Sometimes a makeover can also mean a new identity. And that's exactly what The Rittenhouse, Philadelphia’s premier luxury hotel, is hoping for with their $10 million revitalization project due to complete in 2014. Hoping for a more modern presence, the hotel is working to change things up while retaining the allure of its historic roots.
As it updates its classic luxury, part of the changes include a new website, blog and a refreshed marquee. With cleaner lines and a fresher execution, the marquee shows up throughout the property like specially commissioned ironwork screens showcased in the redesign of the lobby.
Knowing that words play an important part to their story, the team focused heavily on new brand language for their website, social pages and menus. An updated website is now available for users to easily browse through and offers state-of-the-art digital capabilities along with unique features like a series of short documentary films about The Rittenhouse.
Created by filmmaker Debra Scherer of The Little Squares, the three-part documentary centers on the hotel’s sense of place, taste and style. A Sense of Place discusses Philly from the hotel’s point of view and their sense of hospitality and luxury within the city. The second video, A Sense of Taste, focuses on property’s innovative dining creations and top-notch beverage offerings while highlighting classic and new culinary interpretations from Executive Chef Jon Cichon. In A Sense of Style debuting in 2014, viewers will get to see the final transformation of the hotel.
Being distributed to hotel guests, residents and the community, a printed Rittenhouse newspaper will become a new part of the experience. Written by Patrick Baglee, the paper — which launched this past summer — has a distinct local feel and discusses hotel news, information on the latest city happenings and an essay.
Since 1989, The Rittenhouse has been hosting guests from around the world, welcoming them into its prestigious AAA Five-Diamond property. Its familiar look and feel may be difficult for longtime patrons to part with, but as forward-thinking is necessary for any business, we are hopeful for what’s to come next for the iconic property.
