Is There Still Space for Luxury Travel in 2020?

A few weeks back, I was able to have a staycation near my mother’s home in Eastern Pennsylvania, and I got to experience the Four Seasons Philadelphia at the Comcast Center.

We stayed with their Views and Valet Package, and it was truly an exceptional experience. Not only considering today’s circumstances, but simply because the property itself was stunning, state-of-the-art and truly impressive.

I was able to chat with one of their concierge team members, Laura Cunningham, who shared a bit more about what the experience has been like in recent months and how the Four Seasons Philadelphia has become quite the “drive-to” destination perfect for a staycation, weekend getaway or even extended stay with family.

As with most major cities, Philadelphia certainly felt the effects of the pandemic. Yet it is their recovery that has been truly notable, and the city is coming back in an extraordinary way. We see the appropriate precautions have been taken around the city and that there is a sense of optimism in the air.

Being a city hotel, The Four Seasons Philadelphia really made it a priority to focus on guest and employee health and safety. The company’s goal has been to instill the same level of trust and confidence in Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia as ever before. And, starting from within, they have done an impressive job of training their staff, including with the Lead with Care Program. Their health and safety program really does start from within, and, in turn, their staff is truly able to lead their guests with care.

You may have heard about Four Seasons Lead With Care program, which was developed with John Hopkins Medicine International. How does this program translate into the guest experience? Guests can expect each sleeping room to be equipped with masks, hand sanitizer and sanitization wipes, with additional masks available upon request. Physical distancing measures are included in all services for guest protection, including appropriately spaced fitness equipment, modified spa menu and services, contactless check-in and housekeeping services. Their restaurants have also recently re-opened for indoor dining, including limited occupancy and QR code menus.

A huge honor, the Four Seasons Philadelphia also just earned a five-star rating for both their hotel and spa—notably within a year of their opening AND as the first property in Philadelphia to do so.

I personally had a chance to experience it and was really impressed by how they were able to beautifully bridge the gap between safety and luxury. So, while face-to-face interactions may be more limited, Four Seasons has proven to remain as connected as ever. Laura shared a wonderful story about how she was able to communicate with a young guest to let her know that the front desk could be contacted at any time—immediately comforting the guest.

Another interesting shift is they have noticed local getaways to be a trend. Philadelphia is a great “Drive Market,” which means so many guests are choosing to drive from Boston, New York and DC, to stay for a getaway.

As more and more families are looking to travel, they’ve launched a great program called “Limitless Learning,” where they provide the space and tools for kids to be able to continue their education while staying at the Four Seasons. After all, who wouldn’t want to have “recess” at the 57th Floor Infinity Pool? Of course, for those looking to change up their “work from home” environment, the Four Seasons is equipped to handle that, as well.

With the holidays around the corner, the Four Seasons has also made exciting plans for their guests—keeping social distance and the appropriate precautions in mind. There will be a holiday market, a Jeff Leatham Master Class (for those that don’t know, he is the famed florist-to-the-stars and to select iconic hotels in the world), Sugar & Spice Pastry Classes, and even a Seasonal Cocktail Classes with the Beverage Team.

Feel free to check out their website for more details and to plan your escape above the clouds in the City of Brotherly Love.

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