The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

“4.5 out of 5”

I visited the Ritz in Philadelphia from Saturday, October 12-13. I visited Philly for the Stevie Wonder concert and used my Marriott annual free night. It was worth it. The price is pretty steep for Philly, but I would repeat. I haven't visited enough hotels in Philly to determin… more

I visited the Ritz in Philadelphia from Saturday, October 12-13. I visited Philly for the Stevie Wonder concert and used my Marriott annual free night. It was worth it. The price is pretty steep for Philly, but I would repeat. I haven't visited enough hotels in Philly to determine whether this should be my go-to. The location- 5/5 This hotel's location right next to City Hall is ideal. The Ritz is in the center of Center City. It is either a short walk, subway ride, or at most a 10 minute Uber from any and all night life. Travelers can walk to the clubs and concert venues of Center City, take a 10 minute Uber or subway ride to the discotheques of Olde City, a 10 minute cab to University City, or 10 minute walk to Chinatown. There is no parking lot, which is odd. However, there are tons of parking lots within striking distance. The Room- 4.5/5 Marriott upgraded me because I was a Platinum Elite. That said, there was nothing special about the room, but the bathroom was excellent. The bathroom consisted of two rooms: (1) a small room for the toilet and (2) a room at least the size of bedroom for the shower, bath, and mirrors. I appreciated this layout and I might copy it in my own house. I did not use the bath, but I appreciated the option. The bathroom took the room from a 4 out of 5 to a 4.5. The amenities- (Can't fairly judge) I only stayed here for one night. I cannot in good conscience evaluate the gym, the spa, or Sky Club. I will say that they provided a robe and some slippers. Service- 4/5 for the US but 3/5 globally In the US, the staff were among the best I have seen. Staff responded relatively promptly to requests by phone and treated us with dignity and respect. They did well, but for more than $600 a night.... People who do not leave the US have no idea how hotels in other countries treat their guests- especially visitors to luxury hotels like the Ritz, the Four Seasons, or the St. Regis. I visited Penha Longa, a Ritz Carlton in Sintra, Portugal. My review is somewhere on this site. First, the Ritz in Philly is easily 6 or 7 times as expensive, but the US is more expensive than Portugal. Nevertheless, we arrived in Sintra and staff poured us champagne, took our bags, and escorted us to our room while explaining features of the hotel while suggesting activities for us. In Philadelphia, the staff greeted us, gave us our keys, and directed us to the elevator. This is the modus operandi for hotels in the U.S., but they could take some lessons from Penha Longa. At a luxury hotel, I expect some razzle-dazzle. I expect some champagne, wine, or juice, and at least someone to show us to our rooms. When I stayed at the Sheraton in University City- which is not a luxury hotel- an attendant helped me with my bags, explained where the gym and spa were, and suggested some activities and locations to visit in Philly. Even the Hilton had fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies on offer. What I appreciated about this location was that after we told them we were headed to see Stevie Wonder, they had extra water bottles waiting for us on our return. They did try and they did offer good service. I do not know if they clean the rooms every day, because I only stayed for one day. The staff members were convivial and tried to address our issues with speed and alacrity. However, the Ritz is supposed to provide a luxury experience and this was missing: No beverages or even snacks. We had the same check in experience that I would have in an Atlantic City casino and when someone visits the Ritz Carlton, he or she expects luxury. The check in at the Sheraton and the Hilton was more luxurious. Food- 4.5/5 I ate late-night room service and a la carte breakfast. The room service was excellent. 24-Hour room service is quite rare and the food tasted freshly cooked, or at least didn't feel microwaved. It arrived quickly and the staff member who served us cool. The breakfast was pricey but tasty. I am not a big breakfast guy, but the food pleasantly surprised me. This is not Penha Longa, with its three different Michelin Star restaurants, but its pretty good for Philly. Overall This hotel experience was worth it for first time visitors to Philly but regular travelers might prefer one of the many less-expensive alternatives also within striking distance of City Hall. This hotel shines in its proximity to everything great about Philadelphia. The room- especially the bathroom- was excellent and a level above what you would find in the Sheraton, the W, or the Hilton. I don't much care about decor, but the layout reminded me of NY in the 1910's; so it has a classic feel. It also excels in convenience with its 24-hour room service. The service was pretty good, but not stellar. The people who served our food and visited our room were excellent; they were prompt and friendly. The luxury experience and the atmosphere that the hotel would cater to your every desire were missing. The check-in process is integral to creating an atmosphere that the patron has arrived at a luxury hotel, which will cater to him or her. At Saii Lagoon, I arrived to people drumming for us and dancing the traditional Maldivian dance. Then the staff served us fruit juices and offered us snacks before driving us to our room. At Kuredu, the same process, and at Kuredu, we were in the least expensive rooms. In Ibiza, the staff offered us juice and asked if we needed help with our bags. Then, someone came to our rooms to explain how to use the machines and told us where to go in Ibiza. Even at the Hilton, they gave me some freshly baked cookies at check in. Here, no champagne or juice, and no one escorted us to our rooms or offered help with our bags. I cannot and don't blame the staff for that, since staff doesn't set hotel policy. Still, those intangibles are the cornerstone of luxury experiences. When people pay more than $600 a night, they expect luxury. The bathroom was luxurious and the location was ideal. But to justify paying double the price of hotels within 800 meters of the same location, the Ritz should add some razzle-dazzle to the check in process. My experience was good, but it was just not comparable to what it would have been anywhere outside of the US.

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