Discover Philadelphia with The Rittenhouse
Believe it or not, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has a lot to brag about. To start, it’s the birthplace of American democracy and home to important landmarks like Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Constitution was signed and adopted. It’s one of the oldest – and most populous – cities in America, though you couldn’t tell from looks alone; its 18th-century architecture and public parks are beautifully preserved, and, despite its size, the city is pleasantly walkable and easy to navigate. You’ll find some of the world’s best art museums and cultural institutions here, too, not to mention a spectacular dining scene. And, of course, we can’t leave out the legendary sports teams (and passionate fans) that call Philly home.
Simply put, there are infinite things to love (and boast) about the City of Brotherly Love, cheesesteaks and Rocky Balboa included. To experience the best of Philadelphia’s multifaceted metropolis, plan your stay at the center of it all: The Rittenhouse.
Much like its city, The Rittenhouse has a lot to be proud of – a Forbes Five-Star rating, AAA Four Diamond designation, and countless awards from the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor, and U.S. News & World Report readers, to name a few.
Besides its award-winning service, perhaps the greatest “wow” factor of The Rittenhouse is its unbeatable location. The newly renovated property overlooks one of Philadelphia’s greatest historic treasures, Rittenhouse Square, which dates back to the late 1600s. Rittenhouse Square is one of five original squares planned by the city’s founder, William Penn, for whom the state of Pennsylvania is named. Fast forward to the 21st century, Penn’s visionary square and the neighborhood surrounding (also known as Rittenhouse) are as vibrant as ever. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, shops, galleries and more, all within steps of the hotel.
Naturally, the Square is a centerpiece of The Rittenhouse experience. In fact, the building’s architect designed it so the greatest number of guests could enjoy views of the Square and city skyline! As a result, many of the hotel’s guestrooms and suites – the largest of any Philadelphia hotel – seemingly envelop you in a tapestry of treetops, providing a calm, nature-filled escape from the concrete jungle below.
Inside, the hotel’s accommodations are outfitted with everything you need for a deeply relaxing stay.
Elegant marble bathrooms with Acqua Di Parma amenities, fluffy pillow-top mattresses, 24-hour room service, and even a complimentary shoe shine for nights on the town.
For travelers in pursuit of serious R&R, The Rittenhouse Spa & Club is an absolute must. The hotel’s on-site spa and wellness facilities offer a range of programs, and skin and body treatments for luxurious pampering. Revitalize jet-lagged skin with an exfoliating facial using 100% pure vitamin C, melt away tension with a “Back and Shoulder Rescue” massage, or nourish your skin with moisturizing body wraps.
But wait, there’s more! Lots more, like a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes, a barre and yoga studio, his and hers saunas and steam rooms, and an indoor saltwater pool complete with poolside food and drink service. The hotel even has an on-site salon, Hair by Paul Labrecque, offering everything from haircuts and blowouts to makeup applications to bikini waxes and anti-aging manicures.
Philadelphia’s gastronomy scene is wildly varied, internationally inspired, and endlessly interesting, much like the city itself. Each neighborhood boasts its own little collection of culinary treasures – chef-driven restaurants, mom ‘n’ pop eateries, food markets, and local watering holes – which means you never have to travel far to eat well. In fact, guests of The Rittenhouse needn’t travel at all! Some of the city’s best restaurants are found at this address.
In the Mary Cassatt Tea Room, afternoon tea is a ritualistic art form. Named after famed American painter Mary Cassatt – whose brother, A.J. Cassatt, once lived on the grounds of today’s Rittenhouse hotel – the Mary Cassatt Tea Room (reopening Spring 2022) invites guests to slow down and savor simple pleasures, like artisanal tea blends and delightful finger foods served in a beautiful garden and sun-drenched atrium.
Those who prefer their libations with a bit more oomph, head over to the hotel’s Library Bar, a speakeasy-style lounge recently named one of the 20 best-designed hotel bars by Architectural Digest. The Library Bar has an extensive menu of season-inspired cocktails, fine wines, craft beers, and hard-to-find spirits from all over the world. Order the bar’s signature drink, “Perfect Square,” with bourbon and cherry nectar, and pair it with your choice of small plates like Osetra caviar, charcuterie, or French-inspired tuna niçoise.
After cocktails, you won’t have to travel far to experience some of the city’s best restaurants; they’re inside The Rittenhouse! At Scarpetta, the hotel’s new Italian restaurant, savor handmade pasta like basil gnocchi with jumbo lump crab, or opt for the duck and foie gras ravioli. Save room for delicious dishes like wild black bass, branzino, rabbit pappardelle, and creamy polenta with truffled mushrooms, too. The Rittenhouse is also home to Lacroix, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant with incredible views of Rittenhouse Square. Reopening in the Spring of 2022, Lacroix combines the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients with innovative takes on international cuisine. Executive Chef Jonathan Cichon is constantly updating the restaurant’s tasting menu, so diners are guaranteed a unique culinary experience at every visit.
You may be tempted to spend all of your time at The Rittenhouse – and really, who could blame you? – but Philadelphia has so much to offer just outside your door!
The famous Rittenhouse Square is a delightful first stop for your Philly adventure. During warmer months, do as the locals do and enjoy a classic picnic with charcuterie and wine pairings prepared by The Rittenhouse’s chefs. The park is equally charming during wintertime, when twinkling lights and festive decor make for an enchanting stroll.
In the surrounding Rittenhouse neighborhood, you’re spoiled for choice of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – many considered among Philadelphia’s best. Enjoy bistro-style dining at popular eateries like Rouge or Parc, shop the designer stores and luxury boutiques on Walnut Street, and discover new artists at local galleries like the Philadelphia Art Alliance (reopening January 2022), The Print Center, and Works On Paper.
Beyond Rittenhouse Square, embark on a culinary journey to sample the city’s iconic foods: juicy Philly cheesesteaks, pork roast sandwiches, pretzels, hoagies, and water ice. Where to find the best is a hotly contested topic; consider this guide a helpful starting point.
Museum lovers should also make time for Philadelphia’s world-class institutions. The Franklin Institute pays homage to the pioneering American scientist (and longtime Philly resident!), Benjamin Franklin, with tons of interactive exhibitions on science and technology. (Pro tip: Plan your visit around the world premiere of Harry Potter™: The Exhibition, which opens in February 2022!)
At the Barnes Foundation, marvel at works by Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Modigliani, as well as rarely-seen Native American art and textiles. The Philadelphia Museum of Art may be best known for Rocky Balboa’s famous stair scene, but it’s what’s inside that really counts: heart-stirring works by masters like Mary Cassatt, Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Rembrandt, to name a few. Contemporary art aficionados, join a guided tour of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens or venture throughout the city to find public art like Keith Haring’s We The Youth and South Philly’s Instagram-famous light installation, The Electric Street.
Philadelphia has a plethora of performing arts, too. Enjoy a classical concert by the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, catch a Broadway show or dance performance at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, or settle in for an evening of jazz music at Chris’ Jazz Cafe, the longest-operating jazz club in Philadelphia.
Of course, you can’t visit Philly without experiencing its historic sites. Walk the 300-year-old Elfreth’s Alley, snap a selfie by the Liberty Bell, tour Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed), and admire the intricate detailing of Philly’s iconic City Hall.
After a long day of exploration, head back to The Rittenhouse and let its award-winning team take care of you. After all, taking care of one another is what the City of Brotherly Love is all about.
Experience the best of Philadelphia at The Rittenhouse! Check out the hotel’s special offers, and book your stay for an exciting city adventure.