Philadelphia’s Hotel Inn at Penn has launched a multimillion-dollar renovation, scheduled for completion by March 2011. Baltimore design firm RD Jones & Associates has conceptualized a modern ambiance that still respects the property’s traditional design aesthetic.
The hotel’s 238 guestrooms will feature new desks, ergonomic chairs, chaise lounges, and local artwork to reflect scenes around Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania campus. Newly designed bathrooms evoke a spa-like feel with glass-enclosed showers, Euro-style shower systems, backlit electric mirrors, and neutral ceramic tile throughout. Technology also will play a big role through TeleAdapt® MediaHubs, which connect electronic devices and laptop computers directly to LCD TVs, as well as iPads to enable guests to access hotel services. The hotel’s corridors will also be updated with new custom carpeting, sconces and wall coverings.
Throughout the redesign, environmental responsibility will play a major role. Fabrics, wallcoverings, and bathroom tile contain recycled content; blackout shades and fluorescent lighting support energy efficiency; and WaterSense® showerheads save thousands of gallons of water annually. Hilton Inn at Penn is also the beneficiary of a $100,000 energy improvement grant to support the installation of the Evolve® guestroom lighting and temperature control system. The hotel is expected to reduce its energy consumption by as much as 30 percent annually with this new technology, which activates in-room lighting, heating, and air conditioning upon guest arrival.
