W Philadelphia Hotel

  • Prize
    Winner in Architectural Design Hotel – Luxury
  • Company/Firm
    NELSON Worldwide
  • Lead Designer
    Cheryl Smith (NELSON Worldwide)
  • Other Designer(s)
    Sharilyn Olson (designstudio)
  • Architect
    NELSON Worldwide
  • Interior Designer
    designstudio
  • Photo Credit
    Eric Langel
  • Location
    1439 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
  • Project Date
    8/20/21

Considered the birthplace of the United States, Philadelphia has long been a place where fortune favors the bold. Our country’s architects dared to be different and now, the design of W Philadelphia embodies that same drive, grit and irreverence that sparked a revolution. With the iconic “W” sign glowing atop the 51-story skyscraper, W Philadelphia reshapes the city skyline as it also liberates traditional definitions of luxury. Inspired by the city’s street art, music legacy and historical architecture - including its famed city grid (the first in the country) - decor and design elements contextualize local culture and history for today’s global traveler.

The project is part of the 51-story dual-branded hotel complex in Philadelphia, comprised of the 295 room W Hotel and the 460 room Element by Westin hotel. W Philadelphia opened in August 2021 and populates the majority of the lower podium levels and the top 18 floors of the tower. The hotel features a ground floor lobby, three floors of meeting space, a rooftop pool and bar, spa, fitness facility and 295 guestrooms and suites.

The project design takes its cues from the City’s social, historical, and cultural influences.




LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2025
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