Candis R. McLean
This week was the grand opening of Philadelphia Renaissance Downtown at 401 Chestnut Street. This newly imagined hotel was sleek, featured tons of locally curated artist, had amazing design, and more. Food was provided by the hotel’s Chez Ben Restaurant, there was live art, music, and plenty of activities to highlight the emergence of the newest hotel on the Philly scene.
The spanning entryway led to the amazing downtown lobby. To the left, is the Chez Ben’s, the hotel’s restaurant and Bar. The spanning surface sits up to twelve people comfortably. Besides great food and cocktails, the bar also serves up smoothies, juices, espresso, and coffee at very wallet-friendly prices. The restaurant includes great elements of the past with historically-themed prints on the wall, rustic seating, and more. Chez Ben will feature Wine Down Wednesdays which will include 50% off wine bottles and $2 off glasses of wine. The restaurant will also have Happy Hour Monday-Sunday from 5 P.M. – 7 P.M., Feast like a Frenchie Friday (15% off when you dine in and mention the deal, and a Sunday brunch from 11 A.M. – 4 P.M.
To the right of the entryway, there is an extremely sizable lobby and sitting area. Two illuminating pillars frame this lounge area. The party featured shoes by Bus Stop, a fine shoe boutique located at 727 South 4th St. The art of Alloyius Mcilwaine (CEO/Founder of Cultures Clothing Co,) was also on display. His work blends street art, graffiti, abstract, and more. There’s a large bar in this immersing area which is surrounded by plenty of spacious seating and art. The lobby floor also features a complimentary boarding pass print area and computer for traveling guests on the go.
Each bar featured the specialty cocktails crafted by the hotel. The most popular beverages of the night were Blood & Sand and a Bijou Punch. The Blood and Sand beutifully blends Auchentoshan 12 Year Scotch, orange juice, and Ruby Port Cherry Heering. The Bijou Punch perfectly merges Bluecoat American Dry Gin, Caprano Antica Formula Vermouth, Green Chartreuse, and orange bitters.
The party led upstairs where guests had access to the main ballroom of the hotel. Shane Confectionery, America’s oldest candy shop, provided the sweets. There was also more food and drinks served up in the massive room. On the lower floors, Alloyius Mcilwaine performed live art, painting the hotel’s indoor pool. In this area, there was a jacuzzi and the entryway to the hotel’s sizeable guest gym.
The opening night was a massive success, showcasing the establishment’ts unique eye to blend the city’s traditional history and contemporary prowess in style. Unlike several Old City business and structures, there is no sense of a crammed or cloistered effect. Renaissance Philadelphia will surely be a welcomed and refreshing addition to the city where guests can retreat, relax, and enjoy themselves.
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