The Loews Philadelphia Hotel Is the Ideal Winter Getaway from NYC

A must-visit in the City of Brotherly Love

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New Yorkers, listen up. It’s time to branch out from your “upstate weekends” and experiment with a new two-night getaway: Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is full of history, culture and delicious food. Oh, and it’s only an Amtrak away.

I spent my 2023 and my 2025 Christmases in Philly at the fabulous Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Center City (aka the heart of all the Philadelphia action).

The fact that it's my favorite winter hotel shouldn't come as a massive surprise. After my first stay, I left raving about the spacious rooms, impeccable service and surprisingly fun lobby bar. And the second time around, I partook in a number of festive holiday offerings (they have everything from seasonal desserts to cookie decorating to photos with Santa himself). Here, why the Loews Philadelphia is my go-to spot for the winter months.

The Basics

Name of Accommodation: Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Location: Center City, Philadelphia

Price: from $179 for a standard room, per night

Accommodation Options: rooms and suites

The Room

TLDR: The beds are really comfortable, the views are spectacular and the robes are a must.

Though the hotel offers a range of standard rooms and suites, my premium double room was nice enough that I almost didn’t want to venture out (it could have been the cold December weather too, but credit to the Loews rooms where credit is due). There is plenty of space so you and your partner (or family) won’t feel cramped. The beds are luxurious enough that I had a great night of sleep. And lounging in my robe while watching Law and Order: SVU was the ultimate ticket to relaxation.

The Food and Drink

The lobby bar scene is particularly fun and lively, especially if you’re visiting during football season (the Philadelphia Eagles game was playing on a very large screen with Eagles fans able to watch with a craft cocktail—or beer—in hand).

The lounge seating in the lobby is comfy and good for small groups (or entertaining the in-laws, in my case). There are cocktail servers happy to bring you a well-made drink or a bite from the menu (may I recommend the Parmesan rosemary fries if you’re looking for something to snack on while you sip?).

loews philadelphia review
Original Photo by Philip Mutz

The hotel also features a stellar restaurant, Bank and Bourbon, that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner—and even a brunch buffet. And as the name implies, don’t sleep on the bourbon packages, which include personal bourbon tastings.

My friends and I dined at Bank and Bourbon for brunch and it was so good. While one of us opted for a delicious-looking steak frites, the rest of us partook in the all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. All the staples are there—eggs, bacon, pancakes—but don't skip the desserts section. (I don't even have that big of a sweet tooth and I still filled my plate.) The accompanying mimosas and stellar service were just icing on the cake dessert plate.

If you’re looking for something more on-the-go, the lobby also has a mini café/coffee shop where you can snag a cappuccino, a baked good or even a bit of wine. (Or a hot cocoa, of course.) I personally stopped by each morning for a tasty iced Americano—I know, I know, I'm that guy who gets an iced drink in the winter.

The Amenities

If you’re so inclined, swing by the very large fitness center and use one of the Peloton bikes or brand-new rowing machines. Our friends went daily and raved about the huge selection of workout equipment.

And, of course, the extremely friendly concierge is available in the lobby to answer any and all questions, or just to point you in the right direction.

Don’t want to leave your dog at home? Bring them along! I brought my pup to the Loews and he made himself quite comfy in our room (and in the lobby). The Loews even gave him an adorable doggy gift bag featuring a food bowl, food mat and other super sweet swag.

The Seasonal Offerings

While the seasonal offerings may change from year to year, they're definitely worth checking out. These were the 2025 holiday specials:

  • First of all, there is the Loews Warm Up and Save Package. This winter special includes valet parking, a food and bev credit, late late checkout, room upgrades and a cozy camping tent experience for the kids.
  • Then, there's the Jingle and Mingle with Santa experience. This comes with brunch for three at Bank and Bourbon (more on the restaurant below), a cookie-making kit, hot chocolate from the lobby market, valet parking and, most importantly, photos with Santa!
  • The hotel also hosts activities throughout December like cookie decorating with homemade gingerbread cookies.
  • There's also a very exciting collab between the Loews Philadelphia and lifestyle brand Cozy Earth. Their curated holiday partnership includes a limited-edition lounge set, which is available at a discount for hotel guests.
  • And then there are NYE specials as well. The Dine, Unwind & Welcome 2026 means an overnight stay, 3-course meal, free bubbles and more. And the Toast & Stay comes with a New Year's Eve Countdown DJ Event with premium open bar and a ton of extra perks.

I can't wait to see what the offerings are next year!

loews philadelphia review
Original Photo by Philip Mutz

Know Before You Go

The Loews is in a fabulous neighborhood—Center City—which makes it easy to walk to landmarks like City Hall, theaters like the Wilma Theater or great restaurants and bars.

Oh, and valet parking is available right off the lobby.

Bottom Line

As a New Yorker who is frequently looking for a weekend getaway, Philadelphia is always top of mind, especially during the holidays. There’s so much to do and see—and a stay at the Loews is the perfect way to make sure you have a memorable trip.


Philip Mutz Headshot

VP, News and Entertainment

  • Oversees news and entertainment content
  • Is an award-winning playwright and has hosted two entertainment podcasts
  • Has 10+ years experience in entertainment coverage and viral media