Philadelphia is a city of many stories, and a stay at The Rittenhouse reflects the area’s multifaceted vibe: historic and elegant, yet modern and full of life, with a central location that gives quick access to all of the city’s sites, restaurants and neighborhoods.
Sitting on green-filled Rittenhouse Square, the hotel has a tony and urban locale, but inside, it feels fresh and intimate. Opened in 1989, the hotel got makeovers in summer 2013 and winter 2018 that unveiled a softer design palette, refurbished rooms and new, contemporary suites that look out on the square.
While the Philadelphia hotel has a new sheen, the stalwarts are still there: Five-Star Lacroix at The Rittenhouse serves one of the best brunches in the city while Mary Cassatt Tea Room pours tea in elegant white china as part of its afternoon service. And most important, the service at the luxury hotel continues to be polished, but never unfriendly.
Sitting on green-filled Rittenhouse Square, the hotel has a tony and urban locale, but inside, it feels fresh and intimate. Opened in 1989, the hotel got makeovers in summer 2013 and winter 2018 that unveiled a softer design palette, refurbished rooms and new, contemporary suites that look out on the square.
While the Philadelphia hotel has a new sheen, the stalwarts are still there: Five-Star Lacroix at The Rittenhouse serves one of the best brunches in the city while Mary Cassatt Tea Room pours tea in elegant white china as part of its afternoon service. And most important, the service at the luxury hotel continues to be polished, but never unfriendly.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The Five-Star hotel's Library Bar is a sleek, dark spot where you can sit in a gold leather barstool and enjoy The RH (a lightly sweetened whiskey sour garnished with house-made dried figs).
- Lacroix at The Rittenhouse, the main eatery at the Five-Star hotel, is a fine-dining destination that has been considered one of the best in the city since its opening in 2003.
- Be sure to partake in the legendary Sunday brunch at Lacroix. The raw bar and canapés are a standout, featuring pommes dauphinoise with smoked trout roe and lobster macédoine. End with the elaborate dessert station, which carries sweets like chocolate Swiss rolls and dulce de leche macarons.
- After the recent multi-million-dollar renovation of the nearly 15,000-square-foot Rittenhouse Spa & Club, you may never want to leave the well-appointed, meticulously maintained wellness center.
- A big draw here is Rittenhouse Spa & Club's full-service, 3,000-square-foot salon. Aside from runway-worthy cuts and colors, there is a barbershop, grooming station and nail salon. The spa prides itself on stocking its retail shelves with boutique luxury skincare lines such as Natura Bissé, Zents and LEEF Organics.
Things to Know
- Tea is served in the Philadelphia hotel’s peaceful first-floor Mary Cassatt Tea Room daily from 2 to 5 p.m. Large windows overlook a quaint English-style garden.
- The sun-soaked wellness center boasts ceiling skylights and walls of windows throughout. It provides a definitive nod to the iconic park below and 360-degree views of Philly.
- For those looking to get a sweat on, the fitness center filled with Technogym equipment, Peloton bikes and a private studio should do the trick.
The Rooms
- The Rittenhouse has a mix of 118 guest rooms and suites, but the sheer size of the regular accommodations (which are considered huge by city-hotel standards) makes each one feel special.
- Besides sitting areas and flat-screen TVs, there are dressing rooms with vanities and large bathrooms. The renovation unveiled new upholstery, linens and drapery, softened the color palette with pale yellows and blues.
- Designer Alexandra Champalimaud gave the third-floor suites a private hallway entrance lined with shelves carrying Philadelphia-themed books.
- In the suites themselves, oak wood floors, gilded wallpaper, silk curtains, four-poster burnt oak beds, marble kitchens complete with food prep areas and microwaves and silver travertine bathrooms add glamour to the Philadelphia hotel’s usual refined look.
The Restaurants
- Lacroix at The Rittenhouse, with chef Eric Leveillee at the helm, features a menu of refined yet also playful fare with global flavor combinations and elegant presentations. The wine list is well-chosen, and the service is renowned.
- Sunday brunch is a hallmark experience. The buffet is filled with thoughtful, first-rate offerings, such as just-shucked oysters, duck confit croquettes and house-cured charcuterie.
- The Library Bar offers a sleek spot for a quiet conversation and some upscale bites, such as oeufs mayonnaise with caviar and koji and potato chips with Osetra caviar and crème fraîche. On Friday and Saturday nights indulge in live jazz.
- The latest addition to The Rittenhouse, Scarpetta serves casually elegant Italian fare featuring local ingredients. Expect dishes like braised octopus, short rib risotto and foie gras ravioli.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Bar
Gym
House car
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
210 West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
TEL800-635-1042
TEL800-635-1042
TEL215-546-9000
TEL215-546-9000
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
PHL (14-22 min)
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