Would appreciate hearing reviews from recent stays at this hotel, especially with regard to how quiet-- or not-- the rooms are. Also: About how long a walk is it from the hotel to Rittenhouse Square, an area I remember especially liking on an earlier trip.

Thank you for as much detailed info as you can give.

Can't comments on the rooms since I live nearby, but the location is excellent and an easy walk (6 blocks?) to Rittenhouse Sq.

I have always had quiet rooms there but they have always overlooked the courtyard not the parkway.

I love this hotel and found the rooms to be very quiet.....and even bought my own pillows from their gift shop!

Many thanks for quick replies. Anyone happen to know whether there's a significant difference between standard rooms and deluxe? Also: Which view do people seem most to prefer-- courtyard or Parkway?

Thanks again.

I am sure the Parkway view is gorgeous, looking out to the fountain without any buildings across from you. The courtyard view can overlook a/c units and is across from a large office building.

I'm having second thoughts on this hotel. I've been reading that it's very "family friendly," that there are often many kids around. I suspect that mitigates against a quiet and restful atmosphere. (I love kids, by the way: am an impassioned teacher.)

May look into some of the "boutique" hotels in Phila. Likely to be fewer kids? (But I also suspect rooms will be on the small size?)

Poss - When we were there at Thanksgiving the place was overrun with kids. Of course, our group contributed a few to the mix so I couldn't complain too much. Other times of the year I haven't noticed many children. You could also look at the Rittenhouse which doesn't seem as kid friendly. It could be that the Rittenhouse doesn't have the great lobby that the Four Seasons has so you don't notice the little mites congregating.

Assuming Four Seasons is quite a bit more expensive than most other hotels in Philadelphia, I really doubt it will be overrun by kids. After all, at least based on my observation on Fodors, most people ask for suite hotels when they travel w/kids. So I'd imagine hotels like Embassy Suites, Residence Inn etc would have more children than the Four Seasons.

But if you do want to "boutique" hotel, you can look into Rittenhouse 1715.
http://www.rittenhouse1715.com

I personally prefer the Rittenhouse location than Four Seasons.

Many thanks again for replies.
Birdie: I'd love to stay at the Rittenhouse Hotel, but what I've read is a turn-off. Pretty much everyone seems to agree that the rooms are somewhat shabby and quite dated (shiny bedspreads instead of duvet, etc). I remember seeing one of those rooms many decades ago and I remember thinking it was terrific (very spacious too). But anything with a "worn" look would be a real turn-off for us.
yk: Why do you like the Rittenhouse location better? Also: Have you seen the rooms in 1715? I wonder how they compare in quality (and comfort of beds) to Four Seasons (or to Rittenhouse Hotel).
Thanks!

poss- I've lived in (downtown) Philadelphia for 6 years, so I know the city very well. I like Rittenhouse much better because of the proximity to shops and restaurants. Four Seasons out on the Parkway is (to me) a bit isolated. If you're walking from 4S to dinner around Rittenhouse Sq, you'll find that the streets are quite deserted at night, esp weekdays when office workers have gone home. Whereas around Rittenhouse Sq it's always hopping.

Having said that, I've never stayed at any hotels in Philadelphia (except 1 night at the Ritz, a few nights at Crowne Plaza, and 2 nights at the dumpy Best Western CC). So I can't really tell you much about the rooms. You can look on tripadvisor to see comments about Rittenhouse 1715 and their candid photos.

Thanks, yk. You're fortunate (imo) to live in Phila. I grew up in the suburbs (MANY decades ago), but never got to know the city well (it was a much inferior place in those days).
We're in our late 70's, so we can forgo the "hopping" atmosphere. And we're usually in bed by 9:30-10:00, so not looking for any kind of nightlife. We do love strolling that city though (have managed to get back now and then).
I spoke with 1715, by the way. The pleasant fellow thought we'd hear too much sound (since the building is basically on the street and not very tall) in the good room with king bed. Some other rooms would be more quiet, but lack the amenities we're wanting.
I've tentatively booked Four Seasons, but may change as trip gets closer (October).
What are your favorite Phila restaurants? Can you believe that when I was growing up there, Bookbinder's was about it?? I know the city is much more sophisticated now and has many terrific restaurants.
I'll also need to decide where to get my cheesesteak fix. Our house wasn't far from the first Lee's and we loved that place, but I don't think it's in the top rank of those kinds of eateries anymore (if it's even still around?)
Thanks to all!

hi poss-

It's been several years since I moved away from Philadelphia, so I can't really give you the latest dish on the restaurants.

But places I have liked and I think are still decent are:
Matyson
www.matyson.com
Amada
www.amadarestaurant.com

Most of the Stephen Starr restaurants such as Continental and Buddakan and Morimoto.
http://www.starr-restaurant.com/

I love Morimoto - sit at the sushi bar and order the tasting menu.

I've heard many times that Vetri is excellent, but never been.

The chowhound site probably can give you more suggestions on restaurants:
http://www.chowhound.com/boards/15

Enjoy your visit!

I love having dinner at The Fountain in the Four Seasons and watching the homeless people bathe in Logan Circle Fountain. It is especially mesmerizing when drinking Chateau d'Yquem.

The electric shoe polishers in the men's room are my favourite thing about the FS.

Stephen Starr's ex-boyfriend, Tony, stole 10 of my Mikasa cake plates. I wish he would give them back.

Have fun. Go to Rouge on Rittenhouse Square for martinis and calamari.

Thingorjus

The FS also has a very nice bar menu if you're in the mood for something lighter. Dinner in the Fountain room will be fabulous.

You'll start quite the argument with your question regarding cheesesteaks. Do a search for cheesesteaks here or on chowhound.

For a great lunch experience, make your way down to Reading Terminal Market near the convention center.

I do remember when Bookbinders was "it". Then there was the argument whether the center city location or the riverfront one was better. Thank goodness for the "restaurant revolution" in the 80's. My husband and I had our first date at Frog.

woops! A brand new review on Trip Advisor mentions that there was street noise. Since quiet is of the highest priority to us, I will probably need to go with a different hotel. (I wish all hotels had great soundproofing; some do.)