Nutter trying to lure new 1,000-bed hotel to Philadelphia

The Nutter administration wants another major hotel built in Philadelphia so the convention center can attract bigger crowds.

With the Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion offering more space for events, Mayor Michael Nutter is renewing his commitment to bringing another thousand hotel rooms to town. The mayor’s spokesman Mark McDonald explains that would include another major hotel.

“This kind of development is necessary if our sector is to grow. We’ve got the new capacity in the convention center and we need to match it with additional hotel beds to accommodate this growing sector,” said McDonald.

The problem is money. McDonald says the city is not committing to offer financial incentives to lure another major hotel to town.

“Primarily we rely on the private sector to see the opportunity,” he said. “The city will help as it can.”

There are currently 650 new hotel rooms under construction in Center City and University City. They’re expected to be completed by next year.