Fodor's Expert Review The Rittenhouse

The service at Philadelphia five star hotel is unparalleled. From happily providing personal items that travelers commonly forgot to overnight shoe polishing service, the staff is among the most accommodating in the city. The 33-story building's sawtooth design gives the large guest rooms unusual shapes, with nooks and alcoves; all rooms overlook the famous park that gives the hotel its name or a quiet city view. Each room has a large marble bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower; many also have whirlpool tubs. Other amenities include an on-site salon and spa and a contemporary fitness center with sauna/steam services and a pool. The modern French restaurant, Lacroix, is among the most elegant dining experiences in the city, and it's also known for its opulent buffet brunch. It also houses the swanky Library Bar and a hidden gem, Scarpelli, which has some of the best cocktails and freshest Italian food in the city.

7 am to 11 pm concierge service will provide you everything you need.

room

Newly-redesigned guestrooms at The Rittenhouse are spacious, comfortable and come with contemporary modern luxury features and amenities. Guest rooms are generously proportioned, measuring between 450 and 600 square feet - the largest guest rooms in the city. Each room has a large marble bathroom, a leather chair, a separate vanity and dressing room with an illuminated makeup mirror, a large flat-screen television with entertainment on demand and an iPod docking station on pullout desk. Beds are large and plush bed with pillow-top mattress, duvets and king-size down pillows (foam pillows are also available.) There is twice daily housekeeping including evening turndown service with chocolates. Individual climate control keeps the room comfortable and each room has an in-room safe. Plush bathrobe and slippers made for the Rittenhouse Hotel. There is also a minifridge private bar stocked with a selection of cold beverages and snacks.

Leave your shoes out by 2am and they will be polished by 6am.

bathroom

Marble bathrooms are large and luxurious marble bathroom featuring Acqua Di Parma bath amenities. Each room has a glass enclosed shower with massage showerhead and select guest rooms have soaking bathtubs.

lobby

The hotel was originally designed in the Beaux Arts style and has an art deco touch. It has its own design symbol marked on carpets and brass doors that looks a bit like a pill with a needle but is actually an aerial view of the eponymous park. Clean and neat with marble flooring, multiple crystal chandeliers grace the lounge which includes the quiet check-in area which is on the right upon immediate entrance. The floor houses the Mary Cassatt tea room, the florist Egan which is a home and body gift shop, and the entrance to Scarpetta, the Italian bar and restaurant and the Library Bar is in the lobby.

pool

The pool is in the area where the salon, locker rooms, and spa room are. It is indoors where it is a bit stuffy but has a popular poolside menu, guests rarely swim in the pool as it is 4'7" deep and 38 by 18 feet, heated but rather chilly for a heated pool. Most sit in the five lounge chairs to relax or on the outdoor deck that is only open in the summertime.

spa

The Rittenhouse Spa & Club is a luxurious hotel day spa with a full menu of services such as professional massage, body rituals like chakra balancing with hot stones and body treatments like wraps, esthetician facials like the popular Hydrafacial and hair by a Paul LeBreque. Makeup application is also offered. The spa has a boutique to purchase products used along with other luxury offerings including spa-like clothing.

YOU SHOULD KNOW It is very popular with residents, members, guests and outside clients so book ahead and be prepared to wait.

gym

The fitness center has a pilates reformer machine for your own use, two peloton bikes, weighted balls, free weights and offers one to five classes daily in disciplines like yoga and barre. Personal trainers are available by request for a fee.

The locker rooms for the gym are a treat with steam room, sauna, vanities, zents body wash, shampoo and conditioner and all amenities such as razors, slippers, robe, and hair dryers.

dining

Renowned Executive Chef Jon Cichon oversees the fine dining at the acclaimed AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Lacroix which also has a large selection of award-winning wines. The fare is typical upscale hotel dining, however, and Scarpelli's is a much more exciting dining alternative. LaCroix does have a nice brunch with some healthy options like green juices. Scarpetta serves casually elegant Italian fare with flour imported from Tuscany and dough made for each pasta served fresh. It's a hidden foodie heaven in the city since it's not even advertised on the hotel sign with just a sign on the front door alongside a menu that faces the street entrance.

drinking

Bar 210 is the lounge inside Lacroix and faces in the opposite direction of the inviting windows overlooking the park. They serve specialty cocktails, fine and vintage wines, and a selection of light bites but it's not a popping spot. Instead, check out the in-house Library Bar. Designed to look like a small study with only books about Philadelphia, the "bartenders who care" serve artfully crafted cocktails, wines, rare spirits and small plate pairings within an intimate and contemporary environment. Scarpetta also has a swanky bar on the main level that caters to the younger crowd and even has a bit of a clubby feel.