The history of the United States of America, culture and museums, a diverse dining scene (from cheesesteaks to Michelin restaurants), and fan-favorite sports stadiums all make Philadelphia an ideal getaway.
Spring is a perfect time to visit, so this week, we offer the top suites at the best hotels in the City of Brotherly Love as our feature story.
1. Four Seasons Hotel at Comcast Center
2. The Rittenhouse
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
4. The Logan Philadelphia, Curio by Hilton
5. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia
6. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
1. Four Seasons Hotel at Comcast Center
Of its only 5-star hotel in Philly, Forbes Travel Guide inspectors write, “Crowning the 1,121-foot, 60-story Comcast Technology Center, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center towers above the rest as North America’s highest hotel. Occupying the top 12 floors of Philadelphia’s tallest building, the property opens up to stellar views of the City of Brotherly Love’s most iconic landmarks. Architect Norman Foster and artistic director Jeff Leatham designed a space that is both modern and sleek while remaining warm and comfortable. They softened this urban hotel by subtly bringing the outside in with stunning florals and the strategic use of windows and mirrors that reflect back the blue sky and invite sunlight to flow naturally through the space. Plus, there’s an incredible infinity pool that spills out into the clouds.”
U.S. News reports, “Located in the heart of Philadelphia and situated in the city’s tallest skyline tower, this hotel boasts an enviable location for sightseers along with the luxury digs associated with the Four Seasons brand. The property’s beautiful accommodations are outfitted in neutrals of white, cream, and beige, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer impressive views of the city. In-room amenities include Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, 65-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi access. Guests at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center also have access to 24-hour room service, a 24-hour multilingual concierge, twice-daily housekeeping and complimentary daily newspapers. What’s more, this Four Seasons is home to numerous on-site amenities, such as a spa, a hair salon, a nail bar, a fitness center and multiple meeting spaces. One of the property’s highlights is its infinity-edge pool, located on the 57th floor. The on-site dining options receive plenty of praise as well, with several recent guests calling the food “amazing” and “memorable.” Restaurants here include upscale Jean-Georges Philadelphia, modern seafood spot Vernick Fish, casual lounge JG Sky High and a relaxed coffee bar.”
Presidential Suite
The 2,137 sq.ft. Presidential Suite feels like what you’d expect a billionaire’s home to feel like. The suite can connect to multiple other rooms to offer a 3-bedroom set-up for those who need more space. Located on the 56th floor, you have two corner views of Philadelphia landmarks, including Ben Franklin Parkway, the art museums, and City Hall. Features include two sitting areas, a fireplace, a formal dining room with a bar, and a butler’s pantry.
More suites at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.
2. The Rittenhouse
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “Sitting on green-filled Rittenhouse Square, the hotel has a tony and urban locale, but inside, it feels fresh and intimate. Opened in 1989, the hotel got makeovers in the summer of 2013 and winter 2018 that unveiled a softer design palette, refurbished rooms, and new, contemporary suites that look out on the square. While the Philadelphia hotel has a new sheen, the stalwarts are still there: Four-Star Lacroix at The Rittenhouse serves one of the best brunches in the city while Mary Cassatt Tea Room pours tea in elegant white china as part of its afternoon service. And most important, the service at the luxury hotel continues to be polished, but never unfriendly.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “The Rittenhouse is to Philadelphia what the Plaza Hotel is to New York City. Like the Midtown institution, the Center City hotel has an illustrious history, attracts a monied crowd, delivers on personalized service, and offers views of Philadelphia’s landmark public square and park…While the central location puts you within a short stroll of some of the city’s best restaurants (Stephen Starr’s Parc, for example), Scarpetta, located in the hotel, also shows up: expect elegant Italian plates such as crispy fritto misto, braised rabbit pappardelle, and a full vegetarian menu.”
The Rittenhouse Suite
The 1,700 sq.ft. Rittenhouse Suite offers views of Rittenhouse Square Park with two and a half marble bathrooms, two bedrooms, full kitchen, living area, dining area, and pull-out sofa bed. Flooded with natural light, the contemporary interior design compliments breathtaking views across the sycamores and maples of Rittenhouse Square Park. There is an option to connect to an Executive King room.
More suites at The Rittenhouse.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
Travel + Leisure says, “In an ideal location on the Avenue of the Arts across from City Hall, this classic hotel offers the best of everything: a multimillion-dollar renovation debuting in 2016, a popular restaurant, a contemporary lounge, and a luxury spa. The property boasts a stunning lobby and great city views.”
U.S. News adds, “While this Ritz-Carlton has the impeccable service that you’d expect from the brand, it’s the property’s beauty that’s the real crowd-pleaser. White columns mark the portico entrance in front of a large dome that caps the dramatic lobby. And the pleasing aesthetic of the entrance extends to the rooms and suites, which were recently refreshed as part of a $25 million renovation. After checking in, a cocktail and meal in the Latin American Aqimero is a must. Craving more luxury? Head to the Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon for a replenishing massage or body treatment.”
The Ritz-Carlton Suite
Located on the 30th floor, the two-bedroom Ritz-Carlton Suite looks over City Hall. Features include two and a half baths, separate living and dining spaces, a personal kitchen en suite with a large dining table, and a private elevator for your exclusive use.
See more suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia.
4. The Logan Philadelphia, Curio by Hilton
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “After pulling off busy Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Logan’s calm, covered driveway, and the friendly valet will instantly make you feel at home. Step inside and the theme continues: The lobby is laid out like a living room, with lounge seating, a self-service coffee bar, oversized fireplace, cozy library, and local art installations. (The hotel holds more than 1,800 works of art detailing the history of Philadelphia, many of which the guests can tour via the hotel’s smartphone app.) Make sure to end at least one of your nights at the ninth-floor rooftop bar, Assembly—the space has breathtaking, panoramic views, which stretch all the way from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to City Hall—and sign up for a treatment (say, reflexology, or a scalp massage) at the subterranean spa.”
U.S. News adds, “Outside of the guest rooms, lodgers can take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center and pool, or they can indulge in some pampering at the on-site spa and nail salon. And though you’ll be surrounded by a bevy of restaurants and bars, visitors highly recommend dining at the on-site steakhouse, Urban Farmer, before grabbing a nightcap at the Commons lobby bar. If the weather is nice, you can also take in the views and libations at the Assembly Rooftop Lounge.”
Presidential Suite
The entry leads into a spacious corner living room surrounded by views of the Parkway and Swann Fountain in this 2,500 sq.ft. Presidential Suite. The bedroom features one king-size bed. An expansive dressing area with a walk-through closet leads to a marble bathroom. The master bathroom is infused with natural light and features a soaking tub with a separate glass shower. This suite features a second bathroom for your guests.
More suites at The Logan Philadelphia.
5. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, The Bellevue is a landmark hotel in Philadelphia (the only one on the National Register of Historic Places), built-in 1904. Though the hotel has since been renovated and expanded, the towering French Renaissance building retains its century-old charm…You’ll see a mix of leisure and business travelers, owing to the convenient Center…Simple, spacious, light-filled—the 172 rooms at The Bellevue are a breath of fresh air in a city that often tries too hard (or not hard enough) to style the perfect guest room.”
It continues, “The 14-foot ceilings are reason alone to love the room. Couple that with vintage art, parquet floors, and city skyline views, and you’ve got a not-so-standard home away from home. The signature restaurant, XIX (or Nineteen—so named for its location on the 19th floor), serves seafood-centric American classics, such as stuffed Pennsylvania trout, ahi tuna tartar, and grass-fed New York strip. Though the city’s strong food game provides stiff competition, the glitzy dining room’s 36-foot-high domed ceiling, 19-foot Italian pearl chandelier, and sweeping city views create an elevated ambiance.”
Arts Suite
The 881 sq.ft. Arts Suite is the hotel’s largest and features living and dining areas, plus a king bedroom, sculpted furnishings, parquet wood flooring, city views, and an expansive workspace.
More suites at Hyatt at the Bellevue.
6. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Terrifically located off Rittenhouse Square, The Palomar injects a dose of liveliness into Philadelphia’s hotel scene. In place of prim settees and stern wood paneling, you’ll find chrome-and-velvet couches, a roaring fire, and quirky design touches such as pop art busts of Benjamin Franklin, ceramic roller skates, and bowls formed from Goldbananas. The mix of whimsical and modern design elements makes the lobby and neighboring Square 1682 restaurant places you want to hang out in. The staff further encourage the impulse, chatting up guests over complimentary wine or hot toddies in the evening—depending on the season—and shade-grown coffee in the morning (eco- and energy-saving measures grant it the honor of being Philadelphia’s first LEED-certified hotel). Pieces by local artists pay homage to the building’s past life as the Art Deco Architects Building, with installations of pinwheels made from blueprints and metal figurines scaling a wall like an army of construction workers. The 230 guest rooms lack some of the snappy personality of the common areas, but feel serene and welcoming with lavender chevron headboards and pillowy beds topped in white Frette linens.”
US News adds, “Striking the right balance of modernity and comfort, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia boasts luxurious amenities, spacious rooms, and chic decor. Recent visitors adore the stylish accommodations: rooms are appointed with eye-catching green and purple accents. They also feature recycled glass tile bathrooms equipped with luxury bath products, as well as signature Kimpton amenities like ultra-soft Frette linens and large flat-screen TVs.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,175 sq.ft. Presidential Suites features a separate bedroom with a King bed with canopy, a living area with sofa bed, and a parlor room with a dining table for six. The large bathroom has a walk-in shower and Fuji Spa tub.
More suites at The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia.
