When we think of travel, we usually think about going somewhere. But how about staying right here in Philadelphia? There are some great new hotels — and who doesn’t want someone else to make your bed or bring you breakfast in bed?
The Logan Philadelphia is a new, modern hotel located in the heart of Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The former Four Seasons Hotel has been transformed with a multi-million-dollar renovation.
Chill out in numerous green spaces within the hotel grounds or in the indoor heated pool, or take a break from the local gym and hit the new state-of-the-art fitness center. Connecting with green, The Logan Philadelphia is donating 10 percent of each guest’s room revenue, based on the best available rate, to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to building community through gardening, greening and learning. That offer is valid until March 31.
Suites come with marble bathrooms and French doors that separate the bedroom from the living area. The Presidential Suite will impress any spouse, partner, date, lover or one-night stand with an expansive balcony and sprawling views overlooking the Parkway. Other hotel highlights include the steakhouse restaurant, Urban Farmer Philadelphia, which is getting rave reviews on Facebook. Assembly, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, will likely be the place to be without the noise of street-side cafés.
The guest rooms, event space and public areas of The Logan Philadelphia will feature locally curated art. With a collection comparable to a gallery, the hotel will showcase statues, paintings, murals and sculptures, true to the Philadelphia scene.
The Logan Philadelphia participates in the Hilton HHonors® loyalty program, which is open to all guests and free to join; www.theloganhotel.com.
AKA: Home away from home
Philly’s super-hip AKA is moving into the one-night hotel market, expanding beyond its previous long-term-stay focus.
AKA, a division of Korman Communities, is an innovative and growing collection of luxury serviced residences. AKA owns and operates properties in New York City, two in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and London. Fabulous rooms range from studios to two-bedroom penthouse suites. Think of it as a hotel with the privacy of a luxury residence but with all the hotel services.
While each property is unique and has distinct resident offerings, all feature the AKA brand standards and amenities of: a.cinema (a private theater), a.lounge, a.cafe, high-tech fitness centers, full-service business centers with meetings space and complimentary high-speed Internet access, en-suite dining, 24-hour front desk assistance, dedicated doormen and full-time, on-site management and maintenance.
All suites include top-of the-line kitchens, contemporary furnishings, luxurious bathrooms, meticulous housekeeping, extended digital cable with HBO and Wi-Fi access; www.stayaka.com.
R Family & Olivia
On another note, don’t miss the R Family Vacations & Olivia Travel’s fully chartered, all-inclusive week at the Hard Rock Vallarta Resort in Puerto Vallarta this summer, July 9-16. Everyone is welcome: men, women, children, everyone!
The weeklong trip starts at $1,499 per adult and $399 per child. The price includes accommodations for eight days and seven nights, meals in six restaurants, plus beverages and most activities; www.rfamilyvacations.com.