Philadelphia's Bellevue hotel unveils grand renovation
The historic Bellevue Hotel has honoured its heritage while unveiling reimagined suites, a restored grand ballroom and Philadelphia's largest fitness centre – complete with pickleball courts. Olivia Palamountain reports
The Bellevue, a 120-year-old Philadelphia landmark that spans an entire city block, has completed an extensive renovation.
The grande dame has introduced 84 redesigned rooms and 39 suites, plus a new Presidential Suite measuring more than 2,000 square feet, that overlooks Broad Street.
The property's restoration preserves several historic elements, including framed sections of original wallpaper in guest rooms and a restored analog clock, maintained by one of only two clock masters in the country. Among its historical treasures, the hotel houses Thomas Edison's original electrical panel as an artefact, alongside a gold letter box adorned with William Shakespeare's head in the lobby. Though the letter box is no longer operational, the hotel offers to post guests' letters on their behalf.
The renovation encompasses The Sporting Club, which at over 100,000 square feet stands as Philadelphia's largest fitness facility. The centre features an indoor track, pickleball and squash courts, club spaces with bars and lounges, coworking areas, an outdoor terrace and a lap pool.
The hotel's wedding and event spaces span three levels, including the newly reimagined "Grand Belle" ballroom. This historic space, which once hosted US presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, retains its original ornate wall and ceiling mouldings while incorporating new features such as replica opera house chairs, black wrought-iron railings, herringbone wood floors, and updated lighting.