Philadelphia Hotels Just Keep Getting Better
Area Properties Undergo Extensive Renovations, Name Changes, and Go Smoke-Free; New Hotels Also Planned
Philadelphia, PA. . .August 31, 2006. . . In order to better accommodate the growing number of visitors to the region, Philadelphia hotels are embarking on various renovation projects and upgrades to guest rooms and meeting facilities. Area hotels are preparing to welcome convention attendees and tourists to Philadelphia beginning this fall with open arms, a new look, and even a new name in some cases. In addition,
new hotels are scheduled to open within the next three years, adding more than 475 hotel rooms in the city. Here?s the scoop on what?s happening:
Renovations & Upgrades
The Best Western Center City Hotel is undergoing renovations, including installing new furniture. Expected completion date is October 2006.
Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown by Marriott recently completed a $2 million upgrade of its public spaces, the Junipers and The Annex Grille and Lounge restaurants, and the Fitness Center. Renovations to the hotel?s 9,000 square feet of meeting space will be completed by late August 2006. Beginning November 2006, the hotel will undergo a $5 million renovation project to upgrade each of its 498 guest rooms.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia completed a major renovation project in February 2006, transforming all of its 364 guest rooms. Technology has also been upgraded, making high-speed Internet access and wireless connections a hotel standard.
The Holiday Inn Philadelphia Stadium will house a new restaurant, Benny the Bum?s Crab House and Bar, that is set to open in September 2006. The 6,000 square-foot contemporary venue will be the second location of the Philadelphia restaurant, and will feature an extensive menu of fresh seafood and other specialties, an illuminated bar equipped with more than 60 seats, 14 HD televisions, and live entertainment.
The Hyatt Regency Philadelphia recently upgraded its guest room bathrooms to include improved fixtures and new amenities. Guests are also now able to conveniently check-in at the new Hyatt Express Check-In Kiosks in the hotel lobby and print out boarding passes for free through the computer-based Fast Board program.
Located in the historic PSFS building (erected in 1932), the Loews Philadelphia Hotel will begin a $4.8 million upgrade in November 2006, including renovations to guest rooms and public areas. Expected completion date is March 2007.
In March 2006, the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue completed a $5 million renovation of its 19th floor including the lobby, meeting space and a new caf, restaurant and bar called Nineteen. Guests can enjoy all-day dining in an exceptional atmosphere which features panoramic views of the city?s skyline, a vibrant bar area with a wood-burning fireplace, and a landscaped outdoor terrace.
The Philadelphia Airport Marriott has upgraded its guest rooms to include the new Revive Collection Marriott Bedding Package.
As part of an $18 million renovation and conversion project to be completed by Spring 2007, the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel is converting 247 of its original 545 rooms to luxury condominiums. The remaining 298 guest rooms will be upgraded to include Sleep Number beds by Select Comfort, flat-screen LCD televisions, and residential-style furniture. Improved fixtures and granite-topped counters will also be added in the guest room bathrooms.
The Westin Philadelphia will begin a $10 million renovation of the property in November 2006, for completion by Spring 2007.
Name Changes
Hilton Cherry Hill is now the Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill as of June 2006.
Radisson Mt. Laurel is now the Marriott Mt. Laurel as of May 2006.
Wyndham Franklin Plaza is now the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center as of May 2006.
Smoke-Free
As of May 2006, Crowne Plaza Valley Forge became King of Prussia?s first completely smoke-free hotel in response to guest feedback.
The Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia City Center is now also a non-smoking hotel as of July 2006.
New Hotels
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is planning to build an aloft hotel near the Philadelphia International Airport. The 135-room hotel, an offshoot of W Hotels offering a loft-like atmosphere, is expected to open in late 2007.
Starwood is currently building a new Four Points by Sheraton, an eight-story, 90-room hotel at 1201 Race Street, just across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The hotel is scheduled to open in Spring 2008.
W Hotels, an upscale brand of Starwood, announced in July 2006 plans to build a 250-room hotel with 95 adjacent condominium units in Center City. The hotel, to be located on the southwest corner of 12th and Arch streets, directly across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will include 11,000 square feet of meeting space and a 6,500-square-foot spa. The hotel is set to open in 2009.
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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.
