If you’ve ever wanted to live at the historic Touraine in Rittenhouse Square, join the club.
“There’s like a 10-year waiting list,” says Liz Solms, building owner and creative director.
She’s not exaggerating. The historic hotel-turned-apartment building has been booked up for years, especially after Solms embarked on a $10 million renovation of the Touraine in 2010.
But now, the Touraine is opening up at least one of its doors for overnight guests with the launch of No. 108, a sleepover suite on the first floor of the 13-story building.
Solms and her friend Natalie Suresch are the creative masterminds behind No. 108, a colorful, bold, and downright comfy one-bedroom suite. It’s available for at least two-night stays for both guests of residents or out-of-town visitors looking for a place to stay in Philly. (Insider’s tip: Residents’ guests get priority booking at a discounted rate.)
Solms says construction on the hotel suite took about seven to eight months, but it’s been a goal of hers for much longer. “It was something that actually came to me really quickly,” she says. “I don’t really feel like there’s a place to stay in Philly that is family-friendly, but also really comfortable and unique and utilizes more of an interesting design palette.”
She points to Old City’s Lokal Hotel and Fishtown’s Wm. Mulherin & Sons upstairs boutique hotels as inspiring and similar short-stay experiences that have recently opened in Philly. But one thing that sets No. 108 apart is that it’s really meant for families. Says Solms, “That’s very much in line with our goal of making this place not so much for business travelers or for a sexy staycation, but for families.”
Behind the mustard-colored door of No. 108 hides the colorful getaway that Solms and Suresch have created. “This building is very much rooted in its classical style,” says Solms. “But I really wanted to do my own personal style in here. This is what my own house looks like: A lot of plants and pattern and texture and color.”
Nearly every piece of furniture, pottery, artwork, or rug is either made locally or sourced from small businesses, down to the kitchen stocked with Rival Bros. Coffee (which is also the Touraine’s next door neighbor). Meanwhile, the bookshelves and closets are stacked with toys, books, games, even a Pack ‘n Play.
“I haven’t left any stone unturned,” says Solms, who adds that she wants any family that stays here to feel “completely hooked up.” Along with a full kitchen, that includes access to the Touraine’s gym, yoga room, and 24/7 concierge service.
And, says Solms, “You can also ask folks here, “What’s your favorite bar?’”
Solms says her maximalist style may not jibe with others—she has that covered, too. In early November, No. 105 across the hall will open as another sleepover suite, offering a minimalist design aesthetic in a studio setting.
You can see how No. 108 all came together in the timelapse video below.
Average nightly rates at No. 108 are $299 plus taxes for non-resident guests and $235 for residents.
- No. 108 at the Touraine [Official]
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