YOWIE Hotel & Shop

A New Wave of Hotels Wants You to Shop Their Interiors | Vogue

"In Philadelphia’s historic Queen Village neighbourhood, this spot has grown from one of the city’s coolest curated lifestyle boutiques into a design-led boutique hotel with 13 individually designed rooms. Founded in 2016 by designer and art director Shannon Maldonado, it sits amid leafy streets, independent shops, and a lively bar and restaurant scene that make it ideal for a weekend city break. Each suite is layered with artworks, curated books, and handmade objects sourced from local creatives, accompanied by a ‘shopping manual’ that details the provenance and inspiration behind every item. Smaller treasures such as ceramics, robes, and stationery can be snapped up in the shop downstairs, while most of the furniture can be ordered or customised online. The inventory reflects Maldonado’s sharp curatorial eye, featuring funky coffee tables by Philly-based artist Paradise Grey, sculptural kitchen islands by Carl Durkow, and tactile ceramics from Cloud 9 Clay and Frunzi Ceramics, all set against boldly composed palettes with chocolate-brown wool Swell sofas by Normann Copenhagen, lilac Waka Waka cylinder-back chairs, and tasseled light pendants by Berlin studio Llot Llov. The brand is rooted in community and design, intentionally contributing to the local creative economy and becoming known as much for its workshops and collaborations as for its vibrant aesthetic." - Stephanie Gavan