Introducing... Amanda!

Happy Friday! Today we are going to sit down with our very own Director of Catering, Amanda Strzempek. Amanda is bubbly, hard working, and an integral part of our hotel. You may recognize Amanda if you look closely at our wedding photos for our hotel. All dressed up in a beautiful white gown, we couldn't of had a more perfect model to showcase our property! If you would like to see the full album, check out our Facebook page. Without any further ado... introducing Amanda!

Tell us a little about yourself:

"I was born and raised in Wayne, PA!  I went to Kutztown University and studied Psychology.  I always had a passion for event planning, so when I landed my first job out of college as a Wedding Planner, I was ecstatic. I then moved onto the hotel side of things, and never looked back once.  I've been in the business for eleven years, and I honestly can’t image doing anything else."   

What is your favorite thing about your job as Director of Catering?

"I love that my job is different every day, and I am constantly connecting with new people.  My favorite thing is making people smile.  There is nothing I like more than a big sweaty hug from a bride at the end of the night thanking me for all my help.  I’m a people pleaser, simple as that."

What does a normal day consist of at Sonesta in the catering department?

"Every day is something new, and I’m constantly learning and growing in my position.  I meet with clients almost every day to either go over the details of their event, or entice them to book our hotel for their function.  I work closely with the banquets department and the Chef to ensure that all of our meetings and/or events go off without a hitch."

If you had to pick your last meal on earth what would it be?

"Seafood Pasta with a White Wine Garlic Sauce, Crusty Bread with lots of butter, Caesar Salad, and a glass of Chardonnay.  Yum!"

What was the most recent CD/album/iTunes purchase you made?

"Bruno Mars."

When you aren't at Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia what your favorite thing to do is…:

"Spend time with handsome little man, my six month old son Noah."

To find out more information about our Catering Department please call 215.561.7500 or email sales-shphi@sonesta.com

Wedding Wednesday - Philly Style!

This Wedding Wednesday we are going to look at great ways to bring the spirit and culture of Philadelphia into your wedding reception. Philadelphia is rich in history, a haven for foodies, and unlike any other place is in the world.

Perfectly tying into weddings and marriage, Philadelphia is the City of Brotherly Love. The iconic Love Statue can now be found replicated in a cake topper. Etsy.com has many different options and colors from various shops!

Philadelphia’s favorite lunchtime sweet has always been and always will be a Tastykake. This couple used Tastykake’s Butterscotch Krimpets for their wedding cake! Each guest was served fresh krimpets with a raspberry glaze.

Green Initiatives

Did you know that Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia has a Green Key Eco-Rating of 4 keys? From the Front Office to Sales, Engineering to Housekeeping - all our departments are making a conscious effort to partake in sustainable practices. Take a look at some infographics about our hotel and green initiatives.

The Big Question!

As we settle into the new year and the holidays have passed, we want to share with you two of our Sonesta brides-to-be and their love stories. The lovely holiday season that just wrapped up is the most popular time to get engaged. According to TheKnot.com, 16% of marriage proposals happen in the month of December! Maybe it is the twinkle of the holiday lights or the joy one feels being surrounded by family and friends that inspires such bold statements of love. Whatever it may be every proposal is special and unique. Becky and Nicole's proposals below are no exception to the rule. Enjoy their love stories and happy reading!

John & Nicole

John and Nicole met at age 13, back in middle school. John was on the football team and Nicole was his cheerleader!!! John and Nicole continued to stay friends all throughout high school. Shortly after graduating from high school their relationship progressed and they dated on and off for many years. Finally in 2009 they reconnected and have been together ever since. 2012 turned out to be an amazing year for the couple. They got engaged in April and also welcomed their beautiful son Mason on June 8th. Their wedding is all set for September 21, 2013 and cannot wait for that special day!!!

Becky & Joe

Becky and Joe met as undergraduates studying Linguistics together at Penn - they took a lot of the same classes and became friends, and then became fodder for gossip within the department. Becky and Joe got together on Joe's birthday in January 2010, and moved in together in South Philly over the summer in 2011. Becky proposed to Joe in a very practical way one morning out to brunch at the Melrose Diner, simply asking him if he thought we should get married - and he said yes! :D

Welcome!

Welcome to the new blog for the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia! We will be posting updates, news, and photos on this site regularly so make sure you subscribe to get our latest posts. If you would like to make a reservation or find out more about Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia, please visit Sonesta.com/Philadelphia.

Thank you!