The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

The hotel's historic lobby and stunning architecture, housed within a grand former bank building, serve as its signature feature, impressing guests with its opulent marble and high ceilings. Its central location is consistently highlighted, making it an ideal base for sightseers exploring landmarks like City Hall and the historic district, as well as business travelers attending conventions. While many guests commend the attentive and friendly staff, some report instances of unhelpful or rude service, particularly at the front desk. The rooms receive mixed feedback, with some finding them spacious and clean, while others note they appear dated or show signs of wear. The lively lobby bar and restaurant are popular for their ambiance and quality offerings. For a more peaceful stay, guests might consider requesting a room away from the elevators or on a higher floor, and be prepared for potential waits when retrieving vehicles from valet.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities to enhance guest stays, including a spa where guests can enjoy massages, though some note that access to the sauna and steam room may no longer be complimentary. A fitness center is available, described by some as well-equipped and offering 24-hour access, though a few found it small or dated. The Club Lounge is a significant amenity, providing light snacks, breakfast, and cocktails, with many guests praising the attentive staff and quality of food. However, some loyalty members expressed confusion regarding Club Lounge access and additional costs. Guests have noted issues with Wi-Fi connectivity and a lack of USB ports or sufficient outlets near beds. The elevators are sometimes described as slow, noisy, or prone to issues. A unique feature is the champagne vending machine. While robes and slippers are provided, some rooms lack a functional refrigerator, and ice machines on various floors are frequently reported as broken, causing inconvenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. While many describe their rooms as spotless, elegant, and featuring comfortable beds with crisp linens, a significant number of reviews highlight issues such as rooms feeling run-down, outdated, or showing signs of wear and tear, including peeling wallpaper, stained carpets, and chipped furniture. Some guests reported specific cleanliness concerns like dust, hair in the shower, or mold. The bathrooms are often praised for being spacious and featuring soaking tubs and separate showers, but common complaints include low water pressure, rust around drains, and a lack of counter space. A major recurring issue is noise levels, with many guests experiencing significant disturbance from street noise, nearby clubs, motorcycles, and even elevators, impacting sleep quality. Additionally, some reported problems with air conditioning functionality and room temperature control.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options generally receive positive feedback, particularly the Aqimero restaurant and bar located in the grand lobby. Guests frequently praise the restaurant for its delicious food and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both meals and happy hour. The bar is also highlighted for its beautiful setting and well-crafted drinks, including specialty cocktails. Breakfast is consistently described as great and delicious, with a good variety of options available. Room service experiences are mixed; while some guests found it fast and the food excellent, others reported long wait times, forgotten orders, or uninventive menus. The Club Lounge is often lauded for its exceptional food quality, with guests enjoying a range of high-quality snacks and meals. Despite some minor service inconsistencies, the overall consensus points to a satisfying culinary experience within the hotel, from casual coffee in the lobby to more formal meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised as a major highlight, described as central, excellent, and unbeatable. Guests appreciate its proximity, allowing for easy walking access to numerous key attractions such as City Hall, Independence Hall, the Convention Center, Reading Market, and the historic district. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's cultural and historical landmarks. While the hotel is well-situated for public transportation, including the light rail station, parking is a frequently discussed topic. Valet parking is offered but is noted for being expensive and often involving long waits for car retrieval, sometimes up to 35 minutes. Some guests opt for more reasonably priced self-parking garages nearby, though these can be less convenient. The immediate surrounding area is generally considered walkable, though some guests have noted occasional street noise or activity.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is quite varied, presenting a mixed picture. Many guests consistently commend the team for being friendly, attentive, helpful, and professional, highlighting positive interactions with bellpersons, doormen, and club lounge staff who go above and beyond. Specific praise is often given for quick check-in processes and the overall accommodating nature of the staff. However, a notable number of reviews describe instances of rude, unhelpful, or inattentive service, particularly from some front desk agents and bar staff, leading to frustration. Issues with rooms not being ready on time and difficulties with problem resolution are also reported. While housekeeping is sometimes lauded for its efficiency, other guests found it inconsistent or lacking. Despite these inconsistencies, many guests appreciate the efforts of the staff to provide a welcoming environment, including family-friendly service and pet-friendly service.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and unique aspects that may impact their stay. Some visitors have encountered strict cancellation policies, resulting in charges even for unforeseen circumstances. While the hotel participates in loyalty programs, the application of rewards program benefits, particularly regarding Club Lounge access, can be inconsistent, with some members finding they need to pay extra despite their status. The hotel's historic building is often noted for its need of a refresh or renovation in certain areas, with some guests feeling it does not fully align with typical luxury hotel standards. A unique and appreciated touch is the personalized elevator signage that displays changing information. Guests utilizing programs like the Amex Fine Hotel Resorts program often report enhanced value through upgrades and credits. Additionally, some guests have experienced challenges with traffic or road closures impacting hotel access.