Which hotel is the best in Philadelphia. we are planning a very SPECIAL weekend and want the best. Pros? Cons? etc...

We spent a wonderful "special" weekend at The Four Seasons. Some of the best service I've ever seen. Tell them it is a special visit. The location is convienient to the museums but away from the nightlife. I've heard good things about the Rittenhouse which is closer to the nightlife. Depends on what you want.

Both the Rittenhouse and Ritz are centrally located in downtown Phila., close to restaurants and nightlife, as Susan said, the Four Seasons is not as well located. The Ritz is housed in a former bank building which was built in that grand style of the early 20th century. The lobby will take your breath away, so for that reason alone I would choose the Ritz. The other plus is that it only opened about 2 years ago and everything is new and fresh. The other 2 are in 1970's/1980's non-descript buildings. Needless to say, all three will give you a great experience, that's why they are probably the top 3 hotels in the city. You have a win,win,win situation.

The Rittenhouse was finished in the late 1980s. If you can get a Square view room, you'll have one of the best and most romantic views in the city. Service at the Rittenhouse is excellent, and unlike the others, it's not a chain hotel. I would stay at the Rittenhouse and have afternoon tea at the Four Seasons.

I have stayed at both the Ritz and Four Seasons. There are no cons at either of these hotels. They are both excellent. The Pros are: the Fountain Room is the #1 restaurant in Philly. The location is not a good as the Ritz, but it's not that bad either. The rooms/suites are bigger at the Four Seasons, newer at the Ritz. The service is excellent at both, a little more attentive at the Four Seasons, the conceirge floor at the Ritz is wonderful (not sure if they have one at the Four Seasons). It's a win/win situation. If I had to pick one I would probably chose the Ritz because it's new and the building has a lot of charm and history. I've never stayed at the Rittenhouse, but have been in the hotel. The lobby is beautiful and has the best location of all 3. Good luck!

The Four Seasons is the best overall choice for special weekend stays. Having stayed at all 3 hotels on business, I can say that the Four Seasons has a superb and elegant restaurant, The Fountain (esp. Sunday brunch), and outstanding service that is a firm notch above the others. Rooms are more spacious than the others.

The Ritz Carlton has a wonderful lobby that is a nice spot for afternoon tea, but the rooms are somewhat cramped. Great location on the Avenue of the Arts but a little overpriced for the service quality, in my opinion.

The Rittenhouse has a pretty location right on the square, but the rooms are somewhat dark and dingy. It's an excellent choice, but not quite up to the standards of service. If you prefer to stay right on the square, this is a good choice.

I've only stayed at the Ritz in Philly. I have to agree with the great location. It's right next to the govt. buildings and close to historic philly. I agree that the rooms seemed on the small side however, the service was excellent and the featherbeds...we could have just spent the entire time soaking in the tub and snoozing under the down comforters! yes, the lobby will take your breath away!

To BTilke:

Just to clarify, the new Ritz on Broad was finished in 2000 but the original building dates back to 1908 I think. It had been a grand old bank building and then the Ritz folks had the place gutted and then built the hotel within the old shell.

The first Ritz in Philly was on 17th Street attached to Liberty Place shops and offices. It closed in 1999 (?) and then became a St. Regis before becoming a Westin.

I haven't stayed at the new Ritz, but have stayed at the Philly Four Seasons in a suite. It was wonderful in every way and you can't beat the Fountain Room or the Swann Lounge for dining, drinks, brunch, etc. While it's not in the absolute heart of things, it's really only a 5 -6 block walk difference.

Also to BTilke:

Don't get your comment about it not being a chain hotel. They both are, plus Ritz is owned by Marriott.

ttt

I wonder where the last few posts on this thread went? Anyway, I apologize to BTilke for not properly reading the title or his/her post. I completely did not see that Rittenhouse was being discussed. DUH snohflake, DUH!