10 New Philadelphia Venues for Fall Meetings and Events

Ritz­Carlton, Philadelphia completed a year-long, multi­million-­dollar renovation in June. The new design incorporates neutral colors and metallic accents, and decor focuses on history and the arts. Event planners can utilize 26,000 square feet of meeting and pre­-function space to accommodate as many as 600 guests. Two ballrooms measure 3,075 square feet and 6,100 square feet, respectively. Additional hotel changes include updated guest rooms, meeting spaces, and lobby, as well as an original bank vault that was converted into a function room. In the Club Lounge, a hotel within a hotel, guests can enjoy complimentary beverages and bites throughout the day, as well as private concierges and personalized amenities.

In May, SoulCycle opened its first Philadelphia­-area location in Ardmore. The space measures just under 3,400 square feet and can accommodate groups of as many as 57 riders for classes, charity rides, and "sweatworking" sessions. SoulCycle classes are held in the dark, so attendees can go at their own pace without fear of judgment from other riders. The facility also includes locker rooms complete with showers and changing areas.

The restaurant at the Hilton Penn's Landing underwent a renovation and rebrand in May, re-opening as Keating's Rope & Anchor, Bar & Kitchen. The eatery includes both indoor and outdoor seating, a waterfront bar, communal dining tables, and traditional tables. Set on the shores of the Delaware River, the decor and menu both channel the area's rich nautical heritage. The space measures 2,496 square feet and can accommodate 160 in banquet-style seating. The Admiral's Quarters, a private dining room, can hold as many as 80 guests for cocktail parties.

As part of a $2.7­ million­ renovation, Bartram's Garden re-opened the Ann Bartram Carr Garden in July. The Carr Garden is the only restored 19th­-century outdoor garden in Philadelphia. While the entire property spans 45 acres, the one­-acre event space can accommodate as many as 150 people in flexible seating arrangements.

Richard Sandoval's Aqimero opened in June on the lobby level of the newly redesigned Ritz­-Carlton, Philadelphia. The space, originally built to replicate the architecture of the Pantheon, now accommodates 360 guests in a modern, 12,500­-square­-foot restaurant with mixed seating arrangements. The Latin­-inspired menu includes seafood, steaks, ribs, poultry, and a raw bar.

In June, Ruth's Chris Steak House relocated to the Sonesta Hotel in Center City. The elegant 7,000­-square­-foot restaurant has banquet-style seating for 230 guests, including three separate private and semi­private dining areas, each of which has a unique look and feel. Steaks come sizzling to the table, along with a selection of sides, salads, cocktails, appetizers, and desserts. Audiovisual capabilities include hard­-wired and wireless options, drop­-down screens, and a plasma TV.

Monarch opened in May in the space formerly occupied by North Shore Beach Club. The 27,000­-square­-foot venue includes an outdoor pool, a patio bar, an indoor American restaurant, a lounge area with swing seats, and an outdoor garden. The space can accommodate buyouts for as many as 1,000 guests in mixed seating arrangements, as well as V.I.P. reservations for tables and cabanas. The pool area has a Mediterranean vibe. Event planners are welcome to utilize the TVs and speakers spread throughout the restaurant and lounge.

Old City favorite Bistro 7 completed a renovation in May. The 1,000­-square­-foot restaurant includes a main dining area that seats 38 and a second­-floor private dining room that can hold 35 in mixed seating arrangements. The dining room now has recessed lighting, exposed wood, patterned wallpaper, and funky chandeliers. The B.Y.O.B. bistro serves modern and approachable French dishes.

Kawaii Kitty Cafe opened in June. This Queen Village coffee shop offers an unusual twist on the traditional guest experience: People can hang out and play with several resident felines in the adjacent cat lounge. The vibrant, colorful space measures roughly 800 square feet and can fit as many as 36 people for mixers. Surround sound, a projector, and a screen are available for planners to use, and the menu of light bites includes vegan options and Japanese­-inspired food. If attendees fall in love with any of the furry friends, they're all up for adoption through Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society.

Residence Inn Philadelphia Airport, which opened in April, is an all-suite hotel that has 121 suites, all either studio or one-bedroom. The hotel is less than two miles from Philadelphia International Airport, and offers complimentary grocery delivery service, a fitness center, and guest mixers on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. A 588-square-foot meeting room can accommodate as many as 40 people in theater-style seating. The hotel does not have a restaurant, but serves a complimentary breakfast. Nearby restaurants can deliver to the hotel.