Built in 1904 and once called “The Grand Dame of Broad Street”, Hyatt at The Bellevue crowns the top floors of The Bellevue Building, a national historic landmark with on-site shopping and dining. The 172-room hotel blending old-world architecture with modern amenities and continues to allow our guests to discover true grandeur, unrivaled style and service. This iconic hotel is centrally located on the famous Avenue of the Arts and convenient to cultural attractions, theatres and local businesses.
This major renovation has truly enhanced Hyatt at The Bellevue’s historic reputation for travelers in center city Philadelphia, given our proximity to the local cultural sites, entertainment and the Pennsylvania Convention Center, says Shaheryar Adil, General Manager at The Hyatt at The Bellevue.
The task of renovating the suites at Hyatt at The Bellevue provided Therese Virserius Design with an amazing opportunity to work with historically significant Beaux-Arts structure. As the building is landmarked, Therese Virserius Design approached the design conceptualization with a certain sensitivity. Careful consideration was taken to not only compliment, but to highlight the details indicative of this school of architects. The cultural and historical significance of the location of the hotel played a role on the interior scheme as well.
Hyatt at The Bellevue boasts many unique architectural idiosyncrasies, typical of this era. The top few floors host all the suites and are therefore affected by the mansard roof creating forty-something room types. This challenge was seen by Therese Virserius Design as an opportunity to create an individual experience for each guest as almost every room is different. The suites are flooded with light and boast some of the best views in the city. Therese Virserius Design took advantage of the sunlight and the vistas when designing the space.
Shimmery whites and creams create a sophisticated backdrop which allows chartreuses and vivid reds and magentas to pop. The choice of the more traditional wood parquet flooring brings in warmth and texture to contract the crisp white lacquered desks and side tables. These contrasting elements create a space for the guest that is crisp and clean without being sterile.
The success of this unique scheme was accomplished by developing custom items with clean lines and a color scheme that would continue to feel fresh well into the future, including carpet, wallcovering, light fixtures, and furnishings. Special attention to detail in all elements of the interior scheme highlights the beaux-arts character of the structure which is what makes it such a unique hotel. Each piece of furniture becomes an opportunity to present something sculptural and distinctive. A few Italian pieces were selected for their refined style to add a tailored element to the suites. The area rug in the living room is hand tufted wool in a geometric pattern in a vivid color and stands out against the muted color of the sofa. In the bedrooms, leather wrapped mirrors lean against custom wallcovering in a large scale organic pattern inspired by a traditional form, but depicted in unexpected colors. A tailored, but plush headboard stretches toward the ceiling emphasizing the vertical and creating presence. A sculptural chaise in a deep chocolate fabric unfolds next to the bed and adds warmth and dimension to the space.
Philadelphia is well known not only for its history, but for its art scene. Therese Virserius Design worked with Faulkner & Locke, which carries a variety of artwork in many mediums, to select pieces that spoke to Philadelphia contextually, but also brought an element of surprise to the rooms. The Declaration of Independence was inspiration for a graphic piece with a bold hit of magenta. Photography of Philadelphia’s bridges shows off the sublime beauty of the architecture. A montage of found items alludes to the mystery evident in a structure with so much history such as The Bellevue.
About Hyatt at The Bellevue
Hyatt at The Bellevue, 200 South Broad Street, is a upscale hotel located in the business and arts district of center city Philadelphia. This property features 172 rooms, 30,000 square feet of adaptable function space, business center, WIFI Internet access, complimentary 93,000 square foot health club, Sporting Club, XIX (Nineteen) Café, Bar and Restaurant on the 19th floor featuring spectacular views of the city with four balconies. The hotel’s prime center city location in The Bellevue Building on The Avenue of the Arts also offers a gourmet food court as well as upscale shopping such as Tiffany & Company, Polo Ralph Lauren, WilliamsSonoma, The Walking Company, Teuscher Chocolates, Starbucks and The Palm Restaurant. To book, call 800.233.1234 or visit www.philadelphia.bellevue.hyatt.com