Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square is celebrating Pride all month long, and they’re marking the celebration once again by hanging their annual giant rainbow flag outside the entrance on 17th Street.
“Sofitel Philadelphia is very passionate about supporting our very own local community. We are prouder than ever to celebrate June as Philly Pride Month and fly a giant Philadelphia Pride rainbow flag outside the hotel at 17th and Sansom to show our commitment to inclusivity and diversity,” said Sofitel Philadelphia General Manager Pierre Jotterand in a statement. “We invite you to stop by and join us during Pride Month -we are honored to welcome and celebrate with the entire community.”
The flag-raising ceremony will take place this Thursday, May 30, at 2:15 p.m. (check-in at 1:45 p.m.) and while there, locals can hear about plans for the month from Sofitel, Philly Gay Pride Month, Galaei and other organizations, plus check out a preview of the hotel’s popular Pride Drag Tea.
The Tea is currently set for Saturday, June 8, and Saturday, June 22, from 2 to 4 p.m., and this event provides a colorful and energetic twist on the Sofitel’s typical afternoon tea-time service with the addition of performers from Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia, with Brittany hosting specifically on June 8. The 22nd’s event will be hosted by Connor Michalchuk – aka the area’s top “Bearlesque” artist, winning multiple burlesque titles from across the tri-state area.
Tickets are $65 per person for standard drag tea service, or $75 with bottomless champagne, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Food and other beverages will also be served in the form of scones, tea sandwiches, pastries and Palais Des Thes (a selection of nine different teas for you to choose from), plus, $5 from each purchase will be donated to the Mazzoni Center.
Another event coming in June from the Sofitel is Pride Our Night Out presented by the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund. Taking place Thursday, June 20, the evening will be in full swing in the newly renovated Liberte restaurant inside the hotel from 6 to 9 p.m. with DJ Carl Michaels in attendance and this month’s beneficiary being Philadelphia Asian & Queer (PAQ.) Registration ($5-$10) is required and can be paid through Venmo or online.
The hotel will also feature a new event, the Pride Month Closing Party: Sofitel en Rose. Taking place at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street on Thursday, June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., the pink-themed party will feature cocktails and food from the Liberte Lounge, DJ Shelly spinning beats, and Brittany Lynn and her drag mafia will also be in attendance to mix and mingle. Admission is $25 and features a special Pride cocktail.
And as a release notes, during the entire month of June, and through the rest of 2024, Sofitel Philadelphia will donate $1 per each banquet menu item designated with the Mazzoni’s logo on the menu. Designated items range from breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets to beverages and snack breaks for groups of 10 or more, plus the Sofitel will also donate $1 from every Liberté cocktail sold in the Liberté Lounge to Mazzoni during Pride Month. The libation features pear infused vodka, lemon, St. Germain and sparkling wine.
“As part of our commitment to philanthropy, we started this program in 2017 and have donated tens of thousands of dollars to Mazzoni Center, William Way LGBT Community Center, Broad Street Ministry and Attic Youth Center,” Jotterand explained. “We are proud to expand our commitment to the community, which is why we are extended and expanding this program and celebrating our latest charity partner.”
He added, “We are proud to continue working with such valuable community organizations such Mazzoni Center and Broadstreet Ministries. These efforts are so important to our city and that is why we at Sofitel are so proud to be known as the hotel champion of the community.”
To learn more about Pride Month with the Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel (120 S 17th St.), visit sofitel.accor.com
