The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia
The Rittenhouse Hotel is a Philadelphia icon, uniquely positioned directly on the edge of the historic Rittenhouse Square. Opened in 1989 after years of anticipation, the building was designed by architect Donald Reiff, who gave it a distinctive, honeycomb-like hexagonal shape. This was a deliberate choice meant to maximize the number of guest rooms offering sweeping, panoramic views of the park and the Philadelphia skyline.
The property has deep historical roots, as the site was once a mansion owned by Pennsylvania Railroad president A.J. Cassatt, and later served as the Academy of Notre Dame. Today, the hotel subtly honors this history; you can still spot hexagonal patterns in everything from the lobby’s metalwork to the wallpaper in the suites. It even features the Mary Cassatt Tea Room, named in honor of the famous painter and sister of the former mansion owner.
Beyond its architectural flair, the hotel is a hub for relaxation and refined dining. It’s well-loved for its luxury spa, which includes an indoor pool, and its upscale restaurants like Lacroix, known for a legendary Sunday brunch. The attention to detail is palpable—the hotel even stocks guest rooms with Philadelphia-themed books.
Its location is perfect for soaking up local culture. You’re steps away from the lush greenery of Rittenhouse Square, and just a short walk or drive from major landmarks like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the historic sites of Old City, including Independence Hall.
Expert reviews
“A five-star – excuse me, make that five–diamond – hotel on Rittenhouse Square. Rooms have marble baths. Of the downtown options with a pool, this is one of the nicest.”
“This elegant-modern hotel has been locked in a genteel, decades-long battle with the Four Seasons for the title of top hotel in Philadelphia. The Rittenhouse might actually be winning.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Philadelphia.
“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 summer 2013 and winter 2018 that unveiled a softer design palette, refurbished rooms and new, contemporary suites that look out on the square.”
“Situated in a covetable location on Rittenhouse Square, just across the road from one of the city’s oldest parks, the Rittenhouse is Philadelphia’s bastion of heritage-breed luxury. Colossal rooms, a modern restaurant and a sanctuary-like spa make it one of the best places to stay in town.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Boutique style
- Great location
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
16 May 2026
Best stay I’ve had in Philly. Will book here again.
Perfect location, large nicely furnished Queen room, and I used the gym facilities.
6 October 2025
Felt like a home away from home … thanks
Great location, great leisure facilities and the bedrooms were spacious and very comfortable.
The outstanding feature however were the people who worked at the hotel and in particular the concierge
Nothing - all good
8 September 2025
Great place for a stay with family !
Property has excellent location and staff are very friendly. They took care of us and our poodle dog like family. We will definitely return to this place !
The property is a little old but is well maintained.
13 August 2025
An unforgettable stay at the Rittenhouse Hotel, where every detail was perfect and the warm welcome made us feel truly s
Our stay at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve ever had. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel truly special, with every detail thoughtfully taken care of. The warm welcome, complete with bagels and cookies for our two little princesses, brought huge smiles to their faces. The location is excellent, the service outstanding, and the hospitality unforgettable. Thank you for an incredible stay!
Nothing.
27 July 2025
Don't book and I won't come back !
The location of the hotel and the hospitality of the staff
Noise noise noise The noise of the air conditioner and the outside sounds and the discomfort... The noise of the air conditioner is so annoying that it wakes you up from your sleep. Unfortunately, I spoke to the reception staff, but this matter cannot be resolved or the room changed because all the rooms are in this condition. They justified this by saying that the hotel is old and very worn out.
20 April 2025
Our stay at The Rittenhouse was exceptional. Additionally, the afternoon tea my wife had for her mother’s 80th birthday
Everything about The Rittenhouse Hotel was exquisite. Very clean and manicured with a staff that is top notch. The location is excellent.
15 February 2025
Great view and nothing else
Great location
Heating system from last century, not working, had to ask for technical support, when working very loud and smelly
Receptionist didn’t know the logo meaning , nor provided folio even he started conversation from this item… odd … and said he’s new to this place…
Restaurant closed for Super Bowl… I got elevated bar food for high price - fries and wings , seriously?!?!
18 January 2025
Don’t think I’d go back, but the people were all pleasant and the pool/gym/ locker room were great
The location was great and the rooms were large
The first room we got was beautiful and enormous with two beds, which was what we asked for. The room was frigid. The staff promptly responded to our request for them to repair the heat, and when that did not work, they moved us to a suite with one bed, and a sofa bed. The sofa bed was not made and we called to have it made up. It was a very cheap and uncomfortable sofa bed. My friend had a terrible sleep. When she talked to the front desk about it they were very sorry and promised to add comforters etc. when we returned to the room at 3pm nothing had been done. She went back to the desk and asked for a one night refund. The manager said they would confer and get back to her. They never did, but both breakfasts were comped.
Since we had a fair amount of inconvenience and she had to keep going to the front desk, it didn’t feel like we were treated as well as one would hope at an expensive hotel. Several things didn’t work, like the scale and the clock, which were not a big deal, but just gave an overall feeling that they’re not on top of things.
8 January 2025
The location made our visit with our daughter wonderful.
Meticulously maintained facilities. Staff extremely professional and attentive.
I’m 6’3” @ 270 and the shower was extremely small in the suite for big guys. Lovely bath tho
6 January 2025
Gr at location!
Indoor heated pool adjacent to a great gym complete with a reformer and other workout accoutrements for stretching exercises. ALL staff exceptional.
Nothing to complain about!
18 November 2024
Lovely staff, beautiful accommodations
This hotel has a top rating for a reason. The valet, bellman, front desk, steward, bartender and spa attendant were all professional, engaging, helpful and kind. Our accommodations were clean, generous and comfortable. We were well cared for during our stay.
13 October 2024
Disappointing and not worth the cost
Nice size rokm
Common areas look run down, Lacroux bar seemed dirty and no upkeep.
I asked to quiet room and was given one next to staff room so early in the morning on Saturday they were slamming the doors and I couldn’t sleep.
23 September 2024
Cannot wait to go back.
Staff was amazing. The property was well maintained. Room was big. Attention to detail was exceptional.
9 September 2024
great location facilities service 9/10, very dog friendly
excellent service
bar closed early 11:30
14 August 2024
Plan to return every time we visit Philadelphia - we wouldn’t stay anywhere else!
Beautiful - top class - clean - very professional staff
Nothing
8 August 2024
Doesn’t get any better than this
Spacious cozy room. Felt like a suite. Location right in the heart of the square. Staff super helpful. First class all the way
It was perfect
1 August 2024
Lovely with a view of the park to match
Beautiful. Traditional. Clean and comfortable.
$70 per night parking fee is pretty steep.
4 July 2024
This is a beautiful property offering comfort, elegance, fine dining, location and great staff.
Beautiful hotel and accommodations. It has a fantastic location making it easy to walk to sights, restaurants and a the park.
25 May 2024
Ok for one night
Staff is good
The property has left its best years behind. Needs a thorough renovation
11 May 2024
Pricey offering that just about delivers.
The twin room we had was spacious and well appointed. Staff provided us a good welcome. Great location on Rittenhouse Square. Very comfortable beds. Quiet room.
We did not pay extra for a park view and so found ourselves looking out onto the different sort of plant you find on the rooftops of city buildings. A bit disappointing. Room was still being made up at 7.45PM when we came back to the hotel on the first day. Ridiculous.
21 April 2024
Luxury hotel that we would revisit
Good size room and comfortable bed
Breakfast buffet was a bit basic and I suspect under used. it is really geared to ordering from the menu where everything was fresh and plenty of choice.
16 April 2024
Amazing Hotel & Location 5 Star
Only 5 Star Hotel in Philadelphia
Paying for Valet Parking
14 April 2024
Anytime I don’t mind spending this much on one night in a hotel I would gladly go back again.
Absolutely lovely room, super nice staff, exceptionally comfortable
I was really looking forward to having a hot bath, but the bathtub drain did not hold water. Since it was 10 PM, there was really nothing I could do about it.
10 March 2024
Amazing location and rooms
The room and location were amazing! The spa was nice but my massage was very expensive and quite disappointing.
Spa did not meet expectations.
7 March 2024
Added to the fun in Philly!
Great location, beautiful room.
28 December 2023
Worth the money. Wonderful hotel in center city.
Big rooms. Clean. Pleasant staff. Good breakfast. Ideal location. If u want to splurge rhouse is great choice. Highly recommend.
3 November 2023
Great location and good value for money
Location is perfect
Alarm went off during the early hours of the morning
10 August 2023
Great experience. Excellent service!
Location was great! Did not eat at hotel.
Facility could use some updating!
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - ATM/cash machine on site
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Beauty services
- - Facial treatments
- - Waxing services
- - Make-up services
- - Hair treatments
- - Manicure
- - Pedicure
- - Haircut
- - Hair colouring
- - Hair styling
- - Body treatments
- - Body scrub
- - Body wrap
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Happy hour (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Visual aids: Braille
- - Visual aids: Tactile signs
Pool and wellness
- - Heated pool
- - Shallow end
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

25 May 2026
Lovely hotel in Prime Location