The Rittenhouse, World Class Luxury in Historic Philadelphia
One of the places I’ve been wanting to visit for a while now is the Rittenhouse. While the hotel itself has been around for a little over a quarter of a century, its roots go all the way back to the early 1900s. Named after the square it overlooks, the Rittenhouse has undergone numerous transformations over the years.
As a hotel, it’s designed so that guests have optimal views of the park or the city. I was lucky enough to be placed on their recently renovated R Floor (or the 13th floor) and enjoy an evening to myself. Guys, it’s a part of the Leading Hotels of the World and for good reason.
Without feeling pretentious, the Rittenhouse manages to mix the historical beauty of Philadelphia and world renowned luxury into one. The way this hotel focuses on its visitor experience is an art form. Check out the full review below.
See More: How to Spend a Weekend in Philly
BED
I had a king-sized bed, and the best way to describe it is plush. Each side has two cushy pillows (with more in the closet), a thin sheet, and duvet. You can also request a foam pillow instead.
BATHROOM
The marble bathroom is incredibly spacious, especially for someone who just came from a country where the showers and bathrooms are all in one! The toilet is actually in its own separate area, and the shower is on the opposite side in its own area with two showerheads. The sink area comes with a full mirror, a close-up mirror, and its own lighting.
Additionally, the bathroom comes with shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, a shower cap, and plenty of towels.
AMENITIES
In the Room
For each guest, there’s the softest robe and slippers. The robes are laid out neatly on your bed and the slipper stored away in their own cloth bags.
I’m telling you, art form. I started typing this review wearing the robe just so I wouldn’t forget how lovely it is. (I also may have googled, “Is it okay to take hotel bathrobes?” It’s not, by the way. Highly not recommended)
You’ll also have a closet complete with an iron, a flat-screen TV, a mini bar and snack bar, a sitting area, a writing desk, and a little set-up in case you want laundry done or shoes shined. The shoe shining, by the way, is complimentary. You also get a free water bottle and a little welcome chocolate.
The Gym
Before I begin, you should know the staff puts out apples to grab and go. Apples.
Okay, anyhow. If you’re a fitness buff like I pretend I am sometimes, you’ll be more than pleased with the gym. All the strength and cardio machines are Technogym, and some of the bikes are Peloton, which means you can sign up and take an online spin class.
They even have a separate room for group classes and are planning to have hot yoga sessions in the pool area soon. Around the gym, each machine has its own fresh towel, and you can grab a cup of lemon water after your workout. There are also disposable headphones because we all know forgetting your headphones while traveling or working out is the worst.
Oh, and there’s personal training sessions too. Check out those offerings here.
The Pool
I seriously wish I had thought to bring my swim suit. The pool is indoors but with a skylight, you can feel like you’re outdoors without, you know, freezing in the actual November air. They also have plenty of magazines to read and lounge chairs. If it does happen to be a nice day out, you can head out to their little patio area.
The Spa
Oh, the spa. What a beautiful place. Complimentary to guests is the relaxation room, a steam room, a sauna, and the locker area. There are also spa services at an additional cost–anything from full massages to facials and more. Check out their offerings here and make sure to book ahead.
The Salon
The Rittenhouse’s luxury extends to its beautiful salon. Services include hair, nails, and make-up. Hair stylists and colorists are trained by Paul Labrecque, a renowned stylist himself. Make-up services range from simple make-up application to eyelash extensions. Manicurists use Deborah Lippmann products and do everything from a simple color to full on treatments. Additionally, there’s a whole men’s grooming section.
The Restaurants + Bars
You’ll be spoiled for choice with the Rittenhouse’s offerings. With two gorgeous restaurants, two bars, and a tea room, there’s something for everyone. Scarpetta, an award-winning restaurant originally from New York City, is the the newest addition, having only just opened this past September. It’s fine Italian dining at its best with mouth-watering menu items, all locally produced, for both lunch and dinner.
Lacroix is the Rittenhouse’s classic acclaimed restaurant, run by Executive Chef Jon Cichon. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch. You can also find Bar 210 and the Mary Cassatt Tea Room here. If you happen to be in Philadelphia for the holidays with kids, the tea room has an adorable event called, “Teddy Bear Tea Party.“
Lastly, if all you want is a nice drink after a long day in the city, the Library Bar is a more intimate setting. You’ll have quite a menu of drinks to choose from, whether it’s something classic or seasonal.
And in case you just want to eat in your bathrobe, they offer 24-hour room service.
The Floral + Gift Shop
Once just a maze of flowers, Kate Egan of Egan Day has extended her curated brand to the Rittenhouse. Redesigning the shop to feel more spacious, she has selected a wide variety of locally designed gifts and lifestyle products from which to choose.
LOCATION
Located right in Rittenhouse Square, it’s less than a 20-minute walk from 30th Street Station and near all the major sites. They even include a little map in your room to help you navigate to where you want to go.
HOST
Everyone was extremely courteous and friendly from the receptionists to housekeeping. I was pleasantly surprised to receive complimentary room service in the evening!
WHERE TO BOOK
You can book directly here.
RATING
10/10
Disclosure: I received a media discount for one night at the Rittenhouse Hotel while in Philadelphia. However, all opinions are my own.
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I live so close to Philly and am always looking for places to stay when we do a weekend trip. Thanks for this. It looks like the perfect mix of luxe at a decent price. I also am happy it has a full fitness facility. I can’t miss my workouts, you know.
Cheers!
The Rittenhouse surely shouts luxury from the room up to the amenities :)