Here’s the Secret to Booking Wedding Hotel Blocks in Philly
You've got everything else planned. Here's how to make sure your guests' stay goes smoothly, too!
Photo courtesy Kimpton Hotel Philadelphia
A crucial part of making the wedding experience enjoyable for your guests is ensuring they have a comfortable — and affordable — place to stay. That’s where hotel blocks come in — they take the guesswork out of accommodations for people traveling from out of town, and ensure that your guests will get a great deal on a room that’s close to your wedding venue. To get all the info you need to book the best wedding hotel block possible, we talked to Kate Kwiecinski, a coordinator with Philly wedding company Cescaphe’s new concierge service, Cescaphe White. (Oh, and if you need a spot for a BYOB rehearsal dinner, we’ve got you covered there, too.) Read on for her expert advice.
The first thing to do is to start by shopping around — and know that season and demand will impact pricing. “We recommend getting three different rates to compare,” says Kwiecinski. “That will give you the best idea of what the going rate is for rooms on your wedding weekend.” In Philly, rates are generally highest in the spring and fall, and rooms can be harder to come by around the Philadelphia Marathon in November, graduation weekends in May and June and the Fourth of July.
Kwiecinski recommends a second hotel only if the going rate at your primary hotel is over $200 a night. “A $20 to $30 price difference won’t make or break your guests’ wallets, and it’s a better experience when all of your guests are staying at one hotel and not split between two,” she says. Keep location top of mind, though — the second option shouldn’t be situated across town. “That way, guests who need more budget-friendly accommodations don’t feel like they’re missing out on the action by being too far away from home base,” adds Horst. Proximity to the wedding venue is important but shouldn’t be the final factor. “It’s better to choose a hotel that features the best overall guest experience,” says Kwiecinski. “Generally, anything within 15 minutes is close enough.”
What to avoid no matter what? Accommodations that require the couple to cover any unbooked rooms. Kwiecinski recommends choosing hotels with a “courtesy block” policy — this means you’re not financially on the hook for rooms you don’t fill.
Hotels Just Right For …
Pet Lovers
At Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Old City, pets of any size are welcome for no additional fee. (They’ll also provide gratis beds and food bowls.)
New Parents
The Rittenhouse Hotel provides cribs, baby bathtubs, mini bathrobes, a copy of the book Good Night Philadelphia, and a gift from its “treasure chest” for kids 10 and younger.
Your Fanciest Relatives
Opening in early 2019, the new Four Seasons Philadelphia will be home to a 57th-floor spa, a penthouse restaurant from a Michelin-star chef, and an infinity pool.
Small Groups
The historic Chestnut Hill Hotel is comfortable, well-appointed, and more than 100 years old. It has a charming courtyard and is in walking distance of shops and neighborhood restaurants.
A version of this article appears in the Summer/Fall 2018 issue of Philadelphia Wedding. Get your complimentary copy here.
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