The Women Leading Philadelphia’s Premier Hotels

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau spoke with several women general managers to learn more about their hotels’ unique offerings for visitors and events, and what they love about the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.

Olivia Green, General Manager, Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City – Convention Center

Why should visitors come to Philadelphia?

For its “brotherly love” culture, food, and love for sports. Philadelphians have grit and we love showing off our beautiful city and the history behind it.

What is special or unique about your hotel for visitors and events?

I was born and raised in this beautiful city, but was attracted to the Hampton Inn location for its style, location and “brotherly love” culture that the team exhibited during one of my first visits to the Hampton Inn.

The Hampton Inn Convention Center is conveniently located next to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, LOVE Park, and Chinatown. It has 250 rooms, over 4,000 square feet of meeting space, and a full hot complimentary breakfast. We are unique compared to other Hampton locations, offering a variety of full-service amenities including dinner and beverage options at Pub 1301. We pride ourselves on staff members who are knowledgeable about Philadelphia and provide exceptional service to all our guests.

What does a “perfect day” in Philadelphia look like to you?

I enjoy a sunny day walking to Reading Terminal Market for lunch to get a cheesesteak at By George, and my favorite cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream from Bassetts. I also enjoy shopping and catching a movie at the Fashion District.

Do you have any insider Philly tips to share?

Yes, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Italian Market in South Philadelphia. It has multiple shops, including Di Bruno Bros., which specializes in gourmet meats and cheeses.

JoAnn Wrenn, General Manager, The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel

Why should visitors come to Philadelphia?

I have had the privilege of working in some of the country’s most exciting cities, but Philadelphia will always be my favorite. I am a proud Philadelphia native, growing up in Collingdale, Delaware County. I relocated several times for work, most recently to Denver, Colorado. However, when a position became available in Philadelphia, I jumped at the chance to bring my family home.

Visitors can explore the city through a different lens as they explore the diverse neighborhoods and meet the local residents. Our access to some of the world’s most renowned works of art, not to mention our explosive restaurant scene has helped entice visitors to make the trip to the City of Brotherly Love.

What is special or unique about your hotel for visitors and events?

At The Logan, we believe that our artwork sets us apart and pays a large contribution to who we are as a property. We house over 1,800 one-of-a-kind works of locally made art — but that alone isn’t the “cool” factor. The wide variety of pieces, including our evolving Artist-in-Residence program where we highlight local artists as well as art-focused nonprofit organizations, prompt guests and locals passing through to ask questions — which ultimately creates a dialogue that allows us to share a piece of Philadelphia’s story.

We also curate thoughtful programming, collaborating with local brands and businesses whenever we can. We want guests and local residents alike to feel that The Logan is their hotel. Our all-women-owned small business market in celebration of International Women’s Day, and yoga with puppies fundraiser events for local animal shelters are two of my personal favorites.

Finally, we never want guests to feel that our hotel is just another hotel stay. We pride ourselves on creative offerings for guests to have a one-of-a-kind experience—things you may not see at your typical hotel. For example, our Urban Campout package invites families to enjoy the excitement of camping, including a teepee, sleeping bag, star machine and s’mores brought to their room, without needing to sleep on the ground. We also have our Logan Holiday Lodge offering, where we transform our 1,400-square-foot suite into a winter wonderland like your favorite Christmas Hallmark movie for families and couples to enjoy during the holiday season.

What does a “perfect day” in Philadelphia look like to you?

A perfect day in Philadelphia can be so many things! For me, a perfect day starts with waking up in the city and heading to the nearest La Colombe coffee shop for my morning jolt. If I’m at The Logan, I would stop by The Barnes to check out their latest exhibit or pop into the Philadelphia Museum of Art to have a calm, cultural start to the day. Next would be shopping around Rittenhouse Square with maybe even an afternoon toast of champagne at Parc overlooking the square. For dinner, my daughters would take me to a new and exciting restaurant, probably in Fishtown or Northern Liberties, where we would try a bite of everything on the menu! A shared dessert is likely the literal cherry on top of a perfect day.

Do you have any insider Philly tips to share?

Don’t overlook the neighborhoods. While I think it is always important to experience some of the historical sites that the city is known for, I always encourage guests to venture into the different neighborhoods to get an idea of their distinctive charm. Take a stroll down East Passyunk Avenue, where you can’t go wrong finding something amazing to eat. Check out the incredible architecture on the small Fairmount streets, pop in a local bookstore in Northern Liberties, or have a picnic along the river in Fitler Square. Finally, if you can’t get a Zahav reservation, try going as soon as they open and snag a bar seat! You never know, you could get lucky!

Angela Bauer, General Manager, Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

Why should visitors come to Philadelphia?

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the rich history Philadelphia has to offer. Yes, we are the birthplace of American independence, but we also offer some of the best restaurants, museums, and parks in the country.

I was born right outside of Philadelphia in the suburbs and always loved coming into the city when I was young. When the opportunity came up to work at my first job in the city, I jumped and have never looked back. Philly is a hidden gem, with so many wonderful offerings.

Our beautiful Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with its views of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and our beloved City Hall, was designed by the French landscape architect Jacques Gréber to emulate the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Visitors also might enjoy one of our Schuylkill River cruises, or a tour of our Magic Gardens. We truly offer something for everyone, with everything easily accessible and affordable for solo travelers, couples, or families.

What is special or unique about your hotel for visitors and events?

The Sofitel combines modern French elegance with the local influences of our wonderful city, creating a truly unique experience for our guests. Plus, we are situated in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia’s very own “French Quarter,” which makes our location one of the best in the city. Visitors can easily walk to many of the most popular and exciting attractions, from museums to restaurants to horticultural spaces and shopping. We are grateful to be able to offer the best of everything to our guests.

What does a “perfect day” in Philadelphia look like to you?

A perfect day for me starts with a cup of French press coffee and a warm croissant in our Chez Colette Brasserie. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, meeting our guests and just the simple architecture of our great city.

Do you have any insider Philly tips to share?

Take a walk through Rittenhouse Square Park, just blocks away from the Sofitel, and you may catch a glimpse of a celebrity — many movies are filmed there every year!

Cornelia Samara, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Why should visitors come to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is an iconic American city with so much to offer, from history to art and cultural experiences. Located in the heart of Center City, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by it all, with world-class dining, incredible museums, and the trails of our Founding Fathers just steps away.

What is special or unique about your hotel for visitors and events?

As Philadelphia’s first and only Forbes Five Star Hotel & Spa, our team is dedicated to personalizing memorable experiences for both guests and events. Situated at the top of the Comcast Technology Center, our hotel offers unparalleled sky-high views which are sure to impress both visitors and locals alike. Our 60th floor Sky Lobby welcomes guests to these wow-worthy views, accompanied by inspiring Jeff Leatham florals and a sleek/modern architectural design, mirroring the beauty of the city below. Each of our guest rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows of either the glimmering skyline or picturesque landmark views. Our hotel has become an epicenter of culinary excellence with four restaurants: two situated above the clouds helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and two ingrained in the heartbeat of the Logan Square neighborhood led by local James Beard Award-winning Chef Greg Vernick.

What does a “perfect day” in Philadelphia look like to you?

My perfect day would consist of walking around the city with my Chihuahua, Rosie. Since I’m still fairly new to Philadelphia, I love spending time exploring the different neighborhoods by foot and discovering the beautiful character around every corner. Love for the arts is ingrained in me, and I’m thrilled to have the masters at my fingertips. My perfect day would also include spending time at the museums along the Parkway.

Do you have any insider Philly tips to share?

I was surprised to find how bike-friendly Philadelphia is. At Four Seasons Philadelphia we have a complimentary bike program with curated routes to explore the city. If you only have one day in Philadelphia, this could be a great way for you to cover a lot of ground and see the sights, like a local.

Mary Ann Kowalchek, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center

Why should visitors come to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has such great historical sites such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I remember when I took my first school trip to Philadelphia and visited The Franklin Institute to see an exhibit, and it left such a great impression. Needless to say, when my daughter was old enough I took her for a visit to The Franklin Institute for an exhibit she wanted to experience.

What is special or unique about your hotel for visitors and events?

Our hotel is actually in a building which dates back to 1912, so it feels more like a boutique-style property. Since we are located in Chinatown, we can share suggestions of favorite restaurants for authentic cuisine. If you’re looking for something cool, we’re steps from Reading Terminal Market, where the sights, sounds, and smells will lead you to an afternoon of great discoveries.

What does a “perfect day” in Philadelphia look like to you?

With everything that the world has endured the last few years with COVID, it has made me really miss the interactions with tourists and convention visitors to our city. Now that we’re seeing the conventions start up and the tourists returning, my team and I have the opportunity to share memorable moments with our guests.

Do you have any insider Philly tips to share?

One of the things I love to do is take a lunch break at Reading Terminal Market, grab a seat at the counter of Beck’s Cajun Café, and enjoy a bowl of jambalaya with a topping of chicken and andouille gumbo!

Mary Culbert, General Manager, Courtyard Philadelphia City Avenue

Why should visitors come to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has such a rich history and so many activities to see and experience. The family-friendly city has something to do for all ages. Discovery, history, learning about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Liberty Bell — all of these and more to learn about our history.

What is special or unique about your hotel for visitors and events?

The Courtyard Philadelphia City Avenue is located right outside the city, so you still have the urban feel without being in the city. You can bus or Uber into town. We are minutes from all sporting venues, and we are close to Valley Forge.

What does a “perfect day” in Philadelphia look like to you?

It’s a sunny day spent strolling the streets either in Rittenhouse Square, Penn’s Landing, Chinatown, or Old City — then having a cocktail and lunch or dinner, and experiencing the different types of cuisine the city has to offer.

Do you have any insider Philly tips to share?

“Live like a local,” as they say. There are some great restaurants that do not have a lot of advertising but are wonderful, and speakeasies that take you back in time.

Annette Crispin, General Manager, Philadelphia Airport Marriott Hotel

Why should visitors come to Philadelphia?

It is the birthplace of the nation, full of rich and diverse culture with an amazing food scene that is reasonably priced. A trip to the city is affordable, and it has the best walkability in the nation.

What is special or unique about your hotel for visitors and events?

Our hotel is directly connected to the airport. We are proud to be the hotel that represents the welcome and departure for all of the guests visiting our wonderful city.

What does a “perfect day” in Philadelphia look like to you?

Philadelphia is always sunny with the mildest weather in the Northeast. A perfect day is taking advantage of the walkability the city has to offer to discover all the historic sights and ending your day with amazing food and beverage at a fraction of the cost compared to other cities.

Do you have any insider Philly tips to share?

Philadelphia is the best kept secret in the Northeast, and many don’t realize all that it has to offer. The weather is mild, the culture and history are rich with many attractions, plus the amazing food scene and affordable living.

Cover photo courtesy of The Logan