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Philadelphia Hotels Ordered to Warn Guests About Room-Disrupting Service Issues Immediately

Official:Amending Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,” by adding a new Chapter to require hotel operators to notify guest of service disruptions which substantially affect or are likely to substantially affect any guest's use of a room or utilization of a hotel service, and providing for enforcement and penalties, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Thomas

Introduced: June 11, 2026

: CITY COUNCIL

transportation public safety consumer protection

Plain-Language Summary

This bill requires hotel operators in Philadelphia to notify guests about any disruptions that affect their use of a room or hotel service, such as construction noise, infestations, or unavailability of amenities. The goal is to ensure guests are informed and prepared for any issues during their stay.

What This Bill Does

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Requires hotel operators in Philadelphia to notify guests of any service disruptions that substantially affect or are likely to substantially affect their use of a room or utilization of a hotel service.
Defines key terms, including "hotel", "hotel operator", "hotel service", and "room", in a new Chapter of Title 9 of The Philadelphia Code.
Provides for enforcement of the notification requirement, including penalties for non-compliance.
Imposes a minimum requirement that hotels have 50 or more guest rooms to be subject to the notification requirement.

Both Sides

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The case for

Hotel guests in Philadelphia can expect clearer communication about disruptions that impact their stay, such as power outages or water main breaks, thanks to Bill 260639. This bill protects guests' rights by requiring hotels to notify them about any service disruptions that significantly affect their room or hotel experience. By knowing what to expect, guests can plan accordingly and make informed decisions about their stay, benefiting the city's tourism industry and its visitors.

The case against

This bill requires hotel operators in Philadelphia to spend resources on notifying guests of service disruptions, while exempting smaller hotels. The City will bear the cost of enforcing this requirement through inspections and penalties, which will likely be passed on to consumers. This mandate sets a precedent for future regulations on hospitality businesses, potentially expanding the City's regulatory reach and administrative burden.

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