The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
"So, can you tell us a little about this place? Where is it, and what's the vibe?After pulling off busy Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a four-lane thoroughfare modeled after Paris's Champs-Élysées, the Logan’s calm, covered driveway and friendly valet will instantly make you feel at home. Step inside and the theme continues: The lobby is laid out like a living room, with lounge seating, a self-service coffee bar, oversized fireplace, cozy library, and unique art installations. In fact, all around the hotel are more than 1,800 locally made works of art: Each piece was hand-selected by the curators at Kevin Barry Fine Art to tell a different story of Philadelphia, from the colonial era to the city’s manufacturing roots and famed local personalities such as Grace Kelly, Walt Whitman, and Joe Frazier. (Guests can even go on a self-guided tour using the hotel’s smartphone app, which guides users through art on display in the lobby, lower level, second floor, and guest rooms.) What’s the crowd like?During the week, the Logan is typically filled with suit-clad businesspeople, while leisure travelers and special events guests (the hotel hosts a lot of weddings) generally arrive on the weekends. Now, onto the good stuff: Tell us about the digs.Of the 391 rooms, 64 are suites, which offer views of either the interior courtyard or the parkway. Entry-level rooms are comfortable, if a bit monotone. Those who prefer more space should look into the 700-square-foot Pensbury Suites, which have substantial separate living space (with a pullout couch for additional guests), corner views, and spacious closets and bathrooms. An especially great option for families is the Bristol Suite; the second bedroom is outfitted with bunk beds, a crafts desk, and beanbags for the kids. How about the little things, like the mini-bar, or shower goodies? What made your stay more comfortable?There were tons of little touches I loved: First, instead of the standard white terry-cloth robes, the Logan cheekily pays homage to Rocky using gray sweatshirt-material robes. Second, the suites all have a separate vanity area, which is ideal for avoiding arguments with your husband over bathroom countertop space. Third, the gym has Peloton bikes and a saline pool, heated to a balmy 83-degrees year-round. That last feature sounds pretty terrific. How about room service, or the dining options in general? Give us the scoop.Farm-to-table cuisine might sound like old news, but the on-site restaurant, Urban Farmer, takes the theme to the next level. The open kitchen features a hydroponic mini-greenhouse, and there’s an actual butcher shop in the back (they get a whole cow in once a week, and nothing goes to waste—even the candles are made from rendered beef fat). The menu points out the name and location of the beef purveyor, and even notes the cow’s diet. They also make their own pickles; jars decorate the tables and are artfully displayed on a full wall. Breakfast isn’t included in your room rate, so you might as well order room service, which comes courtesy of Urban Farmer. Guests can select any style preparation for their farm eggs, served with a choice of meat and bread (not revolutionary, but still tasty). Other options include yogurt and granola, sourdough English muffin sandwiches, buttermilk pancakes, and a blue crab omelet. Make sure to end at least one of your nights at the ninth-floor rooftop bar, Assembly—the space has breathtaking, panoramic views, which stretch all the way from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to City Hall. If your stay falls over a weekend, head upstairs for Sunday brunch, where there’s a cart that scoots around the space offering make-your-own mimosas. Let's talk about staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Lilla, at the spa, has the hands of an angel. Any other services or features you'd like to shout out?Speaking of the spa, you should go. Don’t walk, run. The subterranean space feels like a warm cocoon of tranquility. Services run the gamut, but an especially great option is the CBD Quartet, an 80-minute experience that uses CBD oils and balms to relieve stress and sore muscles. The 4-in-1 treatment starts with a deep massage, followed by a heated, moisturizing body wrap. While you’re wrapped up like a burrito, the therapist will provide a scalp massage and reflexology. Needless to say, if you don’t fall asleep during this treatment, you have deeper problems than those a spa can fix. Alright, bottom line: Why are we choosing the Logan?At first glance it looks like a comfortable stay on Logan Circle, a convenient hop-step from the Museum District and Center City. But upon closer inspection, small touches like the authentic farm-to-table cuisine, thoughtful in-house art collection, and indulgent spa treatments make this a winner for any business traveler or family visiting Philadelphia." - Katie James Watkinson
