There's nothing quite like staying in a hotel room that feels like it's nearly the size of your own apartment, especially when you're staying in the heart of a bustling city like Philadelphia. And if you've been eyeing a stay at the W Philadelphia, in particular, you're in for a treat — especially if you opt to upgrade to one of the hip hotel's eight suite types with sky-high views of downtown Philly.
Full of ambience in the form of moody lighting, eclectic art and maximalist, 70s-inspired decor, the W Philadelphia feels like a retro nightclub in hotel form. I recently had the opportunity to stay at the property and tested out the 800-square-foot Studio Suite, which completely wowed me (and this was just one of the more standard suite types — so it only gets better from here).
If you're wondering how to make a stay at one of Philly's best points hotels even sweeter, here are a few reasons why we think booking a suite is well worth your money, or a Nightly Upgrade Award, at the W Philadelphia — if for nothing else other than a huge space to spread out while you enjoy your favorite Philly cheesesteak in the City of Brotherly Love with some friends.
Related: 2 nights in the heart of the action: A review of the W Philadelphia
Nightly Upgrade Awards offer great value for Marriott Bonvoy members
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member and have a Nightly Upgrade Award (or maybe a few) to use, the W Philadelphia offers this upgrade option for a selection of its suite types, like the Studio and Superior suites, from what we could see in a quick search of the hotel's availability.
You must apply a Nightly Upgrade Award for each night of your stay. For example, if you're staying three nights, you must use three Nightly Upgrade Award certificates.
To do so, you'll first need to make a standard booking at the W Philadelphia, and then you can elect to use the award (but keep in mind that you won't find out if the upgrade is confirmed until within five days of your stay).
Marriott Bonvoy members with elite status, specifically Platinum Elite members and above, are eligible for complimentary room upgrades, including suites (based on availability and property).
TPG tip: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers complimentary Platinum Elite status to cardholders.
Additionally, some select Marriott properties allow elite members to use points or cash to upgrade a standard booking to a suite. As far as we could see, the W Philadelphia doesn't currently have points upgrade options for suites, but it's best to call the hotel to check. If you go this route at other Marriott hotels, though, remember that while booking, you may see multiple options — either booking your upgrade by paying an additional cash rate or by redeeming additional points for the upgrade.
Related: Your guide to using Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards
You can enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of Philadelphia — with private outdoor space
Excellent views aren't a guarantee at any city hotel, so scoring some of the most panoramic vistas of Philly from the comfort of your suite makes the stay extra special. Add the fact that the windows are floor-to-ceiling — and some even feature corner positioning and/or a door leading to a private terrace with seating — and you're looking at some of the most prime real estate in town.
If you're hoping to score that sought-after private outdoor space, you'll want to book one of the W, Supreme or Penthouse suites.
You can make a drink at your very own 70s-inspired wet bar
You'll find nods to the 1970s around every corner at the atmospheric W Philadelphia, but perhaps the best ode to this storied decade is the free-standing, circular wet bar found in a variety of suites.
Paired with the space's mixed-material decor (think patent leather ottomans, pop-of-color velvets and gauzy curtains), this wet bar will transport you back to the grooviest decade of them all. Not only is it an eye-catching centerpiece for the suite's living room, but it gives you the perfect excuse to host a little happy hour before hitting the town (or maybe heading to the W Philadelphia's on-site restaurant, Dolce, which serves up delectable regional Italian cuisine in a Rome-circa-the-1960s setting).
The space feels like an apartment of your own
For those who are looking to spread out, opting for a suite at the W Philadelphia is simply the best way to go. Most of the suites, which start at a spacious 800 square feet, offer lounging spaces complete with comfy L-shaped couches, chic ottomans, large flat-screen TVs and even a desk space or a table with chairs overlooking the city. While the artistic touches feel vibey and curated, the suite design also makes it feel lived-in and comfortable — the ideal home away from home.
And if you're in search of the creme de la creme of accommodations, look no further than the epic Penthouse Suite, which boasts 2,300 square feet of space, including two separate bedrooms, a private balcony with city views, an in-room DJ booth, foosball, a soaking tub, two full bathrooms and even a pantry-style kitchen.
Bottom line
It can be difficult to choose a hotel when you're staying in a lively city like Philadelphia — and it can be even harder to decide on a room type. Whether you're a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist with a few Nightly Upgrade Awards to burn or you're just hoping to splurge and spread out in accommodations that rival luxury apartments, you can't go wrong with staying in one of the eight spacious suite types available at the W Philadelphia. And we promise — the vibes will not disappoint.
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