The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia

Frommer's Review

Whereas its peers tend toward typical, Philadelphia understatement, The Ritz-Carlton puts on a grand show. Walk up the hotel's pale marble steps, between massive marble columns, and into the soaring, domed, Pantheon-like space that serves as lobby and cocktail lounge, and you'll instantly feel important. Designed in 1908 by McKim, Mead, and White as a bank, the Ritz's main building serves purely social functions (with a clubby "Vault" lounge, the handsome Grill restaurant, and various ballrooms), while its adjacent 30-story former office houses the guest rooms.

Hotel rooms occupy floors 4 to 29, with a spectacular concierge/club area in a paneled former boardroom on the 30th floor. (Upgrading to this level is money well spent; the room is gorgeous, and the hors d'oeuvres, champagne, and lavish breakfast are the best club-floor spread we've ever seen.) Although the guest rooms are on the smaller side, the bathrooms are large and come with opulent marble tub/shower alcoves. The furnishings are lovely, as are the old Philadelphia prints. Terry robes, Frette linens, and a selection of pillows invite you to linger.

The Grill, a refined, English-inspired space on the City Hall side, features an open kitchen serving exceptional lunches and dinners. On weekends, a lavish 40-dessert buffet is served in the Rotunda lobby.

Facilities:
Restaurant; lounge; fitness center; spa; sauna; steam room; concierge; room service; massage; laundry service; dry cleaning; Wi-Fi

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.

Back to Top