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| · September 4, 2003 · |
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· Philadelphia Hotels Go To Extremes To Please Guests Specialized Services Cater To Guests' Every WhimPHILADELPHIA (September 4, 2003) With the popularity of extreme sports and extreme makeovers on reality TV, you can add a new extreme to the list: the extremes Philadelphia hotels will go to to please their guests even if they're of the four-legged variety. These all-out services range from butler-drawn baths and private chocolate-making sessions to in-room boxing lessons and personal grocery shopping. Visit www.gophila.com for more information about hotels and to book a great deal. Crazy For Kids (and Canines)? Under its Loews Loves Pets Policy, every day is a dog (and cat) day at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. VIPs (Very Important Pets) are welcomed at check-in with special treats and a listing of veterinarians, pet shops and other resources. In the guest rooms, visitors will find a pet place mat with food and water bowls, toys, treats and "Do Not Disturb" signs to let housekeeping know a pet is in residence. The hotel also sponsors themed Yappy Hours with proceeds benefiting a local animal rescue charity; stocks Puppy Power Bars and other specialty dishes as part of the pet room service menu; and includes beds, leashes, collars and pet videos in its "Did You Forget Closet." 1200 Market Street, (215) 627- 1200, www.loewshotels.com The Hyatt Regency on Penn's Landing takes extra care of families with young children. The hotel offers 10 child-proofed suites with corner protectors, toilet locks, tethered lamps and wires, baby gates, protected electrical outlets, skid-proof bathtubs and cordless curtains. There is also a family-friendly video library; children's menus on the back of Etch-A-Sketches; and welcome bags stuffed with goodies. 201 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 928-1234, www.hyatt.com The Park Hyatt at the Bellevue takes the service-oriented concept to the extreme with a host of unusual but popular services for guests of all ages. Adults can take advantage of in-room boxing lessons, Pilates classes and fashion shows while kids can make the most of their trip with the help of the "kidsierge." One of the kidsierge's favorite recommendations is a behind-the-scenes haunted tour of the hotel with its mascot George Boldt, The Bellevue Bulldog. After the tour, kids are treated to an in-room movie party, complete with scary movies and fun Philly foods, including cheeseteaks, soft pretzels, Italian water ice and more. Broad & Walnut Streets, (215) 893-1234, www.hyatt.com Kids are extra special at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Upon arrival, pint-sized guests receive an age-appropriate toy and a complimentary kids' amenity of cookies and milk for those under 12. The hotel also supplies children's sized bathrobes and videos and games, available at the concierge. One Logan Square, (215) 963-1500, www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia/ Your Wish Is Their Command The staff of the intimate, 24-room Inn on Locust wants its guests to feel at home even if that means having their favorite snacks stocked in their kitchenette or sending their tennis rackets out to be re-strung. In addition, each guest room is stocked with a shelf of books and guests are welcome to take one home. 1234 Locust Street, (215) 985- 1905, www.innonlocust.com At the Hilton Inn at Penn, the concierge staff gets an "A" for results. These concierges can get tickets to "sold-out" concerts, games and events. They can arrange for babysitters on short notice, set up meals to be sent to a loved one in the hospital, act as a personal shopper and put together a day or night tour on a day's notice. 3600 Sansom Street, (215) 222-0200, www.hilton.com There's no place like home, but a close second is The Residence Inn Center City, where staff has been known to go grocery shopping for guests craving a home-away-from-home cooked meal. 1 East Penn Square, (215) 557-0005, www.marriott.com Pure Decadence, Pure Pampering The Rittenhouse, overlooking Rittenhouse Square, is a foodie's delight. At the hotel's signature restaurant, Lacroix, guests can dine at the chef's table. Then, they can don an apron for a chocolate-making lesson, where they'll learn how to "stuff" chocolates and guide the little morsels through an "enrober" machine. 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, (215) 546-9000, www.rittenhousehotel.com At the Ritz-Carlton on the Avenue of the Arts, plush comfort takes center stage with a Slumber Menu, featuring a choice of seven pillows and a Bath Menu of butler-drawn baths, including the Bubbly Bath, complete with artfully scattered rose petals, candles surrounding the tub, champagne and chocolate truffles. 10 Avenue of the Arts, (215) 523-8000, www.ritzcarlton.com Sushi isn't just for fish anymore. At the Hotel Sofitel, pampered guests can enjoy in room fruit sushi created by pastry chef Amy Clemento. The tempting creation features chilled sweet rice with coconut milk, fresh fruit, candied ginger, pistachio and white chocolate ganache served with apricot dipping sauce all rolled with crisp sushi seaweed. After this unique sushi experience, guests can enjoy in-room spa service from award-winning Pierre and Carlo European Spa Salon. 122 S. 17th Street, (215) 569-8300, www.sofitel.com The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating awareness of and visitation to Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676. Media Contact: Cara Schneider (215) 599-0789 cara@gptmc.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |