Stay the Night and Shop the Room at Yowie — Philadelphia's Design Boutique Turned Hotel Where Almost Everything's for Sale
Decked out with minimalist, eclectic, colourful goods shaped by emerging designers and established artists, this imaginative stay is immersed in Philly's creative heartland.
Design-lovers and knick-knack hunters might already be well acquainted with Yowie — a funky Philadelphia-based shop and design studio renowned for its collection of independent labels, artists and emerging designers. Founded by former fashion designer Shannon Maldonado in 2016, just some of the names stocked on its shelves include Dusen Dusen, HAY and Fredericks & Mae, spanning homewares, jewellery, furniture and more.
Building upon its success, the time for Yowie to evolve came in 2023, with the arrival of its namesake hotel. Rising above the design boutique and its interconnected concept cafe, Forin, the hotel's decor reflects the brand's appreciation for refined but cosy goods that lean into the bright and bubbly. And just as you'd hope from this design-forward accommodation, almost everything you can see and touch in the hotel is up for purchase.
Set behind Yowie's 19th-century red-brick facade, 15 individually styled suites showcase Maldonado's curatorial touch. Imagine stepping into your friend's apartment — who just happens to have impeccable taste — where guests encounter super-comfy Wright king-sized beds, luxe Malin + Goetz toiletries and walls adorned with original art produced by local creatives and pals of the design boutique.
In larger suites, expect chic additions like sculptural Normann Copenhagen sofas, kitted-out kitchenettes and stunning bay windows that invite abundant natural light. Filled with architectural shapes, unexpected pops of colour and rich textures, each suite is intended to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Yet they don't sacrifice comfort, with every space helping guests make the most of their trip to Philly.
Yowie's location won't hurt either, situated in the heart of Queens Village, perhaps Philadelphia's coolest neighbourhood. Home to some of the oldest homes in the city, stepping out from your accommodation means roaming architecturally rich streets lined with mature trees, flanked by upbeat restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques and art galleries. What's more, you're easily within reach of the Delaware River, Bella Vista's historic Italian Market and City Centre.
For those keen to stay in, Yowie has got you covered. Set on the ground level is Forin, a chic day cafe serving Indonesian-inspired breakfast and lunch cuisine, spanning seasonal salads, sandwiches and sweets. It's also one of the best coffee spots in Philly, with top-notch local roasters supplying the beans. Immersed in trendsetting decor, the cafe also regularly hosts pop-up vinyl sets and community events, helping you experience the city at its most vibrant.
Yowie is located at 226 South Street, Queen Village, Philadelphia. Head to the website for more information.
Images: Bre Furlong.