The Logan Hotel Philadelphia Review: A Boutique Beauty by Curio Collection

The Logan Hotel design
The Logan Hotel in room design colors boutique curio
Cool in room design at the Logan Hotel

For over thirty years, the hotel on the Parkway was the legendary Four Seasons Philadelphia.  When word came last  year that the Four Seasons was closing to move into the new Comcast Center in 2018, the travel/points message boards were guessing who would reflag the hotel. Most agreed that Philadelphia is lacking in luxury properties (the Four Seasons had seen better days in my opinion) and hoped that a luxury brand would move in.  When it was announced the Logan Hotel would replace the Four Seasons, there was a collective – who? It was then that we realized that The Logan Hotel (cool website) is part of the Curio Collection of boutique hotels, a surprising affiliate of Hilton Hotels!  Hilton has a swanky affordable luxury boutique collection?  I was definitely surprised. Apparently, once I started researching the Curio Collection, I realized that I had recently stayed in a Curio hotel, well sort of, Hotel La Jolla, reflagged from Kimpton to Curio after my stay.  Curio made my radar (as did the hashtag #citiesbycurio on social media) and definitely made me curious to see what the hotel brand is all about.

 

First Impressions

The first indication that this would be my kind of hotel was the announcement that Urban Farmer Steakhouse would be the hotel’s on-site restaurant.  Having experienced this farm to table upscale steakhouse in Portland at The Nines Hotel, my taste buds were anticipating the new entry to the already exciting Philadelphia dining scene.

Urban Farmer Philadelphia at the Logan Hotel patio on the parkway
Urban Farmer Philadelphia patio on the parkway

It was my dinner at Urban Farmer a few months ago that introduced me to The Logan Hotel.  I valet parked and entered the hotel lobby, one that I had entered many times over the past twenty years for drinks, dinner, weddings and many client events. I literally stopped in my tracks with awe and wonder.  The transformation of the former dead space lobby of the Four Seasons Philadelphia to the elevated lobby bar, fireplace and comfy couches was impressive.  I could tell that the ghosts of the Four Seasons were gone even before I looked up at the unique lighting feature and then was met by the naked man (artwork) that welcomed me.

The Logan Hotel Philadelphia Lobby Artwork
The unique ceiling artwork consists of photos of Philadelphians that shaped the city and the naked man well he’s unique
Local Artwork Join or Die at the Logan Hotel in Philadelphia
Local artwork inspired by: Join, or Die – a political cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin in 1754

Walking further into the hotel lobby space, my memory flashed Four Seasons beige, marble and dark woods and hit “refresh” with the contemporary and inviting furniture and artwork.  Local artwork, which I love, abounds in the common spaces. You might just pass it by but that’s a mistake – take time to read about the local artist and inspiration for the piece or ask a staff member to tell you more.  I was very impressed with the new vision and execution.  The building bones weren’t altered much that I could tell but kudos to the interior designers who have created a bespoke luxury boutique space that I want to hang out and meet friends.

The Logan Hotel lobby seating area
The lobby seating area at The Logan Hotel
The Logan Hotel Lobby Design
Common space comfort with bar/food service at The Logan Hotel

As for my Urban Farmer dinner that nights?  There’s a review from my first of many amazing meals (warning, don’t ready hungry).  So what about the rooms?  For the past few months, I’ve enjoyed meals at Urban Farmer and drinks in the lobby but it wasn’t until the hotel invited me to enjoy a staycation that I was able to experience the rooms and hotel amenities.

Urban Farmer Philadelphia Cheese Tray
The Cheese Tray selection at Urban Farmer Philadelphia

The Logan Hotel: Fabulous Location

The Logan Hotel boutique Philadelphia view of Logan's Circle
Logan’s Circle and Fountain view from The Logan Hotel

On the Parkway, the hotel is in the middle of amazing art museums and attractions.  In fact, I made it my goal to only go three blocks from the hotel on the weekend to see what we do (quite a lot).  On Saturday, my friend and I would go to The Rodin Museum (a hidden gem in the city) and then the Franklin Institute Science Museum for the Pixar exhibit.  For lunch and a snack, we settled on Le Pain Quotidien and Whole Foods behind the Barnes Foundation  On Sunday, my friend enjoyed her free First Sunday visit at the Barnes (be prepared for lines for free tickets as capacity is controlled).  With the Academy of Natural Science (can’t miss the big dinosaur outside) behind the hotel, the Free Library of Philadelphia (they have a secret rooftop view) across the street (sadly construction is ongoing on the Parkway until 2017) as well as the Cathedral, new Mormon Church and Three Sisters Park across the street you don’t need to go far to enjoy your visit.  It can easily be an art weekend, arts & sciences visit but don’t forget we also have a bit of history and those steps to run up if you can tear yourself out of bed!

Arrival

The valet was quick to welcome me and offer assistance.  With only an overnight bag, I was ok to get sorted on my own but there was ample staff if needed in the valet area.  Walking into the hotel, I had the same gorgeous lobby bar view, this time packed with people on a wedding weekend and a group dinner meet-up.  I made a right to find the front desk ahead (with a side table of water and newspapers available).

The Logan Hotel Lobby Bar
The lobby bar welcomes you to the Logan Hotel

Check-in was a quick swipe of my credit card and I was off to the elevators. (note: I was responsible for food, drink, spa charges as the hotel provided room, tax and thankfully overnight parking which runs a steep $55 a night). The elevator bank has two elevators for hotel guests and a third elevator roped off for the rooftop bar, Assembly.  The hotel has a separate entrance for Assembly where they check ID and have security to monitor and control capacity.

The Logan Hotel Lobby Bar Hilton Boutique by Curio
The Logan Hotel Lobby Bar seating is comfortable place to meet friends for drinks at The Logan Hotel

My Double Room with A View

Having stayed a few times at the Four Seasons, one vivid memory is the unusually long hallway corridor (made even longer after too many drinks when your room is the last one at the end).  This visit, my room was closer to the elevators so made for a short walk.  The color palette is dark contemporary with splashes of art here and there.

The Logan Hotel contemporary design
Contemporary colors and lighting in the elevator lobby of The Logan Hotel

As I opened the door, I could see out the window to the fantastic view and a welcome from the hotel staff even before I looked at anything else in the room.  Walking into the room, the bathroom is on the right, large closet on the left and the bedroom ahead. I know that the view was an upgraded room from the basic room booking.

The Logan Hotel Philadelphia view of the Cathedral
What a great view from the room at The Logan Hotel in Philadelphia

The bedroom definitely felt “boutique hotel” in design with the warmth of the leather headboard, colors of the bedding and prints above each bed.  The bed was comfy in the “do I really need to leave” kind of way and the room darkening curtains perfect to not let a peep of light in. Relaxing is how I felt.

The Logan Hotel double room
The double room at the Logan Hotel was perfect for a staycation

There were a few heavy furniture pieces in the room – the mini refrigerator with Keurig on top, the drawers under the television and the desk.  A plaid chair and small table sat by the window next to the connecting door.  One odd note was the settee next to the television without a photo or print above – it was an empty space in need of balance.

The logan hotel boutique philadelphia
Seating area in the double room to enjoy the view of the Parkway
The Logan Hotel work desk outlets
Ample work desk in room with the outlets at the Logan Hotel

The Bathroom

The bathroom was a large space decorated with local artist prints that continued the hotels nod to the history of Philadelphia.  A penny for your thoughts of this art….

Local art at The Logan Hotel
A penny for your thoughts…..in the bathroom? Local Art Nods to Philadelphia History – U.S. Mint edition

The toiletries were branded by the hotel so while they smelled familiar, I couldn’t place the brand even with the greenish hue.  No need to be toiletry snob here or play toiletry chipmunk.  The plush white towels were set for one person and a quick call to housekeeping had not one but two staff show up within ten minutes with towels (I felt bad sending the second guy away but didn’t want to waste towels).  Water pressure was good and I had to laugh when my friend didn’t understand the full and half flush options on the toilet.

The Logan Hotel bathroom
The bathroom at the Logan Hotel
The Logan Hotel toiletries
The Logan Hotel branded toiletries

Surprises in the Room

Fun Surprise – The Logan Hotel has continued its nod to Philadelphia by replacing the White Hotel Robes with Rocky Robes.  This famous Philadelphia movie made epic with a run up the Art Museum steps not far from the hotel was inspiration for the boxer inspired amenity.  When I put it on with the hood, I started punching the air and pretended to be Rocky – silly fun for all.

Welcome Surprise – two small bottles of water complimentary. This is always a bonus in my book.

The Logan Hotel free bottled water
Two free small bottles of water in room at The Logan Hotel

VIP Surprise – The bottle of wine, charcuterie, jars of nuts and caramel popcorn with welcome note were a nice touch and help me envision how a client/VIP can be received at the hotel.  For those of us who plan meetings or have business clients to welcome, this was good to experience.

The Logan Hotel Welcome Amenity
The Logan Hotel welcome from the marketing team – bottle of red, charcuterie, caramel popcorn and jars of nuts

Bad Surprise – As the hotel was renovated, sadly they couldn’t make major changes so the room lacks enough plugs in my opinion.  I like to charge my phone next to the bed but had to plug-in at the desk so when my alarm rang, I had to get out of bed to hit the snooze button.  I’ve seen other older hotels address this differently so I was surprised.  As for the Wi-Fi (free to HHilton members), the front desk had to help me connect to a different hotspot as my location in the hotel wasn’t connecting to the main Wi-Fi.  It was a quick call to fix and after that the Wi-Fi was great in room throughout the stay.

The Logan Hotel room desk
Desk with Philadelphia magazines to help map out your stay at The Logan Hotel

Unique Room Service by Urban Farmer

Urban Farmer Philadelphia Room Service at The Logan Hotel
The jury is still out on Urban Farmer room service at the Logan Hotel – loved my food but the presentation?

So I’m still not sure how I feel about the room service. I’m the girl who has spent many meals in my travels utilizing room service in other full service hotels where the delivery is done via a tray or cart and set up on the desk or table to enjoy.  My friend picked up takeaway at the local Whole Foods just two blocks away, so rather than eat alone in the restaurant, I ordered room service. At The Logan Hotel, Urban Farmer send staff (quite quickly) to your room with a takeaway bag.  Your food is in a recyclable brown bag and containers with plastic utensils and condiments.  I was surprised by this and yet it made sense – my delivery was just like at home or at limited service hotels when the delivery guy brings the food to your door.  My food was hot and tasty but the room service experience wasn’t like any in my past. So I’m torn if I like the casual and practical approach of the room service, think a full service hotel should go traditional or if I hated it and would next time just go to Urban Farmer and eat at the bar. Your thoughts?

Breakfast at Urban Farmer

My friend and I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at Urban Farmer before heading out to our day of museum exploration.

Urban Farmer Philadelphia Dining room at The Logan Hotel
Dining area at Urban Farmer Philadelphia inside The Logan Hotel
Bacon at Urban Farmer Philadelphia
Everything is better with in house made bacon at Urban Farmer Philadelphia
Breakfast at The Logan Hotel Urban Farmer
Breakfast omelette at Urban Farmer Philadelphia

Assembly, The Logan Hotel Rooftop Bar

The Logan Hotel rooftop bar assembly view of logan's circle parkway
Drinks with a view at Assembly rooftop bar at the Logan Hotel

One of the best decisions that hotel made was to utilize its rooftop space to take advantage of iconic Philadelphia views on the Parkway.  While not skyscraper high in the sky, it’s just enough to lift your spirits from the cityscape and enjoy drinks and snacks with friends in a unique setting. Assembly is the new entrant in the Philadelphia rooftop bar space which now numbers maybe five? Visiting on a Friday at Happy Hour, it was the right amount of crowded that still left space to walk around, find a table along the rail and enjoy fresh air and cocktails. While taking photos, I was chatting with a few locals who were meeting friends before dinner. It’s a mix of locals and hotel guests.

Assembly Rooftop Bar at The Logan Hotel Philadelphia
Rooftop Bar, Assembly, at The Logan Hotel – great views, cocktails and conversation
Assembly Rooftop Summer Friday The Logan Hotel Boutique Hilton Hotel
Not much of a crowd for a summer Friday happy hour at the Logan Hotel which was nice
The logan hotel rooftop bar view of cathedral sunset
Private seating area can be booked at Assembly rooftop bar at the Logan Hotel – what a view!

The Logan Hotel Spa, Pool and Gym

In Philadelphia, there are four hotels with pools, the Logan Hotel is one of them.  The lower level also houses the hotel spa and the gym which has two rooms  – one with equipment and the other treadmills.

The Logan Hotel Spa Pool
The Logan Hotel Spa Welcome – pool behind, gym to one side, spa on the other side
The Logan Hotel Philadelphia gym
The treadmills at the Logan Hotel gym
The Logan Hotel Gym
The equipment room in the gym at The Logan Hotel

Hidden Spots in the Hotel

While the pool and rooftop bar are nice treats, I discovered the one room I didn’t know existed. The Billiards room is off to the left as you enter the lobby.  This was formerly a small gift shop when it was the Four Seasons but now it is a private space open to guest (and events).  With a fireplace view, inviting couch and pool table you can enjoy a quiet read of your book or play a game of pool.

The Logan Hotel private event space
Secret room at the Logan Hotel – the billiards room
The Logan Hotel billiards room
Rack em up in the hidden room at The Logan Hotel – great for private events

Another hidden spot is the garden terrace with waterfall view.  The lobby bar has a door to the terrace to enjoy your drinks outside in the courtyard.  As the hotel is part of an office complex, the view is of the hotel and office building but there is landscaping and a water feature that makes this a quiet escape.

The Logan Hotel outdoor patio and courtyard
Courtyard and patio space at The Logan Hotel

Overall – The Logan Hotel

The Logan Hotel has definitely made it’s mark quickly in Philadelphia offering a product that is affordable luxury in a boutique setting while showcasing the history of the city throughout the hotel with local art. If you remember the Four Seasons, you will be amazed by the transformation, if you are new to the city, then this hotel is a wonderful boutique hotel option for you. If you are local, this is a great meeting spot for dinner and drinks or an overnight staycation getaway.  If you are a HHonors member, then you finally have a boutique property to elevate your stay in the city.  As someone who is not a Hilton fan, the Logan Hotel has me excited to look at the Curio Collection of unique boutique hotels for my next stay in Philly and throughout the U.S.

The Logan Hotel
The Logan Hotel in Philadelphia is a Curio Collection Boutique Hotel

 

As mentioned above, I was a guest of The Logan Hotel, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton, for the weekend staycation in Philadelphia. I was responsible for my food & beverage costs.  As always, my opinions are uniquely mine – I’d stay here again with my own money but would park elsewhere as I do with other Philly hotel stays (all U.S. hotels generally charge too much for overnight parking in my opinion).

7 thoughts on “The Logan Hotel Philadelphia Review: A Boutique Beauty by Curio Collection

  1. I love that there are so many wonderful places to visit in walking distance. I want to visit the rooftop bar.

  2. I love that there are ‘hidden spots’ in this hotel! It looks like such an amazing place to stay. I love taking advantage of a pool / gym in a hotel. And the location sounds awesome! So many great reasons to stay here – oh, and it’s also absolutely gorgeous!

    1. Lauren – i wish i had brought a book with me to read and relax in the secret nook of a room. It was so private as was the pool area which for this size hotel was surprising but with so many great Philly attractions and restaurants in the area, it’s hard to stay in the hotel. This is one of those hotels that you can stay the weekend and never leave and be happy about it.

  3. Wow! What a fantastic hotel! The rooftop bar, spa, Urban Farmer restaurant and the design of the place all look amazing. I love that you were able to do so much within just a few blocks of the hotel too. The rocky robes were a nice touch as well, lol. I never realized Hilton had a luxury boutique line either, but I really want to check it out now!

    1. I had to reactivate my Hilton account because I didn’t realize the Curio collection existed either but now that I do I need to revisit the Hilton rewards program. It’s a fabulous hotel, hopefully you get to visit it on your next trip to Philadelphia

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