Following a $20 million renovation and reflagging, the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel Philadelphia hotel took over the former Radisson Plaza—Warwick Hotel Philadelphia in October. The space maintains its historic charm and heritage while offering an updated, contemporary style. Plans to upgrade the meeting rooms are currently being scheduled for early 2014. When complete, the hotel will offer more than 17,000 square feet of meeting and event space. With a grand ballroom and 10 event rooms, the property will accommodate gatherings for as many as 400 guests.
Located in upscale Rittenhouse Square, Ashton Cigar Bar opened in September. The elegant space includes an 18-seat marble-topped bar as well as leather chairs and couches. Guests can sample 200 varieties of cigars as well as a wide selection of alcohol, including 200 whiskies, 300 spirits, six draught beers, 20 bottled beers, 20 specialty cocktails, and 50 wines. The 2,850-square-foot space includes seating for 81; the venue accommodates as many as 115 guests total. The space also includes two flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD hookups.
Helmed by Iron Chef Jose Garces, Garces Trading Company originally opened in February 2010. In September, the restaurant replaced its retail section with a full-service bar. In addition to its Italian menu, the European café-style venue features a popular olive oil sampling bar as well as a hand-pulled mozzarella bar and a made-to-order paella station. A large, open floor plan creates a cohesive environment for 100 seated guests or 130 for a reception.
A well-known South Philadelphia landmark, Boot & Saddle reopened in September after a renovation. The rustic venue includes some of the original decor, including a tin ceiling and hardwood floors, plus new elements like cowboy-theme wall murals. The 2,000-square-foot space features a back room with a performance stage that accommodates 150 guests, and the bar/restaurant area seats 60 guests or holds 100 for receptions. Boot & Saddle can host events with live music and offers an array of audiovisual capabilities. The menu offers a selection of elevated comfort food.
Fly School Circus Arts moved to a new home in Olde Kensington in late September, where it will be open seasonally from April through November. The trapeze is ideal for teambuilding and outings for groups of as many as 10 people. The entire 2,000-square-foot outdoor space can be used for corporate events and large parties, and trapeze artists and other circus-related performers can be on hand to showcase their skills.
Chef Mike Stollenwerk opened Headhouse Crab & Oyster Company in October. The cuisine puts a modern spin on traditional seafood dishes, complete with a dedicated raw bar that serves fresh oysters and a bar menu with local microbrews and spirits. The 4,000-square-foot space can host small, private meetings as well as large events. Planners can take advantage of the restaurant's projector screen, P.A. system, and 10 flat screen TVs as needed.
Originally a horse stable, Performance Garage transformed the 6,000-square-foot building into a versatile performance studio in 2002. In October, the venue opened its doors for private events. The space features high ceilings, large windows, and solid mahogany carriage-style doors that open to the street. Part of Avenue of the Arts North, Performance Garage consists of a 120-seat theater, a studio, and a lobby; it accommodates 200 guests. Groups have access to theatrical lighting, a surround-sound system, and projector capabilities, and an in-house technical director is available to assist with production needs.
A nationwide chain, Howl at the Moon opened a Philadelphia outpost in October. The dueling piano bar features two fully stocked bars and seats 125 guests or holds 350 people for receptions. The eclectic menu puts a twist on bar food and includes draft and bottled beers, signature drinks, and local craft brews. The vibe in the high-energy establishment focuses on interactive entertainment, making it ideal for teambuilding outings and events of all sizes including reserved tables, semiprivate events, or full buyouts. Audiovisual capabilities, including lighting and sound systems, are available. The venue can create specialty cocktails for a groups, and the staff can even write a customized song specific to any event.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia Convention Center opened in August and includes 248 studio and one-bedroom suites, and it the brand's largest property to date. The hip and humble hotel offers complimentary amenities like continental breakfast, high-speed Wi-Fi, and printing. While the hotel does not offer dedicated meeting space, it is located directly across the street from the main entrance to the Philadelphia Convention Center, making the all-suites property ideal for breakouts and small gatherings.
Located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of East Passyunk, Headhunters Hair Design completed a full renovation in August. The 1,000-square-foot salon offers a modern yet tranquil atmosphere for hosting receptions, after-work mixers, small workshops, girls' nights out, and parties for 50 people. The stylists specialize in beauty treatments including hair, makeup, Novalash, massages, and spray tanning. Planners can bring in outside food and catering from the more than 30 restaurants in the surrounding area.
