In 2019, I finally made the move to New York, arriving on a Wednesday. But by Friday, I was on a Megabus on my way to Philadelphia for work. Stepping off the bus in the Rittenhouse neighborhood with its bevy of restaurants and bars, tree-lined green spaces and history tucked in every corner, I couldn’t help but think, “Oh, maybe I should’ve moved to Philly.” Yet, I was only in town for a handful of days, most of them working, so I had too little time to really explore my surroundings. I told myself that when I returned, I would give myself the time to dive into the history of it all. I was lucky enough to do so at The Rittenhouse Hotel.
The 118-guest room and 27-suite hotel sits at the edge of the historic Rittenhouse Square. Before it became the hotel, the location lived many lives, first a mansion owned by A.J. Cassatt, the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad, before he sold it to the Episcopal Church of Pennsylvania. The Academy of Notre Dame soon found a home here as well, serving Philadelphia’s young boys and girls. By the late 1960s, architect Donald Reiffut envisioned the design for the hotel, and after many years of construction (and quite a few delays), the hotel finally opened in 1989.
Its most notable element? The interlocking hexagonal design of the building. Almost honeycomb-like in fashion, the design is intentional, allowing for more viewing space of the park below. A marker of the hotel, this elemental design carries through the space, seen in metalworking that encases the lobby and on the carpets to pins worn by the staff.
Looking to settle in, I rode the elevator up and made my way up to my Deluxe King City suite. The 500-square-foot room once again winks to the theme of the hotel, with a golden hexagonal wallpaper that wraps the room. The grand interior continues with a beautiful dark wood bed frame, a handsome desk with a glass top and small table in the nook of the room, made for morning coffee overlooking the city. As for the bathroom, the marbled room housed both a tub and shower that was carved right into the wall. And if you happened to travel with a partner or a friend like I did, the room also included a separate vanity right outside the bathroom with an illuminated mirror for getting ready.
Putting good use to the vanity, I immediately started preparing for dinner. Luckily, one of Philly’s finest was only an elevator ride away. On the second floor of the hotel sits the Lacroix. Earning such recognition as the AAA Four Diamond Award and four stars from Forbes, the restaurant’s credit goes to executive chef Eric Leveillee for his attention to local sourcing and following the seasons for its fare.
Coming off the elevator, the restaurant charms with touches of the Old World with a fountain made of intricate, carved stone work. Large marble columns and dark woods are offset by pops of greenery with plants dotted throughout the space. Naturally, a view is found here as well, as floor-to-ceiling windows allow for sights of the square.
Mornings can be spent over your choice of breakfast buffet, more classic with scrambled eggs and breakfast meats, continental for pastries and even a healthy option with acai bowls and avocado toasts. But the evenings are truly special thanks to chef Leveille’s tasting menu. I chose the carte blanche tasting menu experience, priced at $155 per person, which started with a laminated brioche bread and a herbs de Provence butter for spreading, the pommes darphin (a French potato pancake) which somehow tasted like a sour cream and onion chip with the introduction of charred ash and a sheet of ravioli with caramelized parsnip and vanilla in a buttery sauce that I successfully spooned up even with my fork.
But if a tasting menu is not in the cards, you can also go for the a la carte menu. For even more dining options, The Rittenhouse houses a number of restaurants, including the fine Italian revue that is Scarpetta, the lounge Bar 210 located inside the LaCroix restaurant, the 20-seater getaway bar on the first floor, the Library Bar, and the Mary Cassatt Tea Room with its lush outdoor garden, open in the warmer months.
For a much-needed R&R, the Rittenhouse Spa & Club is where you need to be. Located on the third floor, the spa is all about taking care of you via facials, messages (including a restorative massage with CBD) and body scrubs. Unfortunately, the pool was under renovation when I visited, but I recommend checking it out as well as the steam room and dry sauna. And to complete the self-care ritual, the salon features haircuts and blow outs, nail care and make sessions with master makeup artists.
Among its amenities and the storied past, The Rittenhouse's Hotel stands as a gem all its own.
Neighborhood
Hotels, restaurants, shops—you can find it all in Rittenhouse Square. The neighborhood’s most common draw is the square itself. Established in 1683, the park's tree-lined pathways invite strolling while its curated works, including bronze statues and a reflecting pool, invite you to pause. Throughout the year, the square is home to concerts, farmer’s markets and a hub for all things holiday.
Nearby
Take a leisurely stroll around Rittenhouse Square
It is outside of the hotel after all. Founded in the 17th century, the current square is one of the city's finest greenspaces, surrounded by restaurants and fine dining spaces or just a pleasant space to sit on a bench and soak up the city. If you happen to visit on the weekend, make a visit to the square on Saturdays to explore local arts and get a taste of what’s local for the Rittenhouse Saturday Farmers' Market.
Discover the history at the Old City
The birthplace of America lives in the Old City. About a 20-minute walk away from the hotel, you can tour historical sites including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Benjamin Franklin’s final resting place.
Time Out tip: The Rittenhouse is one of the best dog-friendly hotels for you and your pooch. For an extra fee, the hotel can provide a sitter and even walk your furry friend. There is even a dog-friendly menu, including MUTT’loaf (turkey meatloaf) to frozen peanut butter banana bars for dessert, so you and your best friend can eat in style.