The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia: Perfect!

I had to make a last-minute trip to Philadelphia for a client meeting that was being organized at short notice. In this context, I choose to book two different hotels to test out the properties in the former US federal capital.

Booking

I made the reservation for this property about ten days before my arrival through the Marriott Bonvoy app.

To minimize the costs of my trip, I used one of my free nights earned through my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card.

I will subsequently apply for a Nightly Upgrade Award for an upgrade to a Junior Suite, the only category available through this vehicle. This award will be confirmed 3 days before my arrival.

Arrival

I arrive at the hotel from the Philadelphia airport via the SEPTA commuter train. The hotel is less than 3 minutes from Suburban Station, the train station serving Philadelphia’s inner city.

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I arrive in the lobby shortly after 2pm and am greeted by a very friendly receptionist. She proceeds with the check-in formalities with a big smile, and tells me that I will have access to the Club Lounge, although this benefit is not granted to Platinum+ members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

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I was handed a welcome letter, and my key was prepared for my short one-night stay before I was directed to the elevators.

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Suite

My suite was located on the 30th and top floor of the property, on the same floor as the Club Lounge to which I have access. While the Club is on the right, my suite is on the left of the elevator bank.

Entering the latter, I quickly realize that it’s not a Junior Suite, but the property’s Presidential Suite. It’s a pity this wasn’t made clear to me at reception.

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The entrance led directly into a large living room, equipped with a dining table that had a welcome amenity of a welcome drink of St. Emilion Grand Cru Classé and pretzels , along with a very nice handwritten card in French.

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There was also a seating area facing the television,

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A minibar and coffee area with Nespresso machine are also available. One of the doors even conceals a washer-dryer!

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A guest bathroom was adjacent to the living room, near the entrance.

Following on from the lounge is the sleeping area, with its comfortable king-size bed, which opens onto the large bathroom, equipped with bath and shower. The toilet is separate from the bathroom. As always in the brand’s hotels, Diptyque toiletries are on offer.

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Finally, here is the video tour:

Hotel facilities

The hotel offers a fitness center and spa, both located on the third floor.

I used the fitness center in the morning during my stay. It was quite busy during my visit, but I was still able to find the machine I needed for my workout.

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Club Lounge

The hotel has both a restaurant and a bar in the lobby, as well as a Club Lounge, which is on the same floor as my suite (the 30th and top floor) and which I made good use of.

Espace

The lounge is steeped in history, as it was once the boardroom of the bank that originally occupied the building where the hotel now stands.

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The space is limited in size, but despite this, I never had an issue finding a spot to sit. Unlike other hotel chains, access to the Club is restricted to Premium Suite guests or those who pay for Club access directly.

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The lounge is open continuously from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., offering soft drinks and hot beverages, as well as a selection of sweets, chocolates, and fruit.

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Light Snacks – 2pm to 4pm

Immediately after arriving, I head to the lounge for a snack. At this time of day, there are a few sweet and savoury cold snacks on offer, and wine and beer are available.

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I had a few spinach pastries and a glass of the excellent Pinot Noir offered in the lounge.

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Cocktail Hour and hors d’œuvre – 5pm to 7pm

After an early dinner, I stopped by the Club Lounge for another glass of wine before returning to my room.

A selection of hot, high-quality snacks was available.

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Petit-déjeuner – 7am to 10pm

I’ll have breakfast in the lounge. The selection is short but high quality: I’ll make a selection of toast, cheese and smoked salmon, and order a feta-smoked salmon omelette from the chef, who cooks in front of the guests.

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Mid-Day snacks – 11.30am to 1pm

On the day of departure, I’ll have lunch at the Club Lounge before setting off for my next destination. I’ll have a cookie and a glass of rosé while I get on with my work. But the offer is limited.

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Service

The service during my stay was absolutely perfect. I was recognized and warmly greeted by the entire staff during each of my interactions. Just perfect.

Departure

Check-out was very easy, completed through the Marriott Bonvoy app after I requested a late check-out during online check-in.

Bottom line

An excellent stay, with a superb hard product and impeccable service.

Itinerary

As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:

#TypePost
1LoungeAmerican Airlines Admirals Club, Boston Logan (unreported)
2FlightAmerican Airlines Domestic First, Boston Logan – Philadelphia, Boeing 737-800 (not reported)
3LoungeAmerican Airlines Admirals Club, Philadelphia Gates B/C (not reported)
4HotelThe Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
5HotelLe Méridien Philadelphia
6RestaurantSkyHigh, Four Seasons Philadelphia
7RestaurantPizzeria Salvy, Philadelphia
8LoungeAmerican Airlines Admirals Club, Philadelphia Gates A
9FlightAmerican Airlines Domestic First, Boston Logan – Philadelphia, Airbus A321neo (not reported)
Today’s itinerary
Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier Delestre-Levai
Olivier has been into airline blogging since 2010. First a major contributor to the FlyerTalk forum, he created the FlyerPlan website in July 2012, and writes articles with a major echo among airline specialists. He now co-runs the TravelGuys blog with Bertrand, focusing on travel experience and loyalty programs.
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