bogart04

unwind, hang out in bathrobe, order room service...spending 1 night in Philly post-race (Allentown 1/2 marathon).

Considering the Park Hyatt or Westin...or possibly just bidding for 4* on priceline. any suggestions?

thanks for your help!

elle

I've always heard that the Four Seasons has the best spa. . . but I think the priceline 4* idea is pretty good, if you don't want to pay a whole lot and still have a relatively luxurious experience.

Park Hyatt is such an excellent location. The Westin doesn't strike me as being in the same league as the Four Seasons, Rittenhouse, or Ritz Carlton.

yk

Bogart-

You didn't say what your budget is, but if it is not a concern, I would agree with elle: either Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton or the Rittenhouse hotel.

The 4* hotels on PL that have been reported on biddingfortravel.com are:
Park Hyatt
Loews
Westin
Omni
Hyatt @ Penns Landing

There has been a lot of winning bids for the Hyatt @ Penns Landing. I personally do not like that hotel's location because it is kind of far out. But if that's ok with you, go ahead with PL. Winning bids have ranged from $40-$70 depending on the check-in date.

bogart04

elle and yk - thanks for the replies!

No room at the 4S and not a fan of the Ritz, looking into the Rittenhouse at 230/night...not bad. Any experience with the hotel or spa there?

Thanks again!

elle

My experience with the Rittenhouse has largely been with the restaurants, which are excellent. One would assume room service would be, too!

Best of luck in the race.

elle

Oh--and the location of the Rittenhouse is excellent, too. You may be tempted to leave your room (just remember that you're still in your bathrobe. . . )

yk

Rittenhouse Hotel's location cannot be beat. Never stayed there (I live in Philadelphia), but had high tea there once. Pretty nice experience but not as good as Four Seasons.

The restaurant Lacroix in Rittenhouse hotel is supposed to be great, but I have yet to eat there myself.

bogart04

zut alors! expedia just posted the ritz for $263...I'm not particularly a ritz type of gal but I'm tempted! however, rittenhouse is offering a free upgrade or $50 credit for first time guest. decisions, decisions...

either way, will be sure to remain in room while stylin' in bathrobe ;-)

bogart04

okay...anyone want to chime in? Ritz or Ritten?? Is the Ritz experience worth the extra $$ ? Plushness and pampering are important...and room atmoshphere is key since we'll be spending our time in bathrobes, IN our ROOM. ;-) The Rittenhouse sounds great, but the rooms do not look very cozy from what I've seen on the web.

hmmmmmmm........

elle

The Rittenhouse is pretty modern in decor; the Ritz has more traditional furniture and fabrics and a more classicly "romantic" mood.

One thing that you should know about the Rittenhouse is that there are also people who live there--some of the units are actually very very pricey condos. But they're on separate floors than the hotel rooms, I believe. Just something to know.

I prefer the Rittenhouse's location, but I love the atmosphere, the lobby, and the bar at the Ritz. If I could get a room with a view at the Rittenhouse, that would tip the scales in favor of the Rittenhouse.

Then again, there's a movie being filmed in town right now and rumor has it that Cameron Diaz and Shirley MacLaine are at the Rittenhouse. Maybe you don't want to have deal with papparazzi .

It's a pretty nice dilemma to have. . .

yk

bogart-

I stayed at the Ritz for 1 night in Jan 03 (due to a very tempting rate). I had to say I was not impressed. Especially the bathrobes! They were really rough in texture. Also, one of the 2 bathrobes in my room had a tear in it as well. Don't know if they have gotten new ones since then.

Have you checked tripadvisor.com for feedback on those 2 hotels?

Birdie

My husband and I stayed at the Rittenhouse last year and loved our room. It was large, romantic, and overlooked the park. We had reserved a standard room on quikbook. The bed was wonderful and from what I remember, the bathrobes were pretty nice too.

Mcat

I'd prefer the location of the Rittenhouse the most. Can't comment on rooms since I'm from the area, but I've been to the spa and hair salon, (the latter numerous times), so can recommend that. If you're looking for a good spa experience, Toppers and the Body Klinic are nearby. You're also right across the street from the park, Barnes and Nobles, and quite a few good restaurants.

bogart04

Thank you elle, yk et al!

The Rittenhouse was SUPERB!!! We were upgraded to a luxury suite with the most wonderful view of Rittenhouse Square. Everything was perfect from the bathrobes to the service to the massages at the spa. Couldn't have wanted for more. The only fault was that we stayed just 1 night. ;-)

It was heavenly.

yk

bogart-

Glad you had a great time! Thanks for posting your feedback.