A hotel room in Philadelphia would cost more under a new council bill

Hotel stays in Philadelphia could cost more. A bill by City Councilman Derek Green is proposing a fee of about a $1.50 for hotel stays.  The money raised would, in part, be used to attract major events and conventions to town. 

Councilman Green said the funding just isn’t available elsewhere and the city is missing out on big events.

“Recently the NBA decided to leave Charlotte, they wanted to come back to the City of Philadelphia but we didn’t have the resources to bring that event to the city.”

Ed Grose of the Philadelphia Hotel Association said bringing more big events will translate into more work in the hospitality industry.

“This comes after a lot of heated internal discussions, but as far as we’re concerned it’s the best solution.”

If the bill is approved, a group of hotel owners and operators will oversee the fund.