Concierge
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
Imagination is really the only limit. From helping them get a large group into a popular restaurant at the last minute to creating name cards for place settings, or even lending an extra hand to run the PowerPoint presentation—imagination is the limit. We keep a fully stocked emergency cabinet of necessary but often forgotten items. One gentleman has even worn my own dress shoes because sneakers (the only footwear he had with him) would have been out of place for a formal dinner.
What are your group restaurant recommendations?
The top Zagat Philadelphia Survey choice, Fountain Restaurant, is right here! A group of 12 fits perfectly into the Fountain’s private dining room, called the Logan Room. Meals here are very special, with AAA Five Diamond Award-winning food and service matched by a stunning view of Logan Square and its centerpiece Swann Memorial Fountain. Davio’s is just a short walk from the hotel and has steak, chops, fish, and pasta on the menu, making it perfect for a group with diverse tastes. For more adventurous palates, Susanna Foo Chinese Cuisine or Tangerine, a Moroccan-inspired spot, are both beautiful places for great and interesting food in dramatic settings.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
The hotel’s Swann Lounge is the only one in town that offers both live jazz and a dance floor on Friday and Saturday evenings, along with perfect cocktails and snacks. Chef Hamann’s Philly Cheesesteak Spring Rolls have a nationwide reputation. Denim Lounge is louder and faster, with up-to-the-minute music, a dress-to-impress crowd and bottle service. The area around Second and Market streets in Old City is the epicenter of Philadelphia nightlife. Within four blocks you can grab a mojito at Cuba Libre, a pint of Guinness at The Plough & the Stars or a glass of homemade sangria and flamenco dancing at Amada. The Continental, Philadelphia’s original martini bar, is right here, too.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Rittenhouse Square is just a 10-minute walk from our front door. People-watching here is superb and visitors have the opportunity to act like a local by enjoying a glass of wine at Rouge, an ice cream cone at Scoop DeVille, or just by joining the urban parade. Art lovers must check out Old City. There are more than 40 galleries here, many artist-owned. I’ve arranged shipping for a number of priceless pieces acquired after guests have met the creators themselves. If you happen to be here at the beginning of the month, all galleries celebrate First Friday with open doors and food and wine. It’s a real street party.
Are there any quirky places guests should check out?
The Mutter Museum. This is the museum of medical oddities used for teaching purposes by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. This collection of medical specimens is definitely not for the squeamish. The Rosenbach Museum & Library on Delancey Place takes you behind the doors of an historic townhouse on a gorgeous residential block. It’s filled with fine art and antiques and houses one of the nation’s great collections of rare books and manuscripts.
What is an unusual request from a group?
We found a life-size fiberglass elephant to greet attendees of the Republican National Convention. One group of women requested a belly dancing lesson to end a meeting by learning a new skill.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
HRH Prince Charles and his entourage stayed with us recently when they were in Philadelphia as part of the festivities for the historic 150th anniversary of the Academy of Music. Even with extra excitement created by a royal visit, we were especially happy to hear other guests say they still felt they were treated royally.