JD

I'm looking for any information on these two hotels in Philly. Both are offering virtually the same weekend special rates ($350 for two nights, including parking) and I'd like to know if there's any compelling reason to choose one over the other--room size or amenities, location, service, pool and other facilities.

Frank

Ritz Carlton without a doubt. Prime city center location, landmark building (former bank) that is breathtaking. Only open about a year ago, so everything is brand spanking new. The Four Seasons is closer to the museum area off of Logan Circle, not my favorite area. Nondescript 1980's building, been around for over 10 years and looks kind of stale. Go with the Ritz.

John G

Stale? You don't know what you are talking about. The Four Seasons is beautiful, plush, and gorgeously appointed. It also houses one of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania, The Fountain. The Ritz is also a beautiful hotel and equal in amenities to the Four Seasons, and Im sure JD would enjoy staying in either hotel. But, to call the Four Seasons stale is inane.

JD

hmmm-- a split decision, just what I was afraid of! Any other comments?
I thought I read that the Ritz was fairly 'new'-- but was there another location in Philly before this one? I thought I remembered looking it 4 or 5 years ago.

jhm

I'm in favor of the Four Seasons. The new Ritz is overdone (at least in the lobby), in my opinion, not like the older one (which was in Liberty Center) -- the lobby struck me as very gaudy when I was there, with faux gold overlays, etc.. I have never stayed at the Ritz, but the location is not really all that much better than the Four Seasons, and I think the Four Seasons is a lot classier.

The Four Seasons is gorgeous on the inside (on the outside, neither the Ritz nor the FS is anything to brag about), and is on the edge of Center City; it is very close to the Franklin Institute, the Rodin Museum and a few blocks from Philadelphia Art Museum. The room size in the Four Seasons is terrific, and the service has always been wonderful. The Sunday brunch in the Swann Lounge is fantastic.

phila boy

The Ritz recently moved locations, the 'old' Ritz is now a Westin (and one of the nicest Westins I've ever seen).

As for having to choose between the two, that's a toughy, but I'll try to make it easier. While I am a Four Seasons guy myself, if I were visiting Philly (instead of living here), I'd probably choose the Ritz, and here's why.
- As Frank mentioned, the Ritz is brand spanking new and in a gorgeous building that used to house a bank. Lots of white marble and a lobby that will knock your socks off.
- The location of the Ritz can't be beat. It is at Broad and Chestnut and in the heart of everything. A few blocks from the brank new Kimmel Center; 2 blocks from Walnut Street which houses some of Philly's best restaurants and shopping; 4 blocks from Rittenhouse Square; across the street from my favorite steak restaurant, Capital Grille.
- a lively bar in the lobby which attracts many people interested in a pre or post dinner drink
- the 4S does have an incredible restaurant, Seasons, but this restaurant is as formal and stuffy as you can get. It is the second most expensive restaurant in the city and I'm pretty sure jacket and tie are required. It is the kind of place you go to once or twice a year on a special occassion. There are so many other great places you should try before shelling out the dough to go to Seasons (unless it's your anniversary or something)
- I love the 4S but it requires a good walk to get anywhere.

That's all for now. Hope I helped.

Carl

I vote for the Four Seasons as well.

Steak Guy

Capital Grille is a chain just like Ruth's Chris.
Good, just not unique to Philly.

jhm

I am unfamiliar with a restaurant in the Four Seasons called "Seasons." There is the Swann Lounge, which as I mentioned, has a pricey but worth it brunch on Sundays, complete with chamber music, and the Fountain Room, which is a swanky, special-occasion kind of place with an a la carte menu. If there is a new restaurant called Seasons, it is pretty recent.

phila boy

You are correct jhm, Seasons is the Four Seasons restaurant in DC, not Philly, The Fountain is in Philadelphia and my comments apply to that one. My apologies

John G

Capital Grille is a chain? Really? Their filet mignon is magnificent. It melts on your tongue like hot butter. They also serve sevruga caviar, and their wine list is very impressive. I highly recommend it. But, if you want a meal you will remember for years, eat at The Fountain. Skip Le Bec Fin, it is resting on its laurels.

BTilke

JD, Have you checked with the Rittenhouse Hotel? Although there is certainly nothing wrong with either the FS or the RC, I think the Rittenhouse has them both beat for location and service.

JD

Thank you all! Not sure I've decided yet, but you're making my decision more interesting.
Phila Boy--thanks for the info on the Westin--I was so sure that I had seen it (Ritz)in another location. By the way, the Westin's rates are phenomenal -- the same promo that has the Ritz and Four Seasons at $350 for 2 nights has the Westin as low as $119-$129 for 2 nights.

Frank

JD: For the rates you quoted, I would stay at the Westin and with the money you saved, have a drink or dinner at both the Ritz and Four Seasons. Then let us know what you thought of all three.

JD

Thanks Frank and others. Now that I know that the Westin has such a pedigree, I'm definitely leaning towards it and using the difference on a fabulous dinner and brunch at the Four Seasons.
Anyone else who still has something to add, by all means, please do!
One more quick question for you Philly-ites-- is there still a restaurant /pub called Dock Street (after the microbrewed beer?)

Dave

The January issue of Conde Nast Traveler magazine gives Four Seasons a rating of 83.1, Ritz Carlton a rating of 80.9.

Traveller

Another vote for Four Seasons.

Stella

JD, Which one of the hotels did you finally decide on? Or, did you stay at the Westin, or some place else. I'm thinking about going to the Philadelphia flower show in March, and am inclined to stay at the Ritz-Carlton. Give us a trip report. Thanks.

JD

Haven't gone yet--since these rates are in effect till March (though probably not the weekend of the Flower show), I've been saving it for when I'm going stir crazy and need to get out of town. When I go, I'll report my findings.
By the Way, the rate on the Westin turned out to be a typo and was pulled rather quickly. It's now at $298 for 2 night, so for not much extra I'm still inclined to go for the Four Seasons or Ritz

ingrid

Okay, here is my 5 cents worth:
First, we stayed at the Four Seasons last October and upgraded to a suite, which was nice but certainly didn't knock my socks off. The bathroom was marble and actually very small (My kids still think that the Club Med Sandpiper rooms were soooo much nicer --- and I think they have a point). The service, of course, was very nice but again, not incredible.
Second, a friend of mine stayed at the Westin recently and HIGHLY recommends it (she's been to both the Ritz and the Four Seasons in Philly). I think she said that the suites were a great deal.
i agree with Frank: Stay at teh Westin, eat and drink at the Ritz and FS, and report back!