We stayed at Rittenhouse 1715 for 4 nights in October. I travel quite a bit & this was my least favorite "Boutique" type hotel. The Hotel is a small (approximately 27 rooms) 1900's Carriage House with buildings purchased on each side to create more space. The outside appearance has a row house feel & is charming. The inside of the hotel does not have nice flow & feels very chopped-up with lots of narrow stairs & rooms. When you enter the hotel the open room has the reception desk, a computer for use, sitting area, bathroom & two rooms on this floor. We asked for a quiet room & were given a room on the 4th floor. An elevator next to reception desk only goes to the second floor & then you stair it the rest of the way. The stairs are one person at a time narrow & each floor has 2 rooms opposite the hall from eachother. So glad we were on the top floor because I think it may be noisier hearing people clomp up & down the old stairs. Our room was quite nice & spacious. The bed was comfortable & the room was clean & very quiet. The room did not have a view but the fireplace was a great touch. Ammenities included dean n deluca snacks for a price, molton brown toiletries, free small bottles of water & chocolates on your bed. Free breakfast was served every morning & was located in the basement. Choices were a variety of pastries, bread, limited fruit, coffee & tea. I have to say this was the most disappointing display of breakfast I have ever seen. However, they do have a cafe there as well with made to order breakfast for a price. We chose to eat elsewhere with more choices & a better view. In the evening between 5:30 & 6 pm a wine reception is given in a room near the reception area. The room is nice with places for lounging & a table with chairs. I have to say this again was the most disappointing wine reception I have ever seen. They only serve white wine & a small bowl of nuts or pretzels. One evening I came in later than 6:30 & asked for a glass of wine but the reception person said no. Not a surprise to me I guess I should have been on time. One other day however another guest asked for wine at an off time & was pleasantly obliged. I did not experience the same cozy feel from the staff as other reviewers have said. The staff was nice but not overly helpful.
The location of the hotel is fantastic. Just steps from the hotel are many restaurants & shops. Rittenhouse Square is steps away & is a great place to people watch, picnic or just relax & enjoy the beautiful landscape. The hotel is not central to all historical sites but within 2 miles to the farthest one. We walked everywhere & took taxis occasionally. The bus is only $2 a trip & has drop offs at most of the sites. The taxi from the airport to the hotel was approx. $30.
I feel for over $300 a night the service & free perks should have been better. We had a great time in Philly but would try someplace else next time.
hotel reviews