<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Mook:
In the same vein as Mary2e asking whether $100 was a good spread for a Four Seasons over an HGI, comes now my follow-on question:
Does the Rittenhouse - which survey after survey has rated the best in the city - merit a $100 to $150 price differential over the Philly R-C or Four Seasons? Assume we're talking about upper-class (deluxe suite or equivalent) accomodations at each.
Of the three, I've stayed only at the Ritz before and found the service and rooms wonderful (the lobby was austere, to say the least, but as I spent next to no time there, it made no difference). By contrast, I've spoken to no one directly who has ever stayed at the Rittenhouse.
Is the Rittenhouse truly of the five-star, take one's breath away experience that merits a 'da*n the checkbook, full speed ahead' approach? Inquiring minds truly want to know.
Mook</font>
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I have stayed at the Rittenhouse a couple of times, but they were quick in-and-out business one-nighters (in late, left early) - with that caveat, I wouldnt say it was worth a $100 premium over the normal FS service.
That said, the last time I stayed I got pretty poor service at the FS Philly, mainly appalling room service
In Philly I would still pick the FS because of the Burgundy selections on their wine list- they have a great sommelier and she works hard to get some of the less well known (but good) burgundy selection....but food/wine ay be a less important criteria for you