Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Gay and lesbian travelers have plenty of options when choosing gay-friendly hotel accommodations in the Greater Philadelphia region. More than a dozen hotels have identified as gay-friendly, letting gay and lesbian travelers know they are welcome and can be assured friendly service. With chic accommodations and budget-friendly options, the Philadelphia region is the perfect place to Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay. Here’s a look at some of the great gay-friendly hotels in town:

Gayborhood:

• Alexander Inn: Nestled in the heart of Washington Square West, popularly known as the “Gayborhood,” The Alexander Inn is one of Philadelphia’s most sought out and wallet-conscious boutique hotels. The 48 designer rooms are inspired by the allure of 1930s-style grand cruise ships, ever-present through its eye-catching furnishings. Guests can enjoy DirecTV, along with access to the hotel’s free 24-hour fitness and e-mail centers. 12^th & Spruce Streets, (215) 923-3535, alexanderinn.com
• The Independent Hotel Philadelphia: Those looking for uber boutique chic will feel at home at The Independent Hotel. Located on the corner of 13th and Locusts Streets, the hotel is just steps away from popular gay bars and trendy Midtown Village. The property itself is located in a fully restored Georgian-Revival building and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests are greeted by a 30-foot-tall mural of Independence Hall, created by a local Philadelphia artist. 1234 Locust Street, (215) 772-1440, theindependenthotel.com

Avenue Of The Arts:

• Hyatt at The Bellevue: Classical design with a modern flair, Hyatt at the Bellevue is a must-see for any traveler to Philadelphia. Set atop the Bellevue building, the property features 172 rooms, appointed with marble baths, pampering bath amenities, flat-panel televisions and more. Guest receive complimentary access to the 93,000-square-foot Sporting Club, complete with cardiovascular and strength equipment, squash, racquetball and basketballs courts, an indoor track and a luxurious spa. Guest can also unwind at XIX (Nineteen) Café, Bar & Restaurant. 200 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1234, philadelphia.bellevue.hyatt.com
• DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City: Theater-goers visiting Philadelphia choose the DoubleTree for its prime location on the Avenue of the Arts. The hotel provides easy access to The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Suzanne Roberts Theater, Academy of Music, Merriam Theater, The Wilma Theater and many more. What’s more, the prime location puts visitors just minutes from the Gayborhood, Rittenhouse Square and Historic Philadelphia. Hotel amenities include spacious work areas, high-speed Internet access, a health club and indoor pool and the new Balcony restaurant. 237 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1060, doubletree.com

Rittenhouse Square:

• Hotel Palomar Philadelphia: The popular brand from Kimpton Hotels—long known for its dedication to diversity among its staff—set its sights on Philadelphia in 2009, and has quickly become one of the cities most popular hotels. LEED-certified, the property features an Art Deco exterior and a mystical mural of Benjamin Franklin on the 17th Street entrance. The pet-friendly, 230-room hotel offers guests a daily complimentary wine tasting at 5:00 p.m., 24/7 fitness center, in-room spa services and complimentary Internet access. Adjacent to the hotel is Square 1682, where nationally acclaimed chef Guillermo Tellez uses local sustainable ingredients in his New American menu. 117 S. 17^th Street, (215) 563-5006, hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com
• Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel: It’s all about location when choosing hotel accommodations, and the Sofitel Philadelphia occupies the area in Center City nicknamed the French Quarter. Even with the city’s finest shopping and restaurants just moments away, guests of the Sofitel Philadelphia can’t resist returning to the property for a restful night’s sleep in the oversized beds or relaxation time in the stunning marble baths. Downstairs, hotel guests and Philly residents mix and mingle in Liberté, a French-inspired restaurant and lounge. 120 S. 17^th Street, (215) 569-8300, sofitel.com

Historic Philadelphia:

• Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing: The only hotel located directly on the Delaware River Waterfront at Penn’s Landing, the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia provides guests with easy access to Historic Philadelphia’s unparalleled sightseeing, tours, museums, shops, restaurants and bars. Guest rooms feature the signature Hyatt Grand Bed with a pillow-top mattress, luxurious duvet cover and cloud-like pillows. Diners can indulge in top-notch food and drinks at Keating’s River Grill and take in the beautiful views of the Delaware River. 201 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 928-1234, pennslanding.hyatt.com
• The Best Western Independence Park Hotel: In the heart of Historic Philadelphia, the Best Western Independence Park puts its guests just seconds away from the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, Franklin’s Court and much more. While inside, hotel patrons can enjoy free high-speed Internet access, free European-style breakfast and free wine and cheese tasting (weekly). 235 Chestnut Street, (215) 922-4443, theindependenceparkhotel.com

Convention Center:

• Loews Philadelphia Hotel: Occupying the PSFS (Philadelphia Savings Fund Society) Building, the Loews Philadelphia boasts 1930s period details, including Cartier clocks, a bank vault door and polished granite. Stunning event spaces with sweeping views of the city make the hotel a perfect place to entertain business clients. The property has played host to guests in town for the city’s first-ever gay rodeo, countless gay and lesbian film festival parties and, most recently, the launch of a new gay and lesbian publication from Philadelphia magazine. 1200 Market Street, (215) 627-1200, loewshotels.com/philadelphia-hotel
• Philadelphia Marriott Downtown: Adjacent to the newly expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown is an ideal spot for convention goers and business travelers. Busy guests can take advantage of the hotel lobby’s “At Your Service Zone,” which provides personal assistant services. The property’s newest restaurant, 13 offers guests a beautiful indoor contemporary setting and spacious outdoor alfresco seating. 1201 Market Street, (215) 625-2900, marriott.com

Bucks County:

• The Raven: Located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, The Raven is the top gay resort in the Philadelphia region, and summer is an especially popular time here. At the pool and on the sundeck, gay and lesbian visitors enjoy poolside cocktails, sultry beats and, of course, plenty of people-watching. Sunday’s mean one thing at the Raven: Sunday Tea at 4:00 p.m., but the fun continues into the night with karaoke. 385 W. Bridge Street, (215) 862-2081, theravennewhope.com

For a complete list of gay-friendly hotels in the Greater Philadelphia region, plus information on gay and lesbian events, attractions of interest and more, go to visitphilly.com/gay. Visitors looking for timely information and up-to-the-minute news of weekly happenings are encouraged to “like” the facebook.com/visitgayphilly Facebook page.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Contact(s):

• Bruce Yelk, (215) 599-7431