Frommer's Review
Among Philadelphia's luxury hotels, the Rittenhouse has the fewest and largest rooms and the most satisfying views -- which may be why Madonna stays here when she's in town. Built in 1989, it's a jagged concrete-and-glass high-rise off the western edge of Philadelphia's most distinguished public square. The lobby is tranquil and lovely, with inlaid marble floors, a series of frosted-glass chandeliers and sconces, and an amazing little gift shop. Along with the Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton, it's the only AAA Five-Diamond Award holder in the state.
Every room at the Rittenhouse is actually a suite with a full living room area, bay windows, reinforced walls between rooms, and solid-wood doors. All have great views: The park across the street is leafy and beautiful most of the year, and colorfully lit on wintry nights. The western view of the Schuylkill River and the Parkway is dramatic. City scenes by local artists decorate the walls.
Jean-Marie Lacroix, a superb chef formerly at the Four Seasons, helms Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, a chic restaurant overlooking the park, offering modern French cuisine. Smith & Wollensky, the New York steakhouse, has an outpost with a convivial bar off the main lobby, and the more casual Boathouse Row Bar & Grill has a late-night menu. The site was the original town house of painter Mary Cassatt's brother, and a charming trellised private garden features three of Cassatt's drypoints.
Facilities: 3 restaurants; bar; lounge; 5-lane indoor pool; Adolf Biecker fitness club w/sun deck, Cybex weight machines, and aerobic equipment; spa; sauna; steam room; concierge; executive business center; room service; massage; laundry service; dry cleaning
Facilities:
3 restaurants; bar; lounge; 5-lane indoor pool; Adolf Biecker fitness club w/sun deck, Cybex weight machines, and aerobic equipment; spa; sauna; steam room; concierge; executive business center; room service; massage; laundry service; dry c
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
