The Rittenhouse Hotel

The Rittenhouse has a zigzag facade design dominated by windows. The geometric designs continue into classic, luxurious lobby, which has patterned carpet under lime green armchairs, marble tiling, a black piano, large chandeliers, large works of art, and brass stair railings. The hotel was built on the former site of a mansion owned by A.J. and Lois Buchanan Cassatt, whose sister Mary became a famed impressionist painter; she's the namesake of the tea room. The attentive service is frequently complimented by guests.

The Lacroix restaurant is chicly decorated, featuring forest-green chairs, lantern lights, and vintage plates along the wall. The 210 bar is tucked inside the restaurant and has a green marble-topped bar under a large tree painting. The Mary Cassatt Tea Room is pretty spot for tea and cakes with silver seating and an adjacent courtyard that has a fountain feature and ivy flanking the walls. Relaxation and pampering take place at the indoor pool or spa, which were renovated in 2014 -- picture modern wicker seating by the pool and a dimly lit space with stylish furniture and scattered candles at the spa. 

The hotel has an ideal location in the downtown area of Center City, the central business district of Philadelphia. Many of its rooms overlook the adjacent Rittenhouse Square, a historic park built in 1683. Independence Hall and Liberty Bell are a 30-minute walk to get to, as is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its central location allows guests to get to anywhere around the city easily. There are many restaurants and shops around the hotel as well. The Rittenhouse does provide a Jaguar car service, but guests can't reserve it as it's on a first-come, first-served basis! The only parking is valet and it's a pricey daily fee. The Philadelphia airport is a 30-minute drive away.

The lowest-level rooms are the King Rooms with either a city or park view. These simple but spacious rooms are similarly decorated -- blue patterned carpeting, plush bedding with blue stripe detailing, and traditional wooden furniture, including a desk. Each has a living room area with a couch, armchair, and flat-screen TV on top of a cabinet housing the minibar and safe. The large marble bathrooms have bathtubs, separate showers, and large countertops; there's a separate vanity area with a light-up makeup mirror. Bathrobes, slippers, and luxury toiletries are standard, as are hairdryers and iPod docks. Thoughtful amenities include overnight shoe-shining and cards detailing the next day's weather forecast. Views are either of the city or Rittenhouse Square Park. Note that some rooms don't have coffeemakers and configurations can be a little odd. Suites have separate living areas and some include kitchens as well as washers and dryers. The Penthouse is stunningly modern with a four-poster bed, bookshelf-lined hallway, and sleek furniture. 

The spa and indoor pool were renovated in 2014, creating chic, modern spaces. There's not much room to lounge at the pool, but there's comfortable wicker seating as well as an outdoor deck for sunbathing. The spa has a slew of treatments available, as well as a nail and hair salon on-site. The fitness center is bright, thanks to big windows, and has modern cardio machines with personal TVs, free weights, a sauna, and steam room. There are meeting rooms, a business center with a couple of computers, and a stunning ballroom popular for weddings as well.

The renowned Lacroix restaurant and its attached 210 bar receive good reviews, and serve dishes such as foie gras torchon and veal cheek at a hefty price. The Mary Cassatt Tea Room has a variety of teas to drink and pair with either sandwiches, scones, or sweets. The Library Bar serves a variety of drinks and light bites. Room service is available 24 hours a day.