Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is housed in a historic Beaux-Arts building originally known as the Girard Trust Company, constructed in 1908. It served as a prominent financial institution for decades before being repurposed into a luxury hotel in the late 1980s. The hotel's conversion seamlessly blends the building's rich architectural history with the opulent image of the Ritz-Carlton brand, and it is a popular wedding venue for those seeking luxury in downtown Philadelphia. As a groomsman at my best friend's wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, I found myself obliged to book my stay at the very same hotel. Here is my review of the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia:
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is located at 10 Ave Of The Arts, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of five Free Night Certificates after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening. Each certificate is worth up to 50,000 points, totaling a potential bonus worth up to 250,000 points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 250,000 points offer worth $2,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of five Free Night Certificates after spending $8,000 in the first six months from account opening. Each certificate is worth up to 50,000 points, totaling a potential bonus worth up to 250,000 points. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is a luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, strategically located within walking distance of many of the city's most popular tourist attractions. The list includes landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Visitors can easily explore these iconic sites without the need for extensive transportation. I suggest exploring historic neighborhoods like Old City and exploring local food vendors at the Reading Terminal Market.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia made a grand impression with its impressive exterior adorned by large columns, and the opulent look continued within the hotel. The hotel had meticulously preserved numerous architectural details, including a domed ceiling, intricate crown molding, and massive gray marble columns.
The interior of the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia was full of exquisite architectural features, such as a domed ceiling, elaborate crown moldings, and grandiose gray marble columns.
Upon entering, a pleasant fragrance enveloped me, and the main lobby space was primarily used for the Aqimero Bar and Lounge. Though the overall layout enhanced the bar’s atmosphere, it made it a bit challenging to find available seats in the lobby unless you were dining at the bar.
Aqimero was the hotel’s bar and lounge that took most of the seats on the lobby level.
For instance, while waiting for my Uber or friends to join me, I found myself standing around in the lobby without any available seating. The front desk was conveniently located in the corner, and I approached it to check in and receive physical keys to my room.
Given the five-star persona of the Ritz-Carlton brand, my check-in experience fell short of expectations.
The receptionist was gracious enough to acknowledge my Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status and informed me that I had been upgraded to a more spacious superior room on a higher floor. Since I was part of the wedding happening at the hotel, I was expecting a gift basket during check-in. I could see one such basket sitting behind the receptionist, and even though I had specifically mentioned the wedding, she did not offer it to me. In the end, I had to reach out to the groom to claim it.
The upper level of the lobby was a great vantage point to fully admire the hotel's interior.
It was unexpected to see a lack of coordination at the front desk, especially considering that hosting weddings is a common occurrence at The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia. Slightly disappointed by the unorganized staff, I went up to the 24th floor where my room was located.
During the wedding season, the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia buzzed with the lively presence of wedding guests.
Bedroom Review
My room was conveniently situated right next to the elevators, but to my surprise, there was minimal noise from the hallways or the elevators throughout my stay. Upon entering the room, I noticed the wall-to-wall carpeting in the entire bedroom, and there was a strong fragrance lingering from the lobby, albeit a bit overpowering. I suspected the cleaning staff had recently reapplied it. The room was dominated by a generously sized king bed, and a bed bench added a touch of comfort when I needed to prepare for my day.
The bedroom carried the same scent as the lobby, although I found it to be somewhat overpowering.
True to the Ritz-Carlton brand, the bed was comfortable, and each bedside was accompanied by a substantial nightstand. The dimmable bedside table lamp featured integrated electric outlets, although they appeared worn out and struggled to securely hold even lightweight charging blocks.
The outlets on the bedside lamp were so worn out that they couldn't securely hold phone chargers.
Unfortunately, other functional outlets were inconveniently placed, leading me to resort to using a portable charger for my personal devices. Across from the bed, a wall-mounted TV was perched atop a media stand that also housed a mini-fridge and a Nespresso machine.
The room's interiors perfectly aligned with the classic persona of the Ritz-Carlton brand.
The mini-fridge contained a variety of mini liquor bottles and non-alcoholic beverages but proved less effective at cooling them.
The pull-out fridge was amply stocked with beverages, yet it failed to cool them effectively.
Thankfully, the Nespresso machine was functional, although I was disappointed to find only disposable takeout cups and no reusable glassware.
While a Nespresso machine is a welcome feature, the room was missing reusable cups.
An L-shaped work desk was seamlessly integrated into the media stand. The swivel chair was comfortable, but the solitary electric outlet was awkwardly located in the far corner of the bedroom wall, making it quite a hassle to charge my laptop while working. It was evident that most of the furniture, including the carpet, showed signs of wear and aging, and the in-room amenities fell short of the expectations one would have for a five-star hotel.
Located in the heart of downtown Philly, the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia serves as an ideal base for tourists exploring the city.
However, the most disheartening aspect of the bedroom was its cleanliness. As I unpacked my belongings, I discovered potato chips on the bed bench and broken crayons under the work desk. Though I was running late for dinner and didn't request a room change, it was discouraging to realize that the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia was lacking in the basic level of care one would anticipate from the luxury Ritz-Carlton brand.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom featured glossy granite wall tiles and flooring in a conservative ivory shade, in line with the classic Ritz-Carlton brand image. The bathroom included a single sink vanity with a white marble countertop.
The bathroom's glossy marble wall tiles contributed to its elegant ambiance.
The vanity countertop felt cramped when used by more than one person, but the addition of a small glass countertop on the back-lit mirror helped to create additional space.
The presence of just one single sink vanity in the bathroom meant space became tight rather quickly when shared with a companion.
To enhance privacy, a water closet was provided, which lacked a ceiling vent but instead had a louvered door for natural ventilation.
The bathroom featured a private water closet which utilized a louvered door to allow for natural air circulation.
The walk-in shower was rather dated, equipped with a standard showerhead, and it was further hampered by a lack of interior lighting.
The walk-in shower's outdated design was noticeably underwhelming for a boutique property.
Toiletries by Diptyque were on offer, featuring the distinct PHILOSYKOS fragrance, which combined a woody white cedar undertone with the fresh scent of a fig tree.
The Diptyque toiletries melded the earthy undertone of white cedar with the crisp aroma of fig tree.
There was also a separate bathtub for a relaxing bathing experience, although it was too shallow compared to modern bathtubs.
A deeper and more contemporary bathtub would significantly enhance the bathroom's appeal and functionality.
Much like the bedroom, the bathroom was in need of a renovation. The dimly lit walk-in shower detracted from the experience, and the bathtub could benefit from a modern upgrade. Even a simple update to the discolored outlet by the vanity could give the bathroom a more contemporary feel. Typically, minor details wouldn't be a significant concern, but given the esteemed reputation of the Ritz-Carlton name in the hotel industry, the bathroom did not meet the expected standards.
Gym Review
The hotel's fitness center was situated on the third floor and operated 24/7. The lower hotel floors, including the third floor, were primarily dedicated to hosting conferences and meetings. To reach the fitness center, one had to navigate through a small gathering area where conference attendees were often enjoying light refreshments and beverages during their stay. This arrangement, with daily afternoon conferences, could be a bit challenging as it meant traversing through crowds. Upon finally reaching the gym, it became apparent that it didn't quite live up to the usual Ritz-Carlton standards. The absence of windows and the low ceiling made the space less appealing. In terms of equipment, the gym offered a row of cardio exercise machines, including two Peloton bikes lined up against a wall.
Despite the gym featuring modern equipment, navigating to the facility proved to be challenging.
Guests were provided with an ample supply of chilled water bottles and fresh towels to help them stay refreshed during their workouts.
If you're in need of extra water, you can make a stop at the gym to grab some bottled water.
For those interested in weightlifting exercises, the gym had a flat bench and a range of dumbbells available. Notably, beyond the 50-lb dumbbells, there were also 75-lb and 100-lb dumbbells, which was an interesting addition, but it left me curious about how often guests actually utilized them.
The free weight area provided an unusual selection of particularly heavy dumbbells.
The rest of the gym featured an all-in-one strength machine, medicine balls, and gym balls. However, the all-in-one machine was missing some essential attachments, limiting its functionality.
The fitness center was limited in its variety of strength training equipment.
As a member of the wedding party, I didn't have much free time to work out during my stay, but I was surprised to find that the hotel lacked an indoor swimming pool. The absence of such amenities might be understandable for a budget hotel. Nevertheless, it didn't quite align with the expectations for a luxurious five-star property, particularly when compared to neighboring five-star hotels in the area that offer more extensive fitness facilities.
Bar Review—Aqimero
Aqimero, located on the lobby level of the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, stands as the sole bar on the premises. It offers a full range of dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Aquimero became quite crowded with wedding parties on weekends, so plan your visit to avoid the rush.
During my visit, I decided to drop by in the afternoon for a pre-dinner cocktail. Thanks to its expansive presence on the lobby floor, Aqimero provided a wealth of seating choices, with a few scattered TVs for guest entertainment.
Aquimero's ambiance was effortlessly upscale, thanks to the lobby's architectural elegance.
As imagined, the prices here were on par with the upscale nature of the hotel. I opted for a Guava Sidecar.
Opting for the priciest cocktail on the menu, I found the guava flavor too understated for my taste.
The drink was decent, but it arrived without any complimentary bar snacks, and regrettably, the guava flavor was notably lacking.
The cocktail's premium price was justified by the hotel's luxurious ambiance.
The bar's true charm lies in its ambiance, which was enhanced by the presence of imposing gray marble columns. Adding to the experience, the domed ceiling occasionally displayed video projections, showcasing the city of Philadelphia.
The domed ceiling served as a canvas for video projections that showcased the city of Philadelphia.
It's worth noting that Aqimero can become quite crowded with wedding parties on weekend nights, so I'd recommend planning your visit accordingly to avoid the rush.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia boasts a superb location. Situated adjacent to City Hall, it's incredibly convenient for strolling over to the Reading Terminal Market for a meal and for exploring nearby attractions like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Negatives
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is far from an affordable hotel. As a five-star establishment, it can demand nightly rates exceeding $800 during peak periods. Despite its high nightly rate, the amenities and features provided at the hotel left much to be desired. With just a single, compact fitness center and the absence of an indoor swimming pool, the offerings fell short of expectations. The presence of only one bar on the lobby level further underscored the disparity between the limited amenities and the hotel's high price tag.
My hotel room had certainly begun to display signs of aging. The electric outlets had taken on a yellowish tint, and their functionality was often unreliable. The bathroom, including both the tub and walk-in shower, was in dire need of renovation to meet the high standards associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand. Furthermore, the mini-fridge in the room struggled to effectively chill beverages.
Summary
The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia is a luxury hotel situated in the heart of Philadelphia. My expectations were quite high for my stay there, but regrettably, it failed to leave a positive impression. Despite its initially breathtaking appearance, characterized by imposing columns and marble accents in the lobby, the absence of modern amenities and facilities made it difficult to justify the steep nightly rates. Both the bedroom and the bathroom were in need of updates to remain competitive among neighboring five-star hotels. The hotel’s standout aspect was undeniably its prime location, but numerous other hotels surpass the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia in terms of quality at a more reasonable price point. Unless you can secure a heavily discounted rate or have a specific reason to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, I would not recommend it as your first choice for accommodation.
