{"id":933072,"date":"2026-07-14T00:02:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T00:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/933072\/"},"modified":"2026-07-14T00:02:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T00:02:25","slug":"the-rittenhouse-hotel-offers-opportunity-to-be-queen-for-a-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/933072\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rittenhouse Hotel offers opportunity to be ‘Queen for a Day’"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHILADELPHIA \u2014 With Philadelphia buzzing from the FIFA World Cup excitement and America\u2019s 250th anniversary celebrations, my daughter and I headed in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

Instead of fighting crowds, sizzling in extreme temperatures or traveling mucho-miles away, we treated ourselves to something we rarely take time to enjoy: an indulgent staycation less than 30 minutes away.<\/p>\n

And when all was said and done, we both felt like \u201cQueen for a Day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Our destination was The Rittenhouse Hotel, Philadelphia\u2019s grand dame of luxury hotels overlooking Rittenhouse Square. Long regarded as one of the city\u2019s finest hotels, The Rittenhouse has earned international recognition for its understated elegance, impeccable service and Forbes Five-Star distinction.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe seats in Lacroix Restaurant and many rooms in The Rittenhouse Hotel overlook beautiful Rittenhouse Square, a bustling snapshot through all seasons of life in Philadelphia. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

The property\u2019s history is as rich as its surroundings.<\/p>\n

In 1900, railroad tycoon Alexander Cassatt and his wife, Lois Buchanan Cassatt, built a grand residence on the site.<\/p>\n

The building later became the headquarters of the Episcopal Church of Pennsylvania before serving as the Academy of Notre Dame. In the 1960s, plans were unveiled to transform the property into a luxury hotel.<\/p>\n

Architect Donald Reiff designed what would become The Rittenhouse, carefully angling the building\u2019s windows so every guest room would enjoy a direct view of Rittenhouse Square.<\/p>\n

Construction stretched over more than a decade before the hotel finally opened in 1989.<\/p>\n

While thoughtfully renovated over the years, most recently in 2019, much of the hotel\u2019s original design remains intact.<\/p>\n

Another chapter in its evolution is expected early next year with the opening of Ruxton, a new restaurant by Atlas Restaurant Group that will replace Scarpetta, which closed at the end of January.<\/p>\n

Currently, the award-winning, French-inspired Lacroix is the in-house restaurant, which will be unaffected by the additional restaurant in 2027.<\/p>\n

Today, the hotel offers 118 spacious guest rooms, ranging from approximately 450 to 600 square feet, along with 25 luxury suites measuring between 650 square feet and 2,000 square feet. All have amazing amenities.<\/p>\n

Even though we weren\u2019t spending the night, touring the property made it easy to imagine, and dream of, returning for a luxurious overnight escape. Located in the heart of Philly, It\u2019s a perfect place to stay for those with theater or concert tickets or other plans in the city.<\/p>\n

The moment we stepped through the historic hotel\u2019s front doors, the pace of the city seemed to disappear.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe Rittenhouse Hotel Spa and Club Manager Nicholas Cinalli insures spa guests have an unforgettable experience with services curated by a talented team of professionals. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Our afternoon began at the hotel\u2019s beautifully renovated full service spa and salon, where the ambience of feeling pampered isn\u2019t just about marble floors, infused water and tea offerings, or plush robes, it\u2019s about the people.<\/p>\n

While enjoying manicures, pedicures and aqua facials, conversations flowed as easily as the soothing music. The staff shared stories about longtime Philadelphia families, celebrities and other memorable guests, as well as beauty and skincare tips and facts about the hotel\u2019s rich history. There was laughter, plenty of local pride and an unmistakable feeling that everyone genuinely enjoyed working there.<\/p>\n

Nicholas Cinalli, director of The Rittenhouse Spa, explained what makes The Rittenhouse different.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want people to know The Rittenhouse as a brand,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have the highest standards, but we also want guests to feel comfortable. It\u2019s luxury without feeling stuffy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CosmetologistCosmetologist Nikki Chung provides a manicure and pedicure for a customer at Rittenhouse Spa and Salon. She said the Spa gives the VIP treatment to every guest who comes through their doors. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)
\n\"NailNail tech Brianna Grey holds up an assortment of gel nail polish colors for a customer at The Rittenhouse Spa and Salon, located inside the historic Rittenhouse Hotel. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

That philosophy showed throughout our visit.<\/p>\n

The spa offers massages, facials, body wraps, body scrubs, reflexology, salon services, bridal packages and seasonal wellness experiences.<\/p>\n

Guests receiving spa services also enjoy access to the hotel\u2019s indoor saltwater pool, fitness center, steam room and sauna, making it easy to spend an entire day unwinding.<\/p>\n

Cinalli said many people are surprised to learn that much of the spa\u2019s clientele isn\u2019t made up of hotel guests. It\u2019s customers that come in to get their hair or nails done, get a massage or facial or any spa treatment, knowing their services will be done by top professionals in special surroundings.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost of my business is local,\u201d he said. \u201cPeople come here for anniversaries, birthdays or simply because they need to relax.\u201d<\/p>\n

That may be one of the Philadelphia area\u2019s best-kept secrets.<\/p>\n

On the day that we were there, others also enjoying the spa\u2019s amenities included a group of girlfriends, whom my daughter dubbed \u201cthe real housewives,\u201d two couples, a bachelorette party and a few individuals. Cinalli said the spa employs a staff of about 40 professionals.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to board an airplane to escape everyday life,\u201d he stated. \u201cSometimes all you need is permission from yourself to slow down.\u201d<\/p>\n

After our spa treatments, we wandered downstairs to the hotel\u2019s cozy Library Bar.<\/p>\n

Surrounded by shelves of books celebrating Philadelphia history, we settled into comfortable chairs and enjoyed handcrafted cocktails while looking out toward one of Philadelphia\u2019s most beautiful parks. The room feels less like a hotel lounge and more like the library of an elegant private residence.<\/p>\n

Although we opted to enjoy a cocktail and mocktail in The Library, The Rittenhouse also houses the Mary Cassatt Tea Room, complemented by a beautiful garden, where guests can enjoy an afternoon tea with white linens, silver accents, soft scones, savory tea sandwiches and clotted cream to compliment a special tea.<\/p>\n

\"AA expertly crafted cocktail and a mocktail in The Library Bar at The Rittenhouse Hotel. In addition to its cocktails, rare spirits and extensive wine list, the Library Bar is known for its upscale, club-like atmosphere with leather chairs, a fireplace and a curated book collection. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Following our happy hour drinks and conversation, we wandered into Lacroix, the hotel\u2019s acclaimed restaurant overlooking Rittenhouse Square. The AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Lacroix offers lunch and dinner seasonal menus.<\/p>\n

Every course seemed designed as carefully as the room itself. Service was polished without ever feeling formal, and the evening unfolded at an unhurried pace that\u2019s becoming increasingly rare.<\/p>\n

\"BeauBeau Soleil Oysters are enhanced with thai chili mignonette and fermented hot sauce. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Entrees included choices like Parisian Gnocchi, Black Cod, Steak Diane, Berkshire Pork Chop and more, preceded by appetizers like Chilled Prawns, Beau Soleil Oysters, Beef Tartare and Bibb Salad.<\/p>\n

\"SteakSteak Diane, served with a side of asparagas, is covered in shallot, cognac and mushroom cream sauce. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)
\n\"OnionOnion Soup Gratine\u00e9, made with caramelized sweet onions, oxtail jus and country bread (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)
\n\"NoNo meal is complete without capping it off with a latte and dessert, like Brown Butter and Almond Madeleines made with coffee diplomat cream and candied almonds. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Looking around the dining room at the white linen tablecloths and impeccable table settings, it was easy to understand why generations of Philadelphians have chosen The Rittenhouse to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and life\u2019s biggest milestones and special occasions.<\/p>\n

Although we didn\u2019t stay overnight, simply walking through the hallways and public spaces hinted at the quiet luxury awaiting overnight guests. By the time we left, guests were filing in from their daytime activities, dressed in World Cup Soccer jerseys and patriotic apparel after a day out on the town.<\/p>\n

The concierge at the entranceway and the front desk personnel were becoming busy, providing information to their guests.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe beautiful, stately lobby of The Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia, welcomed many international guests this month during The World Cup and America 250 events. (PEG DEGRASSA\/ DAILY TIMES)<\/p>\n

Between the elegant accommodations, world-class spa, acclaimed dining and one of the city\u2019s most coveted addresses and views, it\u2019s easy to see why The Rittenhouse has welcomed dignitaries, celebrities, business leaders and discerning travelers for decades.<\/p>\n

The Rittenhouse staff appears to work very diligently to ensure each guest has a positive experience. Vacations and days like this are worth the little splurge to escape the daily grind, even if it is only for a few hours!<\/p>\n

Sometimes the best vacation or day excursion isn\u2019t far from home and the planning is as easy as making a reservation or appointment.<\/p>\n

A mini vacation is all about rejuvenation and relaxation and nothing says that more than a leisurely manicure and pedicure, a facial, handcrafted cocktails and an unforgettable dinner, especially at a Philadelphia icon like The Rittenhouse Hotel. The royal experience was truly a treat.<\/p>\n

Our little daytime \u201cqueen for a day\u201d escape from reality to this beloved Philly landmark reminded us that while the city was celebrating history on a grand scale outside its doors, one of Philadelphia\u2019s greatest luxury hotels was quietly offering something timeless, something we all need every now and then: A chance to simply exhale.<\/p>\n

If you go<\/p>\n

\u2022 The Rittenhouse Hotel is at 210 W. Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

\u2022 For more information or restaurant or hotel reservations, go to http:\/\/rittenhousehotel.com<\/a> or call 215-546-9000.<\/p>\n

\u2022 To connect with The Rittenhouse Spa, or find out about hours and services, call 215-790-2500 or email spa@rittenhousehotel.com.<\/p>\n

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