With establishments beginning to reopen, many are wondering how different businesses are going to be handling the pandemic situation and just what plans are in place. Not even from just a safety standpoint (which is obviously still very important) but also from a curiosity about what will be offered nowadays? Most services and venues are going to have to handle things differently, and although it does feel a bit odd, it’s also interesting to see what organizations are doing to adapt to the times.
Take Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square. The hotel recently announced that they will be opening their doors back up for visitors in just a few weeks time on Aug. 6. Not only will Sofitel be accepting reservations in their 306 newly renovated suites, Presidential Suite and 67 newly renovated luxurious suites, they will also be offering a new wedding experience and an all-new tea service as well.
“We are excited to share that Sofitel Philadelphia is reopening its doors as of August 6,” said Sofitel Philadelphia General Manager Angela Bauer in a statement. “We’ve missed you all and are thrilled to welcome our friends, family and community back into the hotel. As always, our hotel’s top priority remains the safety, care and well-being of our Sofitel Philadelphia family. Welcoming, safeguarding and taking care of others is at the very heart of what we do and who we are. Today, this means keeping our guests and employees safe by preventing the spread of COVID-19 by partnering with top experts to implement new standards of safety and enhanced operational protocols and procedures, which are among the most stringent in the hospitality industry. We have missed being part of the Philadelphia community all of these months and we can’t wait to see you.”
Not every amenity of the hotel will be opening right away, but for the most part, it will be operational on most cylinders. For example, banquet facilities will be open for limited private events in accordance with local and state guidelines, but hotel restaurants will remain closed at this time. Ultimately, the establishment’s main priority is to keep everyone—employees and guests—safe as possible. To do just that, Sofitel Philadelphia is partnering with top experts to implement new standards of safety and enhanced operational protocols and procedures. Upon opening, the hotel will also be offering a buy one, get one free offer for a complimentary night stay with the purchase of an equal night stay. Interested guests can find out more information on that special at sofitel-philadelphia.com/happenings.
According to the release, the new operational standards being implemented at Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square and Accor properties across North and Central America were developed and vetted by a team of expert advisors to ensure maximum efficacy in preventing the spread of all viruses and pathogens. At each touchpoint along the guest journey through Sofitel Philadelphia, extensive measures are being taken to protect guests and employees, including physical distancing; mandatory screening for all guests and employees, which may include a temperature check; masks provided to guests and worn by all employees; a 48-hour “settling period” for occupied rooms post-departure; increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, with a focus on high-touch points; and continued use of EPA registered disinfecting chemicals, proven effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.
Guests are also being asked to play their own part and not travel if they are feeling sick, wear a mask anywhere on the property and also to keep clean hygiene practices and maintain social distances.
“It seems like yesterday where we were celebrating the dawn of a new year and looking forward to the amazing spring days in the City of Brotherly Love,” said Bauer in the statement. “Since then, the subsequent global pandemic has brought challenges unlike anything I have experienced in my extensive career in the hospitality industry – but also, and more importantly, it has demonstrated the unfaltering spirit and unwavering sense of community that surrounds Sofitel Philadelphia. For that and for you, we are forever grateful.
“As we welcome our friends, family and the Greater Philadelphia community back to Sofitel Philadelphia, please be assured that we are looking ahead, through and past the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that our valued guests and employees will always be looked after with the highest degree of safety, care and comfort,” Bauer added. “For more than 130 years, our loyal guests and employees at Accor properties across North & Central America have entrusted us with their care and safety. Sofitel and Accor have a long-standing tradition of setting new benchmarks for service excellence and today is no different.”
For the new offerings, guests will be able to indulge a bit, even in uncertain times. Starting on Aug. 1, the hotel will be offering a Sofitel wedding experience for up to 10 guests (for a total of 13 guests including the couple getting married and the Wedding Officiant) in their newly renovated Presidential Suite. The package ($1,000 + tax) comes with champagne for everyone, light bites, a complimentary Luxury One-Bedroom Suite for the wedding couple and additional guest rooms that can be reserved for $125 per room per night with a 10-room limit. More information can be found online.
If you’re not on your way to walking down the aisle, but you want to find a unique way to enjoy yourself, Sofitel is offering another elegant experience in their Presidential Suite. Starting also on Aug. 1, guests can book the room for afternoon tea. The package ($500 + tax) comes with an assortment of tea-time treats including scones, tea sandwiches, pastries, plus a glass of champagne, a bellini or a mimosa. The experience can hold up to 10 people in a two hour time window (from 1 to 4 p.m.)
For more information on Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, their booking policies, and amenities visit sofitel-philadelphia.com
