The Wall Street Journal described the city as both a “historical heavyweight” and a “booming cultural and culinary destination”. Philadelphia’s heritage is significant for the US, but more recently it’s established itself as a modern destination with lots of new attractions. It’s also been a popular movie location for decades. This makes it a place of means and many luxury hotels have popped up as a result of a proliferation of wealthy visitors seeking fine accommodation. All the big chain names are here, along with an interesting array of independent establishments, making the most of Philly’s skyscrapers and historic architecture.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia At Comcast Center
Rising 60 storeys and 1121-feet into the Philadelphia skyline, is the Comcast Center. The Four Seasons occupies the building from the 48th floor, ensuring guests have incredible views (this is the highest altitude you’ll reach in a North American hotel). 180 rooms and 39 suites have floor to ceiling windows, app-based tech, smart controls and Guerlain toiletries. The crystal-encrusted health and wellness centre resides on the 57th floor, complete with Peloton bikes and a dreamy pool. It also houses a top-floor restaurant and bar with a towering glass atrium, a further seafood eatery and there’s a house car at guests’ disposal.
The Ritz Carlton
Set in one of Philly’s aforementioned historic buildings, The Ritz was once the Girard Trust Bank. As such, the public rooms are grand and imperious, with 301 bedrooms taking on a softer, more contemporary feel. The Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon is very well respected in beauty circles and there’s a Latin-American restaurant in the lobby, to treat your tastebuds. As there’s only one restaurant, if you want access to a further lounge (with complimentary food), you’ll need to book a club suite. While the hotel may look formal, it offers a relaxed approach for families, with an Ocean Futures kids club offering environmentally-themed activities.
The Rittenhouse Hotel
Named after its location just off Rittenhouse Square, the Rittenhouse is a paradise for pet lovers — personalised bowls, treats baked on the premises and bookable dog walkers or sitters, ensure Fido is as pampered as you are. Meanwhile, humans can receive their share of indulgence at the sleek, contemporary spa and pool. 118 bedrooms are, by contrast, decorated in a more classical style at the Forbes Four-Star hotel, some with four-poster beds. Guests can feast on five-course tasting menus at The Rittenhouse’s fine-dining venue Lacroix, or eat at one of three further venues.
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection By Hilton
Another hotel taking its name from an adjacent square (itself named after statesman James Logan), this hotel is found Downtown. Art is important here, with carefully curated works hung throughout the building. 391 rooms – with a minimum of 400 square feet of space each – are decorated in dark greys and whites, with a pop of colour coming through soft yellow logo detailing. Larger suites include luxuries like private balconies, large dining areas, pool tables, grand pianos and sweeping city views. Four eating and drinking establishments are offered, with small plates served at the ninth-floor rooftop bar and restaurant and there’s an underground spa.
