If anyone needs reminding that Philadelphia was once the premier destination in America, look no further than The Bellevue, a palatial Belle Epoque hotel on the central axis of Broad Street, built for high-flying delegates visiting from Manhattan and Europe. Designed in the image of French Renaissance chateaux, it makes its 21st-century debut this spring with a redesign by New York-based Ward + Gray, after a long fallow period during which it stood protected by the National Register of Historic Places yet empty.

The design team overhauled 184 guest rooms, including 39 suites that surround a six-story Conservatory.

Their high ceilings have original crown moulding and tall windows facing down the boulevard, plus new high-spec furnishings with East Coast chic to balance the elaborate architectural detail in the common spaces. The lobby and restaurants remain a visual draw, though they too have been toned down with neutral tailoring and handsome lighting. Pergola, the 19th-floor restaurant, has sumptuous, textural details and a menu of classic brunch, dinner and cocktails.

A 100,000 sq ft Sporting Club is open to the public with special privileges available to residents, and it has an Olympic-calibre offering: an NBA-sized court, 25-metre lap pool, plunge pools, golf pavilion and indoor track, as well as more standard fitness and spa facilities.

The location is dead-centre in town (and 90 minutes from New York’s Penn Station), but as this is Philadelphia, room prices are reasonable for a downtown Grande Dame.

www.thebellevuehotel.com

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