Loews In Philadelphia Has Introduced "Flavor By Loews Hotels" Showcasing Local Culinary Partners

La Colombe, Metropolitan Bakery, Saint Benjamin Brewery have been selected to provide guests with an inspiring taste of Philadelphia’s homegrown flavor right on property

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Loews Philadelphia Hotel introduces Flavor by Loews Hotels, an innovative food and beverage experience serving up the best of Philadelphia’s local flavor so that guests can dine like a local within the four walls of the hotel. Rolling out across the Loews portfolio, Flavor by Loews Hotels has now been unveiled at Loews Hotel Philadelphia, tempting guests with hyper-local flavors that capture the essence of the city as well as the heart behind local food & beverage producers.

Loews Hotels is one of the first hotel brands to embrace local partnerships on a national scale, satisfying guests’ desires to immerse themselves in the destinations – bite-by-bite and sip-by-sip. Flavor by Loews Hotels at Loews Philadelphia Hotel is built upon this vision and highlights partnerships with artisan food & beverage vendors who have inspiring stories to share. They include:

·         Todd Carmichael and JP Iberti founded La Colombe on a simple premise: America Deserves Better Coffee. By sourcing and roasting with care, and borrowing on ancient and modern coffee traditions from around the world, the two have built a successful company and an elevated coffee experience for Americans. The first location opened in Rittenhouse Square in 1994, and is now served in cafes and homes across the country, including Bank & Bourbon and Pod Market in the lobby of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel.

·         When Wendy Smith Born and James Barrett opened Metropolitan Bakery breads made with all-natural starter, a long-slow-cool rise and crackling crusts were unique in Philadelphia – and  "shop local," "locally sourced" and "whole grain" were still fledgling food movements. Since then, Metropolitan Bakery has become a Philadelphia institution. Stop by Pod Market in the Loews Hotel Philadelphia and try a chocolate croissant, and you’ll taste why Metropolitan is a nine time Philadelphia Magazine “Best of Philly” winner.

·         Saint Benjamin Brewing Company is a craft brewery and taproom operating in Kensington, Philadelphia. The name “Saint Benjamin” is a reference to founding father Benjamin Franklin. For the folks at Saint Benjamin, Ben Franklin was more than just a local hero who helped provide a good brewery name. His spirit of piling innovation atop tradition helped inspire them to create offbeat beers like their coffee kolsch and India cream ale. Guests of Bank and Bourbon can try bourbon barrel aged ale, made exclusively in partnership with Saint Benjamin Brewing Company.

“Our Flavor by Loews Hotels partners are the perfect reflection of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and restaurant concept,” says Chef Thomas Harkins. “Each partner will offer something unique that will enhance our guests experience throughout our hotel. La Colombe, Metropolitan Bakery and Saint Benjamin Brewing Company have deep roots in the Philadelphia community, and we are excited to see how our guest’s react to all our new offerings.”

The Flavor by Loews Hotels program was born at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, which perfectly captured the iconic culture of Miami through its partnerships with an amazing cast of the city’s finest food & beverage purveyors. Based on the success of Flavor Miami, all Loews Hotels from coast-to-coast are now introducing the best of their destination’s food and drink artisans, so guests can truly dine like a local.

Flavor by Loews Hotels will complete its launch across the brand by spring 2018. For more information on Flavor by Loews Hotels visitwww.loewshotels.com/flavor.

About Loews Philadelphia Hotel:

Restored in 2000, the 581-room luxury Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a combination of historic architecture and modern amenities in the landmark PSFS building. Located in the heart of Center City, one of Philly’s most influential neighborhoods, the hotel is walking distance to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal, many historic attractions, museums, theaters, shops and restaurant.

Loews Hotels & Co

Established 1960

Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Co. Hospitality Company is rooted in deep heritage in the hotel industry and excellence in service. The hospitality group encompasses branded independent Loews Hotels, and a solid mix of partner-brand hotels. Loews Hotels & Co. owns and/or operates 24 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including Hotel 1000 in downtown Seattle and the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, the fifth hotel in partnership with Comcast NBC Universal. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews Hotels portfolio features properties grounded in family heritage and dedicated delivering unscripted guest moments all with a handcrafted approach. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com.  

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The Top 10 Best Hotel Chains for Families

Budget-Friendly and Family-Focused Conveniences Offered Nationwide

 Parents magazine today revealed the top 10 Best Hotel Chains For Families, perfect for family road trips, holiday travels or weekend getaways. Parents’ magazine editors and travel experts evaluated 60-plus hotel brands across the country to identify chains offering families great space and comfort, high satisfaction ratings, affordable rates, and entertaining kids’ programs. The full list is available in the November 2015 issue of the magazine and on Parents.com.

According to Parents, the year’s best hotel chains for families include:

Best Budget Chains

1. Residence Inn

With 650+ U.S. locations, the hotel offers extensive in-room amenities and a seasonal “Residence Inn Mix” program, featuring food-truck fare, restaurant pop-in tastings, and a backyard BBQ, depending on the night and location. (Fall rates for a Studio Suite start at $84 per night; residenceinn.marriott.com).

2. Hyatt Place

Perfect for keeping kids healthy on vacation, these properties offer a free breakfast buffet which has expanded in most locations to include more nutritious options, many packed with fruit, veggies, and protein. (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $134 per night; hyattplace.com).

3. SpringHill Suites

Known for its roomy living areas and creative breakfast options, the chain’s special touch lies in a showcase of more than 2,000 pieces of artwork displayed throughout its lobbies. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $79 per night;marriott.com/springhillsuites).

4. Hilton Garden Inn

The hotel’s redesigned rooms are more family-friendly than ever, providing more counter space, clothes storage, charging stations, and seating. Hate waiting in line? Use the HHonors app to check-in and choose your room from your smartphone – you may decide on a room near the indoor pool, for instance – then swing by the front desk for the key.  (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $129 per night; hiltongardeninn.com).

5. Wingate by Wyndham

With starting rates of less than $100 per night (and free breakfast!) in many areas, you can’t beat the price of a standard room here. The brand also has a unique loyalty program that allows you to redeem some of your points for discounts on your stay. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $129 per night; wingateatlanta.com).

Best Mid-Priced Chains

1.       Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton

Every room is a suite here, so forget about splurging on an upgrade for more space and privacy. Additional perks include a free nightly snack and drink reception, training for all staff on interacting with kids, and a new program offering baby care essentials at some locations. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $189 per night; embassysuites.com).

2.       Loews Hotels & Resorts

From receiving early admission to Orlando theme parks so they can beat the crowds to attending “Farm School” at an organic farm to care for local animals and vegetables in San Diego, families take advantage of the coolest partnerships to keep the kids happy. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $249 per night; loewshotels.com).

3.       Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni has a knack for taking old, historic resorts and restoring them into family meccas with plenty of adventure. Kids will have tons of fun with the free photo book and game-filled backpack they receive at check in. (Fall rates for rooms with two double beds start at $229 per night; omnihotels.com).

4.       Hyatt House

Many locations offer two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites for what you’d pay for a single room at a higher-end chain. Plus, all room types come with a full kitchen and all the tools you need to cook and eat a great meal. (Fall rates for a one-bedroom suite start at $159 per night; hyatthouse.com).

5.       Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Sheraton offers the same features as its pricier Starwood cousins, Westin and Aloft, like “sweet sleeper” beds and cribs, pools, and an all-inclusive dining program for kids 12 and under. (Fall rates for suites start at $249 per night and a room with two double beds at $189 per night; starwoodhotels.com/sheraton).

About Parents

Parents was founded in 1926 and, along with American Baby, FamilyFun, Parents Latina and Ser Padres, makes up The Meredith Parents Network portfolio of parenthood brands.   Parents is the leading voice for a community of more than 15 million moms who are engaged and inspired by the brand’s trusted content. In turn, these moms enlighten and inspire others by joining ongoing conversations about parenthood via Parents.com as well through Parents’ robust presence on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.  Parents is dedicated to engaging and inspiring moms with the information they need, wherever they go.