It’s nearly done, the Bellevue Hotel has under gone a transformation over the past few years. I started writing about it in 2019, when owner Ronald Rubin had a vision to return the hotel back to it’s 1904 glory days, where the lobby was located on the first floor, and there was a hustle bustle of activity.
The Bellevue-Stratford Hotel (The Bellevue) is a landmark building at 200 S. Broad Street at the corner of Walnut Street in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I don’t like change, and it was emotional to learn about the changes to come, as I know it was for many of my readers. (Nicole Miller to move out of Bellevue)
The former ground floor space in July 2019
Over the years the hotel has gone through many iterations; the last big one occurred in 1989. From Wikipedia: [Rubin] at a cost of $100 million, designed by architects from RTKL Associates Inc. in Baltimore and the Vitetta Group-Studio Four of Philadelphia.[21] The building’s name was shortened to The Bellevue. The grand public areas on the ground floor were converted to 55,000 sq ft of retail space.[22] A huge atrium was cut into the lobby[23] and escalators were installed leading to an underground shopping area and food court. (my note: and 2nd floor ballroom) The parking garage adjacent to the hotel had a 70,000 sq ft fitness club[21] (The Sporting Club ) built on top of it to serve the complex. The hotel rooms on floors 3 to 11 were converted into 280,000 sq ft of office space,[22] entered through the original main entrance facing Broad Street, with the office portion opening on December 5, 1988.[21]
In 2019 Ron Rubin had the idea to return the hotel to it’s former grand self, as well as converting some office space to residential.
Ronald Rubin died in April 2021,[32] and in November 2021, his estate sold the entire Bellevue structure to Lubert-Adler Partners, for an undisclosed sum. That year they announced plans to completely renovate the property again, at a cost of $100 million. They planned to convert the largely vacant office space on the lower floors to apartments, with 200-300 units to be built out, over time. ( PBJ)
The hotel was closed November 2023 to guests, to finish the renovations.
(The Sporting Club opened November 2023, after their renovation, and it’s magnificent. FYI I joined in August at $175 a month [it goes up Nov 1 for new members to $190]. I honestly love the place. Several of my friends joined after moi cause i told them how great it was. It is expensive compared to others, but they have soo much. BTW I get asked, and yes I do pay for my membership. I just want you to know I really love it there, I often do SM posts about it, the staff is helpful and very nice.)
The historic lobby level public areas, are complete and restored to their original function serving hotel guests. (Seemingly carrying on Ron Rubin’s vision, which is great.)
Residents started moving in over the summer, and last week the hotel (operated by Hyatt) started taking reservations again.
They have definitely created a luxurious, inviting , but private space in the new lobby.
Right now, the lobby has a coffee bar for residents and hotel guests. The hotel officially opens to the public November 1, 2024.
Recently I wrote about the new restaurant going in where Polo used to be located, in August on my blog and then more last week on my IG.
It is called Mr Edison as Thomas Edison himself did the electricity in the 2nd floor ballroom.
The Grand Ballroom 2012
I think the one question people write me about or ask me is what is happening to the ballroom, XIX, and the food court. The food court has been renovated and is now a kitchen for food prep for the ballrooms, room service and Cescaphe event spaces in the City.
The Grand Ballroom New Years Eve 2018
In February 2024, it was announced that the hotel’s grand ballroom and other function rooms would no longer be directly operated by the hotel. Instead, since their reopening in April 2024, these spaces have been managed by Cescaphe, a local events firm, under the name The Grand Belle.
This transition aims to enhance the event experience by leveraging Cescaphe’s expertise in managing upscale events.
Cescaphe lead the vision to renovate the event spaces (Wikepedia).
Above in the Grand Ballroom on the 2nd floor. Breathtaking and modern. It’s lighter and more versatile to appeal to all generations. I love the lighting fixture above the stage. At first I didn’t love the pine color floors, but I love them now, especially now seeing the upper floors.
The cocktail reception used to be held in a room off to the side near the glass doors in the back of this photo, and has now taken over the “hallway”, where the coat check and escalators (now removed, I actually have photos of them dismantling them) were located. Now you can reach the 2nd floor via recently uncovered elevators, which are located behind me, in what once was the “green room” with a door.
There is no door anymore, the walls have been removed and it is now part of the cocktail/reception area. Let’s go upstairs… you can still get there via the elevator near the entrance from the garage, or the elevators from the newly renovated first floor lobby, which goes to the 2nd floor ballroom as well, those are the ones which used to be in the “green room” I just spoke about.
What was the restaurant hotel, I have no idea what the name was, but served breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch for guests and the public.
Is now one of the most beautiful event spaces in the City.
The views are breathtaking.
I know people are sad it’s no longer a restaurant, but let’s be real, it was never super packed. It did have spectacular views of the City from their terraces and imagine your event photos including them.
I had my wedding brunch there with my 8 friends, so it holds a special place in my heart for me. I’m excited for it’s new iteration, and for so many others to create special memories in this space.
The entire 19th floor has been refreshed for event and meeting spaces. On the left was the bar, I never knew the name other than the XIX bar, it might have been called the Library, for years bookshelves blocked the grand windows. It was a good hideaway spot, to catch up with friends, grab a bite to eat and hang out with hotel guests who entertained you with stories from home.
The most asked about spot is the XIX restaurant with it’s pearl chandelier, which I didn’t realize consisted of lights until I saw it the other night in the dark.
Back in the 1990s I would see cabarets in this room, before it was a restaurant, with the pearl chandelier. It was just a dark room, with beautiful ornate details.
Last week Philly Style Magazine hosted a Power Women luncheon in the space. As you can see it has been significantly changed with the center bar, oyster bar, removed. It’s definitely much more functional, especially for events. Since the summer the XIX th floor has hosted several weddings, special occasions and events. They also have 2 other ballrooms on this floor, which have also been refreshed.
The new hotel lounge/restaurant Pergola located on 19 as well adjacent to the two other ballrooms; it has beautiful views of the Philly skyline, sunrises and the Ben Franklin Bridge. (Back in the day it was also my go to spot to catch lighting storms as it was a hallway, sitting area.)
It will open to the public on November 1, on the official opening of the hotel day. It’s currently serving hotel guests and residents. It’s beautiful, and tasty, with a jazzy sound vibing through out the place.
The rose garden room on the 12th floor, with the fountain is now a private space for residents and hotel guests. Beautifully done!
FINALLY I am thrilled, and grateful to everyone involved for reviving, re invigorating and creating this magnificent space. The “new” Bellevue Hotel is spectacular!! Exceeding any expectation I had. They have truly return it to it’s grandeur, yet created an inviting and exciting modern feel. I can’t wait to shoot events here for many, many years to come. Just incredible!!
THANK YOU!!
PS thank you to everyone involved who helped me with this story over the past 5 years. I really appreciate it.
Socially yours, HughE
