HISTORIC BANK BUILDING TRANSFORMED to reveal The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia

Posted in News on 29 June, 2016

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia has unveiled a yearlong, multi-million dollar renewal project. Helmed by architect and interior designer Wimberly Interiors, the updates to the hotel include all new guestrooms and meeting spaces, a refreshed lobby experience and public spaces along with a new restaurant, bar and lounge by Richard Sandoval.

The iconic hotel, steeped in history, was originally built as a reproduction of the Pantheon when it opened in 1908 as The Girard Trust Company. The property-wide enhancements focus on the scenography of the building – explore history and experience the arts – paying tribute to its rich past. The new design brings a fresh and sophisticated feel to the hotel while also telling a story through neutral colours, textures and materials inspired by money and currency, with pops of metallic, bronze and emerald green.

 New guestroom design features luxurious fabrics and furniture finishes in a welcoming neutral colour palate. Punctuations of green and blue along with notes of bronze and nickel layer a contemporary polish.

 The Ritz-Carlton Suite is one of the most rivalled suites in Philadelphia. Offering beautiful views of the city from the 31st floor, a personal elevator for exclusive use, two full bedrooms, separate living and dining spaces, personal kitchen en suite with a large dining table and a monumental Master Bath with incredible city views of the iconic City Hall and 27-ton statue of William Penn.

 The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia Club Lounge has been updated to reflect a distinct sense of place in the heart of the city. In the exclusive Club Lounge, guests have access to a dedicated concierge, as well as complimentary food and drink throughout the day.

The wood-burning grill is the centrepiece of the new restaurant, Aqimero. Multiple sections for seating through the bar, lounge and main dining area offer comfortable places for large and small groups, and guests can catch a glimpse of the chefs in action preparing meals through the kitchen’s show window.  The 206-seat restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, the “Ceviche Bar” offers a combination of raw bar – Muscles, Clams, Oysters, Shrimp Cocktail and Lobster Tail alongside a huge assortment of sushi and ceviche. Salads, inspired classics and savoury sides round out the dinner menu, with refreshing, seasonal craft cocktails to balance the bold flavours of the menu. “Aqimero will bring the Latin American ritual of the meal to Philadelphia in a modern and sustainable way,” said Executive Chef Richard Sandoval. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton on this new dining concept and introduce my vision for fresh and authentic Latin-Asian cuisine to the city.”

ritzcarlton.com/philadelphia