I'm checking out Hilton Garden Inn, Double Tree Hotel, and Maggiano's in Center City Philly soon!

LoriLovesJimmy

Greetings, Bridelings! 

I got engaged December 16th, and I just set my first few appointments to check out venues for my March 2013 wedding!!!  I'm checking out Hilton Garden Inn, Double Tree Hotel, and Maggiano's in Center City Philly this Tuesday.  I'm so excited!!! These places all seem like a really good deal.  Since I'll only have about 50 guests, I was happy that these places don't have a minimum number of guests.  They also seem to have very affordable prices around $5,000-6,000ish.  Has anyone else checked out any of these venues?  What did you think?  Are there any specific questions I should ask that I might not have thought of?

Thanks!
Lori

nancyr

Don't have a list of questions just some random thoughts: be sure you get a price that include tax/gratuities and alcohol if you're having some. Also ask what the price is for beer and wine vs. open bar. How long is your wedding four or five hrs? Same w/bar.  Cake included? From where? Hot hors d'oevres included? centerpieces? can you use candles? Also any rules and regs you need to worry about. I'm sure the Hilton and Doubletree have dozens of weddings, so have it all cut and dried. But not sure about Maggianos, but their food sure is good.  Also ck if they have vendors you have to use for DJs, photog etc. Have fun! Discounts for Friday or Sunday? Sat afternoon? Off season weddings (not sure if March is off season or not).  The nice thing about hotels is people can stay there so you aren't going to have to get a van to transport them.  Congrats Lori!

PaigeBri712

Just warning you- there is a huge construction site in the area (on the same corner of Maggiano's) I live in the area adn the traffic has been disastrous---they've cut back on street parking and there are also some funky smelling fumes going on! May not be the best ambiance for an intimate wedding. (btw the construction is supposed to continue for at least a year.)