Philadelphia Hotels Get Spruced Up For PCMA
Area Properties Undergo Extensive Renovations
PHILADELPHIA, PA...January 7, 2006... In order to better accommodate the growing number of visitors to the region and welcome PCMA attendees from faraway, Philadelphia hotels are embarking on various renovation projects and upgrades to guest rooms and meeting facilities. Many area hotels are preparing to welcome visitors and guests to Philadelphia with open arms and a new look, courtesy of scheduled renovations; here?s the scoop on what?s happening at local hotels:The Crowne Plaza lobby has a new look thanks to various renovations. The meeting and banquet rooms have new carpet and all guest rooms have been upgraded to the Crowne Plaza?s Sleep Advantage Program, developed with the help of sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus. The program is a holistic approach to sleep that includes comfortable new beds, guaranteed wake-up calls, quiet zone floors and other sleep amenities.
The Embassy Suites Center City has recently installed a marble floor and new dcor in its lobby. Meeting rooms and guest suites were also renovated in the last year.
The Four Seasons Hotel is in the midst of a major renovation project that upon completion in late February will transform all of its 364 guest rooms. In addition, technology will be upgraded, making high-speed Internet access and wireless connections a hotel standard.
As of June 2005, the Hilton Garden Inn added wireless Internet to its growing list of amenities. The hotel has also upgraded its fitness center, business center and boardroom, as well as installed new carpeting and wall coverings in all public spaces.
At the Hotel Windsor, the upper and lower lobbies, restaurants, guest room carpets and the health club guest elevators underwent renovations.
The Inn at the Union League of Philadelphia has recently completed interior renovations, which include a newly expanded business center and restaurant. The Inn is also receiving exterior upgrades, including a new roof; and plans to redecorate all of its guest rooms by the end of this month.
Located in the historic PSFS building (erected in 1932), the Loews Philadelphia Hotel is currently undergoing a $4.8 million upgrade, which includes renovations to guest rooms and public areas. Expected completion date is March 2006.
The 19th floor of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue is currently in the midst of a massive $5 million re-conceptualization project which upon completion in late February will add two new restaurants, a nightclub/lounge, wine room and meeting space.
Guests can now rest easier at the Philadelphia Marriott courtesy of a luxurious new bedding package. Beginning December 2005, the hotel began the process of upgrading all beds to include custom duvets, crisp linens, fluffy feather pillows and mattresses that adjust to each individual.
In early 2006, the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel will launch an ambitious $15 million renovation and conversion project. Of the 545 rooms, 290 will be upgraded to include new lavish appointments and linens, while the remaining rooms will be converted into luxury condominiums. The hotel?s lobby, ballrooms and mezzanine level will be upgraded. Also scheduled are a new state-of-the-art fitness center and club lounge. The hotel will be operated as a 4-diamond property.
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia responded to the needs of its corporate guests by adding extra meeting space to the hotel and enhancing its restaurant, The Grill. The renovation project included seven deluxe conference suites, offering between 581 and 615 square feet of meeting space and the ability to accommodate from 14 to 16 guests. Each suite is appointed with wet bar, two full baths, wide-screen televisions, multiple telephone lines and high-speed Internet access. Additionally, an 880-square-foot conference center is located on the fifth floor and includes state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, built-in wide-screen televisions and multiple telephone and data lines with high-speed Internet access.
The Sheraton Bucks County Hotel recently completed a six-million-dollar facelift. Renovations include: public areas throughout the hotel, fitness center, guest bathrooms, and guest rooms were upgraded to Sweet Sleeper packages, which include high-quality bedding and hypoallergenic feather down pillows. In addition, the University Grill, a new restaurant concept, features a swank club-like atmosphere and serves three meals per day.
At the Sheraton Society Hill, the health club, public restrooms, guest room corridors and restaurant were renovated. The hotel?s lobby also received new carpet.
The Westin is currently undergoing a complete renovation, including all furniture, carpeting and wallpaper, scheduled for completion by the end of Summer 2006. As of January 1, 2006, the Westin is now 100% smoke-free. Guests are guaranteed to have a smoke-free hotel experience, where all guest rooms and public spaces, including restaurants and bars, are completely smoke-free.
And, the Wyndham Philadelphia at Franklin Plaza recently completed an $11 million renovation, which included dramatic upgrades to its guest rooms and facilities.
About the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Who we are: The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB), www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The PCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has departments dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.
Our mission: To generate economic impact and job growth by increasing the region's hotel occupancy and revenues, while concurrently affecting other diverse segments of the hospitality industry. To do whatever it takes to attract ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention and tourism customers through creative sales, marketing and communications efforts. To deliver exceptional service and experiences for all, ensuring repeat business across market segments. To increase the quality of life for all our citizens, stakeholders, and visitors by supporting the region's vibrant arts and entertainment, historic, cultural, retail, restaurant, and sports venues.
