Urban Dispatch: It's Time For A Philadelphia Hotel To Make Proper Use Of Its Rooftop Pool Already

The Rooftop Pool and Restaurant at the Soho House in New York | Photo via

Three simple steps:

1. Renovate.

2. Add a bar/lounge/foodservice.

3. Enjoy the results.

Examples:

The Rooftop Pool and Lounge at the Hotel Solamar in San Diego | Photo via NY Times

The Rooftop Pool and Lounge at the Empire Hotel in NYC | Photo via

The Rooftop Pool and Lounge at the London West Hollywood Hotel in LA | Photo via

The Rooftop Pool and Bar at the Hotel Joule in Dallas | Photo via NY Times

Another view of the Rooftop Pool and Restaurant at the Soho House in New York | Photo via

The Rooftop Pool at the Hotel Gansevoort in New York | Photo via

Granted, a few of these are in warmer weather climates. But New York City has plenty that are only open seasonally, including Soho House and Empire, while others like the Gansevoort are open all year.

So there is zero reason why a Philadelphia hotel could not turn its rooftop pool into a legitimately cool day/nightspot.

Candidates here include:

1. Hotel Windsor (17th and the Parkway)

Potential: 10/10

Likelihood: Zero


2. Crowne Plaza (18th and Market)

Potential: 9/10

Likelihood: Zero


3. Holiday Inn Express Midtown (13th and Walnut)

Potential: 9/10

Likelihood: Zero


4. Holiday Inn Historic District (4th and Arch)

Potential: 9/10

Likelihood: Zero


5. Doubletree Philadelphia (Broad and Locust)

Potential: 8/10

Likelihood: Zero


All the likelihoods are zero because there are not any current hoteliers in the city that give a shit about going after a hip demographic. At least not in a way that would require an investment of a few million dollars. Especially hotels that are corporate properties.

Which is definitely a shame.

We were holding out hope that Kimpton was going to make it rain at their forthcoming Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, complete with some type of rooftop bar and lounge. (Not unlike what they did in San Diego.)

Unfortunately, that appears unlikely for now.

The Hotel Palomar Philadelphia will have a penthouse ballroom with sweeping city views, but that will be used for private affairs.

Bummer.