Published by Betty Robinson, www.phillyhops.com

215 426-5644

Welcome!

This is the first newsletter published by Philly Hops. The goal of our newsletter is to share facts and details on what's new and what's happening in and around Philly. We will be including some fun stuff, some educational stuff and some "insider" details, the kind that makes all our lives easier

Philly Hops Newsletter is proud to be including contributions by local experts every month. Today's guest writer is Ken Alan, columnist for such magazines as Mid Atlantic Events and Style. Known for his wit and humorous antidotes, Ken is also a Philadelphia concierge whose tendrils reach out far into the community.

IN THIS ISSUE

+ HOTELS URGE TO SERVE: FROM PET SITTING TO THEMED BUBBLE BATHS

THE CONCIERGE CORNER

+THE RISE THIS FALL OF UNIVERSITY CITY

+ HOW TO AVOID THOSE ANNOYING TRAFFIC SNARLS

+ HOW TO GET THOSE HARD TO GET EAGLES TICKETS

+ REVIEW: STEPHEN STARR'S HOT NEW RESTAURANT ALMA DE CUBA

HOTELS URGE TO SERVE: FROM PET SITTING TO THEMED BUBBLE BATHS

Philadelphia hoteliers aim to please. In fact, many will do almost anything to ensure that their guests’ needs – no matter how unusual – are satisfied. Here are just some of the unique services and amenities offered at area properties.

At the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, VIPs (Very Important Pets) are treated especially well. Guests traveling with pets can take advantage of numerous services including: veterinarian information, pet shop and grooming locations, pet-sitting contact information, dog-walking routes, pet attractions and pet-friendly restaurants. A special pet room service menu is also available. Upon check-in, guests of the four-legged variety receive a complementary bag of treats and a toy.

An extensive menu of butler-drawn baths is just one of the many services offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia. Guests can choose from The Bubbly Bath, the Gentlemen’s Bath, the Stress Relief Bath and Mr. Bubble. Or, for those looking to truly experience Philadelphia, there’s the Independence Bath, an energizing bath served with Philly’s famous soft pretzels and mustard and a frosty mug of Yuengling, Rolling Rock, Independence or Dock Street Beer.

The Rittenhouse Hotel strives to ensure that international travelers feel welcome at their property. Each guest receives a welcome letter from the General Manager with his or her country flag and an appropriate amenity such as English candy and mints. In addition, international travelers are greeted by their country’s flag in the lobby.

Guests of the Four Seasons Philadelphia need not travel far for the perfect cup of cappuccino. Upon request, a room service waiter will make the frothy concoction in the guest’s room in just seconds. This service allows visitors to enjoy a cappuccino (with that perfect creamy white top) as if they were in the hotel’s own world-renowned Fountain Restaurant.

THE CONCIERGE CORNER
By Ken Alan

THE RISE THIS FALL OF UNIVERSITY CITY

Within the Land of Matriculating Students, Sansom Commons and a place called Pod, University City will soon have a surge of new retail and dining destinations to add to its external curriculum, located at a campus near you:

* Picnic

Owned by renowned Philly chef, Anne-Marie Lasher. (formerly from Fork Restaurant) Penn's new gourmet take-out shop will serve up fresh and nutritious platters, prepared foods, coffees and other imaginative fresh foods. Open six days a week, 7AM to 7PM. 3133 Walnut Street.

* Philly Diner

Evoke a taste for Philly food and Philly memories at the Philly Diner, the classic American diner on campus. Timeless and traditional, inspiring and indigenous, all three squares get the real Philly Treatment at this exciting new diner. 3925 Walnut Street.

* Bonne Crepe

Sweet and savory, fluffy and flavorful, the crepe has returned in a lightly doughy way at Bonne' Crepe's made-to-order open-air kitchen. 3101 WalnutStreet.

* VOG

Not just a salon... Call it a Sa---lon, and an award-winning one at that. This airy, post-industrial space features a renowned group of top stylists, along with a fully stocked section of the best in hair care, make-you-beautiful products. 3129 Walnut Street.

* Smith Brothers

Smith Brothers is the region's fastest growing retailer of women's and men's clothing. Jean-up, t-shirt on, jacket yourself, get sweatered and accessorized in such name brands as Diesel, Buffalo and Kenneth Cole. Cutting edge in UCity. 3661 Walnut Street

Suddenly, Penn and Drexel's University City isn't just for university-goers, anymore!

"I am not a glutton. I am an explorer of food."
Erma Bombeck

Pigskin Follies
GO BOIDS!

To you, they are The Eagles, those high-flying birds that look to repeat their winning ways along the grassy gridiron this season. If, however, you are above the age of 50, are a native of either South Philly or the Overbrook section of town, call guys named "Charlie" - "Cha-lee" and pronounce our fair city as "Philalufia", then to you - the are The Iggles.

Either way - September marks another opening season.

Eagles tickets have always been a premium procurement in the 7+++ years I've been here. Most of the better seats (read: lower level ones) almost always sell out, and I don't recommend those devious scalpers as a pre-gametime option.

Consider calling our man Val at John's Ticket Service and let him know that your concierge sentcha. Val always has tix available - even to such toughies as Dallas and Washington - and his pricing will be less than what other agencies will charge.
Call him at 215-463-7572. Ask Val what those Iggles tickets are going for.

HOW TO AVOID THOSE ANNOYING TRAFFIC SNARLS

Drive onto any one of these informational highways to learn more about what's happening construction-wise within the area:

www.PhillyTraffic.com - For planned construction events that may impact your commute.

www.LocalRoads.com - Offering municipal road and utility work information on all local roads in Montgomery, Chester, Delaware and Bucks Counties. A good resource when you want to find out about those side avenues, what you won't hear on the radio traffic report.

To read the entire article please click here

REVIEW: ALMA DE CUBA

"Soul of Cuba" is what Stephen Starr's shadowy and amber hued vision looks like inside 1623 Walnut Street. with each dusky and moody part of this tri-leveled space reflecting a designers mind gone into Latino hyperdrive, with steamy accents that urge visitors to enjoy a five- sensicle experience.

To read the entire article please click here

Philly Hops is full service Event Planning Company that specializes unique events and fun team building experiences.

To learn more about Philly Hops; please visit our web site at www.phillyhops.com (or call 215 426-5644)

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