I am currently staying at the Rittenhouse right now. I booked two nights with the hotel and supposedly got upgraded to 600 sq foot room. Room is NOT as advertised - small design and tired feel. Lucia - manager on duty is inflexible as to upgrading me to accommodate my complaint but did offer to take an additional 350.00 for next room up. Polite but snooty attitude does not match the staff at Four Seasons and other properties where they "do anything to make you comfortable." Skip this hotel if you like and expect high end service with a smile and sophisticated comfort.

We booked a quick weekend getaway with our family (3 kids ages 12, 5, 3). The location was fabulous. Rittenhouse Square is so beautiful to look at and walk through on our way to all the sights. We found it to be very centrally located. As soon as we arrived, my kids were taken to a treasure chest of toys that they could pick from. They both were so attached to their gifts the whole stay. Our room was very spacious. The staff could not have been more gracious and child friendly. We had a delicious snack of strawberries, cookies and champagne in the afternoon. We sat in the beautiful lobby with piano music in the background. The concierge recommended a wonderful restaurant across the square named Devon's. It was exactly what we had in mind. we continued to get showered with treats. They sent cookies and milk up to the room. When we told the staff we needed something for our child, they offered to go to the drugstore for us (which wasn't necessary, but still a very nice gesture). In the evening, my kids got their own slippers and robes and a goodnight story. They really enjoyed this special attention. In the morning, we ate at Lacroix. It was a beautiful restaurant overlooking the park. It was wonderful. The service was impeccable. My only comment is that the sheets weren't as luxurious as some other hotels and the bathroom could use a little sprucing up. Other than that, I would highly recommend the property.

I didn't read the hotel reviews until after I'd booked. This was to be a special mini R&R; imagine how disappointing it was to read the negative and so-so reviews of what is reputed to be the best hotel in Phila and one of the best in the US. Within about 3 seconds of arriving, I wondered whether the reviewers I'd read had been in the same hotel. The staff were unfailingly attentive, responsive, helpful, friendly. Front Desk, Room Service, Hotel Staff, Concierge...all made me feel like queen for a day. Food from room service was perfectly prepared and served. Breakfast in Lacroix was...well, if only every day could start like this.... (sigh)... Bed linens (and I was really worried about this after the other reviews) were lush and new-seeming. The room was spotless. Yes, the hotel isn't space-age in decor (thankfully), but there is certainly nothing worn, dusty or dirty. My only mini-complaint, that the way the bedroom tv was set up made it hard to see from the bed. [Could one really be that hedonistic?] This is truly a five-starr hotel, thanks in greatest part to the staff and how they treat the guests. One expects this in this caliber hotel, but we are so often disappointed these days, that when we get true great service it is truly a WOW experience. Thank you to all the Rittenhouse Hotel staff, from top to bottom.

My husband and I have stayed here for business and pleasure multiple times over the past several months. While I would go back again, I do agree with some of the other user's comments. The location of the hotel and size of the rooms are what keeps us coming back. You don't feel shoved into a small hotel room like so many any other places. We stayed at The Ritz in December and while the rooms & bathrooms were much nicer, the room was also much smaller. At any rate, YES, the Rittenhouse rooms & hallways are in desperate need of an overhaul. I'm sure the decor rocked in the late 80's a la Tony Montana (Scarface). However the bathroom's black ceilings & doors coupled w/ black and gold wallpaper doesn't exactly speak to 2008. Also, the beds are sooo dated. Even the Marriott has down comforters! I can't believe the Rittenhouse is still using shiny polyester bedspreads. Where could you even buy one today? I find their choice in decor very disappointing. I understand they want to maintain a traditional style, however that can be acheived in a much fresher, current way. On the positive side, I appreciated the daily complimentary newspaper(s) (We opted for NYTimes and the Phila Inq). Also, the afternoon champagne, cookies and strawberries are a welcome treat. We also enjoyed our breakfasts in Lacroix. It's such a pretty room. So as you can see, my biggest gripe is w/ the decor. We secured very reasonable rates during our last several stays and we did not have any issues w/ the staff or cleanliness. I love the Park views and staying in such a great location. BTW - if you want a casual meal in a neighborhoody place, try Smith's around the corner. We had a great, casual night there one evening. If you're not a design snob, you'll probably be very happy here.

My family and I recently stayed at the Rittenhouse. Other than generous size bedrooms and bathrooms the hotel was a bust. Expensive w/o the 5 star service. Typically, we stay at the Ritz but thought that we would try something different. The stay at the Rittenhouse helped us remember 'why' we typically opt for the Ritz. At the Philly Ritz (as with most of their properties) if there is an issue or problem they are trained to deal w/ it flawlessly and make every effort to make amends. In contrast, we developed an 'issue' over the accomodations at the Rittenhouse and the staff and management could NOT have been more rude and confrontational if they tried. It ruined the stay. Moreover, the food was uneventful and expensive. We don't mind paying for good food, but this missed the mark entirely and the menu choices were disappointing and uninspired. The upside (reason for 2 stars) is that the rooms were clean and the cleaning staff delightful. Otherwise, the rooms are in need of a serious overhaul. The furnishings contrasted markedly from what was displayed on the website and did not present much differently than a Hampton Inn. Not clear to us how this place stays afloat especially with such good alternatives in town: Ritz, 4 Seasons and the Park Hyatt---all of which deliver much higher quality rooms and much much better service. Advice: stay away and try one of the other ones listed!