requires “special attention from cheesemakers every step of the way,” and Birch Run Hills Farm’s (Northern Chester County, PA) blue cheese–all superb and worth channeling your inner cheese monger for a quality tasting experience.

Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream. Paired here with peaches, blackberries and charred sourdough, it makes for an elegant, inventive starter.

Gem Lettuce Endive features radicchio, Frise, parmesan snowstorm and creamy Green Goddess dressing. All are shaved to perfection.

When Chef Craig is in the kitchen, it’s rather a challenge to actually not try every starter; my server was super-encouraging and enthusiastic. Roast tomato seafood chowder with fines herbes is a winning medley.

Behold the crispy duck leg with stewed lentils, root vegetables and spiced honey. I rarely indulge in duck; however, this offering was so crisp outside and tender, lean and not the least bit fatty within that I went all in.

Bank & Bourbon’s 18 oz. Bone-In NY Strip with fingerling potatoes and watercress salad was one of the best entrees I have ever enjoyed. The vitamin B-12 steak was done to my medium-rare preference and was equally tender, juicy and flavorful–one of the most memorable culinary meat experiences I’ve ever had the gustatory pleasure of savoring.

This feast was a triumph! Take a bow and massive kudos, Chef. My server helped me box the leftovers, of which there were plenty, although I did make a dent in that melt-in-mouth steak.

You didn’t think I’d leave the table without sampling dessert? At home, I typically do; however, and while hosted on assignment, I wouldn’t dream of dismissing a closing sweet treat. And speaking of dreamy delights, I debated mightily before indulging in …

… the Creme Brulee Cheesecake with citrus curd and chantilly creme–a sweetened whipped cream of French origin. C’est delicieux!

Back in my room, I sat some at the desk to digest my exquisite meal, then donned Loews Hotel’s super-plush, cozy bathrobe as dusk descended on the city.

My room featured this spectacular and stunning view of my home city of Philadelphia.

The fireworks were magical; however, the window’s glare prevented me from getting optimal shots. Still, to see these brilliant bursts of color and light surrounded by the breathtaking scope of the city was a show unlike any I’ve yet experienced.

Spectacular! I feel “in the clouds,” and the cars below look like matchbox toy ones I remember from childhood.

Come the dawn, I was up and at ’em after a memorable day and night in an effort to maximize my generously extended check-out time. The first order of business was to hit up a nearby Starbucks, then return to my room to view photos of my very special stay.