Philadelphia’s hotel scene is bursting at the seams like never before. After reaching a record 1 million room nights in 2016, development is at an all-time high, and by next year the city will also have more hotel rooms than ever. One of the first SLS LUX brand hotels to open in the United States, a new W Hotel just off the Avenue of the Arts and a new Four Seasons Hotel will be just a few of the exciting new offerings.

With such fierce competition, existing hotels are stepping up their game with cosmopolitan menus and inventive create-your-own dining experiences, while attracting corporate event clients from around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation with all new guest rooms and suites, meeting and event spaces, and Aquimero, a new lobby restaurant. A fun new food option is South Philadelphia Lunch Buffet, which encourages guests to play with their food. The “build your own” Philly Cheesesteak with beef, chicken and Cheez Whiz is a new twist on a proud Philadelphia tradition. Don’t be afraid to go heavy on the Cheez Whiz.

Loews Philadelphia resides in the city’s first skyscraper. A new street-level bar and restaurant, Bank & Bourbon, offers the perfect atmosphere for a group hang, with a cocktail menu and extensive bourbon selection that will keep the party going and bourbon lovers thrilled.

The 202-room Le Meridien Philadelphia recently underwent a $1 million renovation including the lobby, and bar and restaurant Amuse, a classic French bistro that excels at all the tasty dishes attendees will crave: French onion soup, frisee aux lardons and escargots.

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown has added a multitude of food choices intended for group consumption. Make a splash by having cold brewed coffee served in the grand foyer dripping through sleek, giant test tubes. Street food continues to impress; the Marriott will source and provide food trucks for receptions and events of all sizes—from tacos to tasty dogs to barbecue, even breakfast. Finally, planners can arrange for a towering live herb garden wall to be rolled into the ballroom. Guests are then encouraged to clip and create their own garnishes and salad dressings, a la carte, fresh off the wall.

Read more about new developments and exciting attractions in Philadelphia and other Pennsylvania cities in the September issue of Smart Meetings.

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