My husband and I have stayed here for business and pleasure multiple times over the past several months. While I would go back again, I do agree with some of the other user's comments. The location of the hotel and size of the rooms are what keeps us coming back. You don't feel shoved into a small hotel room like so many any other places. We stayed at The Ritz in December and while the rooms & bathrooms were much nicer, the room was also much smaller. At any rate, YES, the Rittenhouse rooms & hallways are in desperate need of an overhaul. I'm sure the decor rocked in the late 80's a la Tony Montana (Scarface). However the bathroom's black ceilings & doors coupled w/ black and gold wallpaper doesn't exactly speak to 2008. Also, the beds are sooo dated. Even the Marriott has down comforters! I can't believe the Rittenhouse is still using shiny polyester bedspreads. Where could you even buy one today? I find their choice in decor very disappointing. I understand they want to maintain a traditional style, however that can be acheived in a much fresher, current way.
On the positive side, I appreciated the daily complimentary newspaper(s) (We opted for NYTimes and the Phila Inq). Also, the afternoon champagne, cookies and strawberries are a welcome treat. We also enjoyed our breakfasts in Lacroix. It's such a pretty room. So as you can see, my biggest gripe is w/ the decor. We secured very reasonable rates during our last several stays and we did not have any issues w/ the staff or cleanliness. I love the Park views and staying in such a great location. BTW - if you want a casual meal in a neighborhoody place, try Smith's around the corner. We had a great, casual night there one evening. If you're not a design snob, you'll probably be very happy here.

My family and I recently stayed at the Rittenhouse. Other than generous size bedrooms and bathrooms the hotel was a bust. Expensive w/o the 5 star service. Typically, we stay at the Ritz but thought that we would try something different. The stay at the Rittenhouse helped us remember 'why' we typically opt for the Ritz. At the Philly Ritz (as with most of their properties) if there is an issue or problem they are trained to deal w/ it flawlessly and make every effort to make amends. In contrast, we developed an 'issue' over the accomodations at the Rittenhouse and the staff and management could NOT have been more rude and confrontational if they tried. It ruined the stay. Moreover, the food was uneventful and expensive. We don't mind paying for good food, but this missed the mark entirely and the menu choices were disappointing and uninspired. The upside (reason for 2 stars) is that the rooms were clean and the cleaning staff delightful. Otherwise, the rooms are in need of a serious overhaul. The furnishings contrasted markedly from what was displayed on the website and did not present much differently than a Hampton Inn. Not clear to us how this place stays afloat especially with such good alternatives in town: Ritz, 4 Seasons and the Park Hyatt---all of which deliver much higher quality rooms and much much better service. Advice: stay away and try one of the other ones listed!

The only thing that makes your hotel titled so, is it’s location…the view is spectacular….and that’s about where it ends.
The 1st room we were given smelled like smoke…while that was rectified, the cleanliness of the given room didn’t improve. I should start by saying that the alarm clock was probably never dusted since it’s been put in the room.
The shower looks like it wasn’t cleaned in ages…the grime between each tile is disgusting. But what really doesn’t make your hotel “leading hotel of the world” is the bed. The sheets are like SAND PAPER! The comforter is cheap polyester, and there are two flat polyester pillows….if you were to start improving anything, I suggest getting new quality sheets and NONE bouncy plush mattress with goose down comforter….something other top hotels of the world have…next time we’ll stay at the Sofitel down the street…that does have all those things. While we did enjoy the views from the room, the stay as a whole was by no means “leading”.

For a five star hotel there are many little things that just don't meet 5 star standards. The location is great and the staff is polite but something is just missing here. The rooms are chilly and the temperature is impossible to control. Both thermostats are located right next to the windows (genius) so the heat is always running but it doesn't seem to get warmer.
Turn down service was very late in the evening, well after we had already turned in. The on site restaraunts are nice buy very pricey, be prepared.
The hotel is pet friendly so if you are allergic be aware, pets have been in your room.
Our tub didn't hold water and the wallpaper was peeling a bit. Some of the carpet looked worn and was coming up.
We did receive a complimentary newspaper in the morning and the checkout is not until 2pm which is nice. The bath products are aromotherapy which was also a nice touch. The very tiny chocolates left with turndown service were very good as well. The towels were not soft at all nor were the robes.
The bed was large and very comfortable.

So I would say nowhere near worth what they charge but if you got a great deal or want to splurge it's ok....but just ok.