ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: From the minute your vehicle pulls up to The Rittenhouse Hotel driveway, the pampering begins. My suitcase and backpack were swiftly pulled out of the trunk and put onto a bell cart before I even got out of the car myself. We made our way to reception, where I was welcomed with a refreshing bottle of water and we painlessly went through the check-in process. Once completed, my appointed bellman led me to the elevator to make my way to my room.

GUEST QUARTERS: I was welcomed into a beautiful King room with city views. A vanity welcomes you at the entry along with a very roomy closet where you can drop your jacket and other things you might want to shed before making your way into the rest the space.

My favorite things about my room were the windows that drew in so much natural light. The expansive windows face Rittenhouse Square, which made for a very relaxing space when the rain came later that day. There was also plenty of sitting and work space in the nook facing the beautiful square.

For those curious about the bathroom facilities, they offer a spacious tub with a separate shower as well as a very well-lit his and hers sink … which I made all hers. Before being left to my own devices, I was given a quick tour of the coffee amenities: an Illy coffeemaker, the little sister to Keurig, as the bellman described it.

I have to say, I had the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time. The bedding was absolutely divine, the perfect welcome after escaping the rain that fell on Philly.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: You know I love to keep active, especially when traveling, so I made sure to check out these facilities before I left home. I first searched, “Do they have a pool?” Yes, they have a heated saltwater pool. And, yes, it made for a great workout. Their gym has fantastic state-of- the-art workout equipment, too, including a reformer! You’ll also find a wet sauna in the women’s locker room, which I assume is also available in the men’s locker room.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Make sure to visit Parc – as I learned, one of Philly’s best French eateries.
• You’re also just around the corner from some of the best shopping in the city. I checked out the Anthropologie and Mejuri.
• Walk over to K’Far Café Philadelphia; I had some of the most memorable coffee there.

THE RITTENHOUSE HOTEL
210 W. Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
tel 215 546 9000
rittenhousehotel.com