Luxury Abounds at These Northeast Revamps

NATIONAL REPORT—Luxury properties have seen enhancements throughout the Northeast, from new lobbies to dining and even a suite in the sky. Here’s a look:

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia Enhances Lobby

Set within a 1908 neoclassical bank building, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia draws inspiration from the city’s architecture to spotlight its rich history. When enhancing its lobby in the fall of 2019, the hotel sought to elevate the experience with a new ‘defining moment’ that would engage guests and set the hotel apart from others in the area.

Bringing Philly to the forefront of the new, modern experience, the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia asked local design agency Oat Foundry to build a custom, nostalgic split flap display to kick off its 5 o’clock happy hour next to a Moët champagne vending machine.

The split flap is a direct call-out to the clackity boards that once adorned Philadelphia’s transit hub, 30th St. Station. Together with the champagne vending machine, the unique experience creates an “instagrammable” moment that gives guests a unique experience that could only be had at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia.

At five o’clock every day, the split flap display begins to clack and change, echoing through the lobby, and alternating between relevant quotes from Philadelphia icons like Ben Franklin and Rocky. Every 15 minutes from 5 o’clock to 6 o’clock, the display puts on a show, drawing guests to the sign and creating a memorable experience that could not be had at any other hotel.

The split flap sits across from the machine near the elevator bank—showcasing clever messages that encourage guests to take advantage of the champagne offering.

Kimpton Muse Hotel Completes Renovation of Public Spaces

Kimpton Muse Hotel, a boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan, has completed an extensive renovation with a new lobby area, dining destination known as the Muse Bar, and fitness center.

The hotel worked with Kraig Kalashian Architecture & Design (KKAD) to transform the property. The firm transformed the lobby that connects with the new Muse Bar. The bar has studded metal tiles that reflect the gritty essence of Manhattan, and plush velvets that contrast, exemplifying New York’s sophistication, according to designers. The palette and furnishings throughout the bar and lobby consist of various textures and sheens, giving the space a layered and curated ambiance.

The new 1,000-sq.-ft. fitness center includes Peloton bikes, treadmills and elliptical cross trainers.

Historic Renovation Underway at The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston is currently undergoing an extensive renovation in time for its reopening in summer 2020.

The extensive project includes a complete transformation of all guestrooms, event space, the addition of a new club lounge, and a new bar and restaurant.

Dyer Brown is the architect of record for the hotel project and collaborated with Richmond International, which will execute the interior design, meant to reflect the history of The Langham, Boston; and will highlight the architectural elements of the building, the former Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

The scope of the renovation includes the following:

  • A new lobby, decorated in jewel tones, with a fireplace, ample seating, and high-design concierge area and check-in desk
  • A new Club Lounge, a signature of The Langham Hotels & Resorts brand, with a private space in which guests who have purchased Club access can meet, eat and socialize, serving multiple food and beverage offerings throughout the day
  • Completely redesigned guestrooms and suites, with brand new marble-clad bathrooms, New England-inspired decor and, in the case of the hotel’s signature Loft Suites, two-story brass-embossed windows accenting the bi-level living and sleeping quarters that were left from the hotel’s days as the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  • The restoration of the Chairman’s Suite, a luxury penthouse experience including a king bedroom, hardwood floors, a living room complete with a baby grand piano, a pantry and kitchen, and a dining room that seats eight people
  • An update to The Governor’s Room, a boardroom with a mahogany table, plaid carpeting and decorated with an array of historic area maps sourced from the Boston Public Library, which includes access to the Wyeth Room, home to the N.C. Wyeth murals originally commissioned by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for increased space or can be used as a stand-alone space for private meetings and events
  • The new Lincoln Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 200 guests, and will include natural light by way of a skylight flanked by chandeliers, and proximity via its pre-function space to windows overlooking Norman B. Leventhal Park, a city-center greenspace with a garden trellis
  • An art collection by local artists that will reside throughout the hotel in tribute to the history of Boston
  • A new entrance with slate awnings and light fixtures that will illuminate the facade
  • A new destination bar with an outdoor terrace and a new restaurant concept, both of which will be announced in 2020, through a collaborative relationship with Gorgeous Group, a London-based hospitality concept agency

After the official opening, The Langham will also reintroduce the Wilson Ballroom, the reintroduction of which will be the final portion of the hotel’s overall transformation.