Located right across from the Academy of Music on 237 South Broad Street, the Doubletree Hotel has recently opened The Balcony. The restaurant, located on the mezzanine level of the hotel, has just undergone two months of gutting and renovations. Previously known as Academy Cafe, manager Stan Klos notes that though, “the square footage hasn’t changed,” everything else has been through quite a makeover.

Located underneath Kimmel Center-style geometric windows, the restaurant hangs over the hotel lobby like a giant, you guessed it, balcony. Along with a wonderful view of the Avenue of the Arts, guests have an up close view of a new enormous fiber-optic light sculpture that dangles into the lobby while delicately changing colors.

The 150-seat restaurant used to be a testament to the Academy of Music, with two giant walls covered with old Academy costumes; those walls boast two murals of parading Mummers. Two-foot mini walls were torn down and side stations were moved to open the space. The old hostess stand at entrance of the restaurant is now a full bar, there is staggered seating so everyone has a view and new staff is in place for the newly named restaurant. To help visiting guests feel close to home, the Balcony serves a menu full of comfort food, “with a twist.”

The Balcony was just part of the hotel’s recent renovations. Over the last two years, the Doubletree Philadelphia spent about $13M and has redone guest rooms and renovated some parts of the Standing O, the lobby bar and bistro. The bistro now has a six-foot extension, a brick wall to keep space fluid. Catch a glimpse of the view and indulge in a hearty meal at the Balcony, now serving dinner after 5pm. —Suzy Grimberg