I am recapping the past weekend’s girls trip/staycation. It was a staycation since we didn’t go away for this trip. 2 ouff of 3 of us live in the city of Philadelphia. One of the girls traveled from Florida to be here. This trip was supposed to happen last year, but didn’t due to various reasons. I am going to recap this trip, what we did, and some things to consider when planning a girls trip and friendships in general.
Courtyard Marriott Navy Yard
This was the hotel choice that considered a few factors. For one, I was responsible for quite a lot. Originally I don’t think that was the case. I wanted us to stay where we could get on the highway and have parking. I love Center City but the parking is horrible as well as the hotel parking. Courtyard took the parking concerns as the price was about $20 per day. They add that to your bill immediately. It was convenient in every way. Courtyard Marriott Navy Yard is located right at the heart of all the traffic directions you should need.
The hotel is modern and very clean. Since the pandemic a lot of hotels do not have housekeeping coming into the room. I thought that the staff at the front desk said the same. However when we left out the first day housekeeping entered our room. The rooms are big. We had two queen size beds that was plenty. We had one girlfriend who was supposed to come and couldn’t. The room was big and I loved how open it was.
Food at Courtyard Marriott Navy Yard
The food for at least the brunch/breakfast was absolutely delicious. The dinner wasn’t good. We went to the winery and was too tired, so we wanted to eat at the hotel. However we went at 9:30pm and the kitchen closed at 10:00pm. The food was not at all well prepared as far as presentation. Pizza was a little burnt. The chicken salad had very little chicken, etc. However not a deal breaker the entire time staff was courteous and helpful.
Figo Italian
Figo was definitely good at being patient with us. With the President coming into town it pushed traffic patterns for hours after that. I had to change my plans about 3-4 times that night. All we wanted was to eat and relax. I had to drop my kids to family and the constant moving plans and their accomodations were amazing.
In addition they have a great Fall drink line up. I had the Apple Cider Bellini. I highly recommend it. The food was good. My one friend didn’t like how salty the oysters were but I also think she ordered the ones that we salty. Overall I think the dinner went well.
Penns Woods Winery-Girls Trip Edition
I scheduled us to go to Penns Woods Winery. They are one of the wineries I have a great working relationship. I pride myself on the fact that if I go to events at a location or restaurant that I also patron it at other times. This was one. Staff made sure that our reservation was inside. The tasting was amazing. We kept our wine glasses and the food that we had was delicious. Penns Woods has a great pear butter and I highly suggest you try it. We were able to really enjoy ourselves. Friday was a lot of maneuvering as I had to secure my own kids, and more.
Penns Woods definitely did a great job of making sure that we had every need met. There wasn’t anything that we needed that they didn’t go above and beyond to make sure we had. Not just us others as well. Generally they are just top notch on customer service. So if you have never been and are in the area, make your way there.
Cork and Candles King of Prussia
I really enjoyed this experience at Cork and Candles. I attempted to get this reservations in the city but to be honest this was by far the best thing to do. It’s BYOB. They also have food and desserts and other non alcoholic drinks for purchase. There is more than enough parking too. The space is open and has plenty of space. You can make reservations which I highly suggest you do before the holidays. Walk ins are taken too if they can accommodate as well.
You start with picking two scents for 2 candles. You make 2 candles so that’s 4 scents altogether. After that you pick two candle vessels to put the candles in. I choose the rose gold. I loved my candles. The candles do need to take about 14-15 days to settle before lighting. I will be lighting mine sometime next week and I even set an alert for it. It’s fun, affordable, and the staff does an amazing job making your time great.
Bookers West Philly-Brunch Girls Trip Edition
I have been eyeing Bookers for quite some time. It really is a great time there. If you are going for brunch I would highly recommend that you make a reservation. Even with a reservation we still had a wait. Located on Baltimore Avenue parking is street parking only. I was grateful that we found a spot around the corner.
The space is tight but not super tight. It goes back a little further and wider than you think when you first sit down. The food was good. I got the Tofu scramble and waffle. The waffle itself was very good. I asked for it plain. However it had powdered sugar on it that I wasn’t a fan of with strawberries. My one friend asked for pork sausage and when it came out they informed us that they don’t sell pork products. They without hesitation offered to take it off the bill as well as offer something in its place including a cocktail.
Here’s a Few Things to Consider when Booking any Girls Trip
Be considerate of all. You won’t be able to accomodate all on the trip but try your best. I definitely know that these friends travel differently than other friend groups I am in. So be careful when booking trips. If you go on Tik Tok you will see friends break up after a trip and here’s why:
- Not everyone travels the same-make sure you are on the same page when it comes to things like hotel stay, wake up and bed times, and more. Get separate rooms if someone wakes up early or goes to be early. This could save your friendship.
- Be clear on bills and how things will be separated. I think that people should have this conversation before you book anywhere
- Everyone needs to say the things they are unwilling to do. For instance, last weekend most places were about Halloween themed events. Not everyone in our party was okay with that and that is okay. Know your people and check in as often as possible.
- When it comes to money nothing irks me more than people thinking that $20 will cover things. That is a lie. If you get a cocktail and a meal there is no way that $20 will cover it. It’s unfair for everyone to be mindful of your budget than you. You need to be aware of what you can contribute. How can $20 cover your cocktail, meal, and tip. Eat and drink within your budget. Do not expect your friends to have to cover you in the name of friendship. Also tip your servers well. $5 is not a tip. Have that conversation upfront.
- Be clear on excursions. They cost money. This is one of the biggest reasons friendships break up. Not every can afford a lot of excursions so be mindful. If that means that some stay back-have an option for that person. If the purpose was to be together than that needs to be discussed.
- Include downtime if you can so everyone can catch their bearings and employ their self care
So that was our weekend in a nutshell. A lot of catching up and bonding was done. That is what is all about. Be clear in your next girls trip that you take my advice to heart. I have seen folks book other hotels in the midst of a trip. The misconception that just because we are friends that we must share a room is a myth. A trip can still take place with separate rooms.
Be clear on what you need and if you are willing to pay for your comfort I see nothing wrong with it. I am not staying with anyone who turns out to be toxic for a duration of any trip and that’s from my husband, family, and friends alike. If you are looking to attend any of these options, click on their websites that are highlighted. Trust me you all of these places are things you should add to your list. Have all of the fun you can have during your next girls trip.