Parisian Spirit Pervades the Newly Refreshed Sofitel Philadelphia
News: Hotels + Resorts
November 18, 2024
Parisian Spirit Pervades the Newly Refreshed Sofitel Philadelphia
//3877 updates the hotel’s public spaces with local art and French-inspired opulence
Words by: Stephanie Chen • Photos by Brandon Barré
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square brings a touch of French elegance to the Center City district.
In collaboration with Clearview Hospitality, Washington, DC-based //3877 refreshed the hotel’s public spaces with rich textures and an evocative ambiance.
The design draws from the lively spirit of Philadelphia’s French Quarter and the architectural legacy of French architect Paul Philippe Cret, who was responsible for the iconic Rittenhouse Square. Further, the renovation honors the brutalist structure of the former Philadelphia Stock Exchange, blending classic French sophistication with the city’s storied architecture.
A spotlight on local art
Art is central to Sofitel Philadelphia’s identity. The hotel is adorned with a dynamic collection—spanning floor-to-ceiling pieces in the lobby to sculptures inspired by local landmarks—curated in partnership with Soho Art Consulting.
The property also collaborates with nearby galleries to regularly rotate pieces and support Philadelphia’s artists.
Sofitel Philadelphia’s refreshed lobby
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a Parisian-style scene of refined opulence.
Inspired by Philadelphia’s iconic City Hall, a striking sculpture of busts and columns anchors the lobby. The reception desk is elegantly framed within a decorative nook, with marble floors and sculptural lighting creating a sense of grandeur while softening the building’s brutalist edges.
A luxurious bar and lounge
To the left of the lobby, an upscale bar and lounge welcomes guests with rich jewel tones drawn from Second Empire artwork, notably Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, as well as motifs of Orientalism and exploration.
Softly glowing pendant fixtures add warmth, while bold floral prints, rust-toned chairs, and chartreuse velvet sofas evoke the feeling of a worldly, curated living room. Cheetah print stools and a four-sided, upholstered conversation sofa complete the French parlor aesthetic, blending charm with an inviting sophistication.