It doesn’t happen often that the hotel you check into comes with its own private art collection, but being in the heart of the art district in a city famed for its wonderful murals and art museums, it is not a surprise. The Logan is home to more than 1,800 pieces of art created by local artists that plug into the story of one of the USA’s most historic cities.
Hotel
When I walked into the expansive lobby, blurry eyed after nearly 30 hours of travel from my country, the first thing that jumped out at me was an eye-catching chandelier whose highlight is over 300 sepia toned portrait photographs and a seven-foot-tall sculpture of a man with folded hands. I would learn more about them during my art tour later – yes, you actually need to take time out for one at this hotel.
Besides the reception desk, the lobby is also home to a café and a library – a perfect place to curl up with a book or enjoy a game of billiards. A few steps take one to the bar that has comfortable lounge seating and opens to an outdoor terrace and the garden area. The hotel, which boasts 391 rooms and suites, is named after James Logan, who played an important role in the city’s history during the 18th century.
Room
When I walked into my suite way past midnight, all I wanted to do was crash but I took a moment to revel in the spaciousness of the bedroom and the executive suite. A beautiful, frosted glass French door separates the living area, which has a sofa, workstation, a coffee maker (thank god for that) and a 42-inch TV screen.
Appropriate for families, the sofa can be pulled out and made into a bed if you are with children. The bedroom also has a TV screen in the corner, but when the window overlooks a lovely Art Deco fountain at Logan Circle, then who wants to watch a screen? The bathroom is massive with a separate vanity area and a walk-in shower area.
Food and drink
The hotel has four food and drink outlets – a café, bar, a farm to table restaurant and a rooftop lounge. I got my introduction to how good their food is on my first morning here as I headed out for breakfast at the Urban Farmer Steakhouse. This farm-to-table restaurant sources local produce and fresh butcher cuts. I ordered the shaved ham Benedict which was sumptuous. The steakhouse is famous for – well, the steaks of course, but unfortunately it was too early in the day to try one. They have a special menu for children.
The Assembly rooftop bar overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is where I spent my first evening in this lovely city. Located on the ninth floor of the hotel, it is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Philadelphia. The firepit pods with each table, the delicious frozen cocktails and the wonderful view of the city have made it the talk of the town. After relaxing for a couple of hours, I decided that I must return to spend more time here.
The Commons Café at the lobby level serves some of the best brewed coffee in the city – La Colombe coffee – and baked goodies. The Commons Lounge is also located at the lobby and has interesting cocktails and a good beer and wine list.
Private art collection
Walk into the hotel and you know that they take art seriously. All pieces are created by locals and have some tie to Philadelphia’s history going all the way back to its colonial past. Guests can download a mobile art tour app and take a self-guided walk of the collection at the hotel. We were lucky enough to get a walking tour by a staff member.
I was told that the more than 300 sepia toned photos that dangle from the chandelier in the lobby are those of famous people associated with the city like the poet Walt Whitman, writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe and the boxer Joe Frazier. Then there are doctors, lawyers, writers, each one of them influential in Philadelphia’s history. No wonder the chandelier is called Elite Silhouettes.
Another eye-catching piece is that of a man with crossed arms near the reception. Better known as ‘Iron Man’ or ‘Logan Man,’ it has been made by stacking individual steel plates together.
There are many more striking pieces such as a collection of men made of wrought iron called ‘The Crew’ which pays tribute to the sport of rowing since there are many rowing clubs here. The artwork extends to the event spaces, bedrooms and even the bathroom. The Logan is home to a spa, pool and gym as well.
To do
Bang in the middle of Logan Square, the hotel is walking distance from some of Philly’s most famous attractions. The iconic Love Sign at John F. Kennedy Plaza or Love Park and Market Street are just a 10-minute walk. If you are an art lover, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Barnes Foundation are not too far away either. And being a lovely city to explore on foot, I absolutely loved the location of this hotel.
In a nutshell
This is one of the best stay options in the city because not only is it walking distance from the main tourist attractions, but also has great options for food and drinks.
Factbox
Address: One Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: +1 215 963 1500
Website: theloganhotel.com
Photography courtesy of The Logan Philadelphia Hotel
