1715 Rittenhouse Boutique Hotel The devil is in the details…read more I just loved the wallpaper in the room and lobby. This hidden gem is amazing from the staff, decor, towels, fresh fruit served for breakfast. The rooms were much more spacious than expected, and all of the amenities were obviously chosen with thoughtful care. The staff was the star of the show - always helpful and kind, which made the trip that much more comfortable. Without us even asking, they placed a bottle of wine with a beautiful handwritten card for our anniversary. Everyone from the manager to the front desk was always attentive and friendly. I found this hotel to be my favorite in Philadelphia partially because of its excellent location. It is located right in Rittenhouse Literally 10 steps to Rittenhouse square and has a feeling of natural peacefulness not present in the hotels deeper in the center city. It was a great feeling to spend the day in the hustle and bustle of the center city, then come back to our peaceful hotel. Additionally, the hotel is a short walk away from excellent restaurants such as Parc and Steak 48, as well as a huge variety of shops surrounding the area. If you're coming to Philadelphia, do yourself a favor and stay at the Rittenhouse. The wonderful staff, ideal location, and upscale furnishings are more than perfect for any trip's needs. We looked at different hotels including the Four Seasons and the Ritz for our special weekend, but we are so happy We went with the Rittenhouse Hotel. Staff We cannot express enough how wonderful their staff is as well. They went above and beyond. #1715rittenhouse #rittenhouse #philadelphiahotel #phillystayandplay #hotairballon #phillyhotel

We love The Franklin! Charming, comfortable rooms and delightful staff. Within easy walking…read moredistance of Rittenhouse Square and several fabulous restaurants. Longer but doable walk to the Philly and Barnes museums. The hotel breakfast, while not made to order, is still a step up from your typical Continental breakfast. We discovered the bar this stay, and found its selections to be impressive. Shout out to Marcus, Paige, Doug, Addison, and the rest of the staff. Thanks for another great visit. See you next time!

We have stayed here many times and feel like we have a little apartment in the city. We have only…read moreever stayed in the Saratoga or Rittenhouse suites and can't comment on the other rooms, but we LOVE these. Everything is very clean, and the staff is consistently sweet. Cozy, more gorgeous than the photos, spacious, well designed... you won't want to leave, but there is so much to do in Center City, of course, so don't sit around luxuriating, lol. The location is perfect for good restaurants, the park, shopping, and so much else. Thank god I let my spouse pick the hotels. We don't get the breakfast as vegans, but Maria had almond milk for coffee. We usually head to PS & Co on Locust, a lesser-known gem with food as good as Vedge for all meals of the day. Some things to know: 1.) It is two townhouse buildings, with no door in-between, so you have to go out the front and then back in to go from one side to the other, not a big deal, and the key pad is easy to operate. 2.) You can park out front to unload your bags. They direct you to a reasonable parking lot a block or two away. 3.) I don't think you can control the temperature in the suites, but there are ceiling fans. The history of the (1850) buildings is interesting as well as the renovations -- which took away the backyard. The person who grew up there now owns it, pretty cool. There is often a deal mid-week for $100 a night, which is incredible for a whole apartment.

Honestly I'm not sure where any positive recent reviews come from. The location is the only thing…read morethis place has going for it. I haven't written a review in ages, but feel compelled to alert other travelers. We stayed in the Lafayette which was spacious but run down and dirty. I could see past that if it hadn't been for the worst service I've ever experienced in a stay. We arrived for breakfast an hour and a half before it was over. The table linens were stained (on literally every table) and the coffee pot was nearly empty (with luke warm coffee). When an employee finally came out from the back and I politely said the coffee was out, we got an earful about her "not making another pot," "it will go to waste or they'll just have to save it for tomorrow." She said we could use the keurig because she wasn't making more. She continued to go on about them trying to save money, complaining about people taking cups from where they weren't supposed to, people with gluten allergies, and on and on. I've traveled all over the world and stayed at several B&Bs. I'm used to B&Bs being charming and welcoming, but here I felt like I was being lectured -- like I hadn't read all the paperwork or something. It was so unexpected , unpleasant, and uncomfortable. Most places go out of their way to show you the space and share details. I received a welcome email before arriving saying staff would happily assist in making recommendations, dinner reservations, etc. I actually replied and got no response. There was never any staff who expressed anything close to this kind of hospitality. The next morning when we went to store our luggage before leaving, the desk was unattended. Someone went to seek help and we were met with the same annoyed employee from breakfast the previous day. I said I wanted to make sure we didn't need tags or to inform anyone that we're leaving luggage (as the sign at the front desk indicates), and she --again, annoyed-- said "I don't even know why it says that, we don't have time for that" and removed it from the counter. We attempted to contact the manager Maria twice about concerns and have yet to receive a return call. Location is lovely. Rooms are below average. Service is laughable.

An older hotel in the heart of Philadelphia. I knew before checking in that my room would be small…read morefrom photos. I had a room with one twin bed, that was pushed against the wall. The room was long and thin, yet I still had plenty of room. Despite the small size, there was still a chair and a small table in the back near the window, a spacious closet, and a dresser. The bathroom was tiny as well. A small sink, a toilet, and a shower. The shower had great water pressure, which was a breath of fresh air considering other hotels I've stayed in in the past. One thing I didn't like was the TV is on top of the closet. Too high. Made watching TV awkward. The other way that they lock the front entrance door at night and you have to ring the doorbell to be let in. Minority things, but a little annoying anyway. Overall, I enjoyed my stay and would have no problem staying there again.

Apparently not what it used to be. The property has been on the market for some two years and they…read moreseem to have stopped doing maintenance while they try to sell it. Pros: good location, good staff, free happy hour each night with snacks and wine. Cons: stained and discolored carpet and bath tile. Very limited options for breakfast. No fruit at all. Waffle machine seems to burn on the outside and stay raw on the inside.

We had a wonderful experience at this hotel. Each staff member was pleasant and extremely helpful…read more The room was spacious and very clean. I would definitely stay here again.

This boutique hotel was just what I expected from the images that we viewed on Expedia and other…read moresources. My husband really liked the historic appeal, and I liked the proximity to the historic sites. I also liked the promise of the continental breakfast and the images we saw promised more, but more on that later. When we arrived in Philadelphia, we assumed that the "L" would bring us quicker to the hotel and closer than what we were informed. We were told by the hotel staff to get off at the 8th and Market stop, but instead followed the conductor's instructions, who told us to get off at Jefferson station, which we did. From the fashion shops at that station to the hotel, it was perhaps a few blocks or a 10 minute walk. We didn't mind, but I wouldn't consider this if I were traveling with children or a lot of luggage. The hotel is located in an alleyway, and not what I pictured. There is a tall, modern apartment building in front of it and it is really close to a hospital, and lots of other very tall modern buildings. The hotel, like other old historic buildings, including nearby Independence Hall, are all surrounded by tall and modern buildings, again not what I pictured. The staff at this hotel weren't on the same page as far as narrating this hotel's interesting history. The young lady who gave us a slight tour and showed us our room didn't tell us the history, such as an older woman who also works at the hotel gave other people some detail I had to listen in on. The hotel is old and very classy. It is definitely a boutique hotel and not a place to stay with children. Our first room was delightfully beautiful. However, the mattress wasn't comfortable, and it felt as if we were sinking head down. We were in room 201 and found that you can hear street traffic from 8th street and particularly the after-hours door, shutting and closing pretty well to keep from a good night's sleep. I would suggest that the hotel fix the after hour's door problem because it's not only that people aren't cognizant of others sleeping above when they enter but that the door is truly noisy, especially when you must shut it firmly to make sure that it is shut. The manager, fortunately, was accommodating and had reassigned us a different room on the other side of the hotel, away from the street and with a more comfortable bed. The continental breakfast was satisfactory, to say the least. There was yogurt, muffins, bagels, small box cereal, small bonabell cheese, coffee, milk, and OJ. The eggs were what I found disappointing. I had seen elsewhere images of small quiches for breakfast, but instead, they had hardboiled eggs. This is not your continental breakfast that you get with waffles at Holiday Inn. There is a restaurant on site, but it opens for lunch and dinner, and I don't recommend it. I reviewed this separately. We ended up going to La Pien cafe and bakery down the street and also found a Starbucks nearby. The best part about this hotel was how close it is to Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and, of course, Liberty Bell. I would recommend staying here if you've never been to Philly and want to visit the historic landmarks. F.Y.I take the Flash (a bus that can be located at the Visitor's center directly behind Liberty Bell). It costs like $5 a day for all main stops and was free the next day after the 4th of July.

Truly wonderful experience at The Dwight D. The hotel itself has a wonderful atmosphere that feels…read morelike you're in a home - there is an inviting lounge area downstairs (with some amazing tea that I could not stop drinking), a lovely outdoor garden, and a general cozy feeling from it being a boutique hotel. We adored our room with its glorious bathtub, and the overnight oats on the breakfast menu ....the best I've ever had. The location is excellent as well, a short walking distance from soooo many great places. However, I would be remiss if I did not write about Vittoria and Ken and how they ARE the experience of this hotel. They put such a high level of care into each guest's experience, it is genuinely incredible. They go the extra step in every direction you turn. They were kind, supportive, and gracious our entire stay. They have cultivated a beautiful place at The Dwight D. I hope to be so lucky as to return again soon.

This is a total gem in the heart of Philadelphia. Steps from Walnut Street shopping and Rittenhouse…read moreSquare with tons of amazing restaurants. Ken met us right as we pulled up and gave us a parking pass--we were literally in front of the hotel, and as it was a 24-hour Sunday to holiday Monday, our car was parked there for free our entire stay. The room was gorgeous with beautiful decor and art, an incredible comfortable king bed and the bathroom had one of the greatest showers we have ever experienced. Plus the price is incredibly low for what you get, and includes tons of amenities that chain hotels would charge you extra for-- L'Occitane products, fancy spring and bubbly waters, coffee and espresso and much more. And the common areas are just beautiful. Hands down one of the best hotel experiences we have ever had anywhere in the world.

Amazing location and the inn keeper Lisa is phenomenal! The hotel is straight out of the gilded…read moreage, the rooms are ample with lots of light, but be warned there's lots of stairs. Lisa was very accommodating and even let me stay in an open suite that wasn't booked one of the nights of our stay. We arrived early and had no problem leaving our bags in the lobby, check in /check out was very smooth. Would recommend and 1000% stay again

Over a month ago, I had the unfortunate experience of staying at this hotel from September 18-19…read more It was my first time in Philadelphia for a concert, and I wanted somewhere cozy and close to the venue. Since I was only staying for one night by myself, I chose Hotel Bella Vista based on the reviews and room photos. When I arrived, they texted me an entry code for the building and another for my suite. I entered and made my way up to the Shippen Suite, where I noticed my door was unlocked and slightly cracked open. I was wary of this and took precautions when entering the room. I called the number provided and was connected to the lady who runs the hotel. She told me she left it cracked open so she wouldn't get locked out while cleaning. I should've taken that as a sign of what would happen later that evening. I got ready for my concert and left everything in my suite. I also triple-checked that the door would open after I locked it before I left. The concert was such a lively experience that, after grabbing a bite to eat, I couldn't wait to head back, take a shower, and get a good night's sleep (or so I thought). When I returned later from going out to the concert, I was locked out of my suite. I called the same number from earlier, and the hotel manager told me to try the different codes she provided. I entered the different codes she gave me, and it didn't budge. The door was blinking red, so I knew that the door battery had died. No staff were on duty at the hotel to help me open the door or replace the battery. I was offered another room to stay and accepted, but I informed this hotel manager over the phone that I had important medication in my bag and would really need to get to it as soon as possible. She apologized and said she couldn't come until 6am. She offered me the Sartain Suite, but it wasn't what I expected. The room had traces of someone else's hair (I have short hair: pixie cut), and the sheets and comforter were dirty, as if they hadn't been washed, with what looked like oil stains. So not only was I locked out of my room without my medication, my belongings, and hygiene products, but they expected me to stay in a room that someone previously stayed in without properly cleaning it. I called the hotel manager a few more times and still got the same response: she would show up around 6 am. I informed her that without my medication, I would have difficulty going to sleep, and she still said she wouldn't be able to arrive until 6 am. At this point, I was extremely uncomfortable and unable to fall asleep due to multiple factors surrounding my stay at this "hotel". I waited until 6 am, and she still hadn't arrived. She said she called a locksmith to unlock the door, but all she needed was the spare key to open it without the code. 2 hours flew by, and she finally showed up at 8 am. She didn't have the spare key, let alone know where it was, for the Shippen Suite. The locksmith and I were working together to open the suite with my medication and stuff inside so I could get my things. It took me using a knife in the doorway and the locksmith taking the hinges off the door to unlock my suite. Hotel Bella Vista was honestly one of the worst hotel experiences I've ever had, from the lack of urgency, concern, and responsibility from the hotel manager to me going without my medication and belongings. I can't stress this enough: if you're considering staying here, go somewhere else, and don't travel alone, because in an emergency like this, they're unprepared and couldn't care less about what you're experiencing. I'll attach my photos from my stay below!

Just spent the weekend in Philly and had a wonderful stay at Appel's! We took the train/subway in…read more They are about 5 blocks from the Market/Frankford line. Walking distance to all our favorite haunts in town--Bistro Romano, Eulogy Pub, Downey's, Stella and Artful Dodger, just to name a few. Marilyn and Harry refurbished this place over 20 years ago. Loved hearing the story and looking at the pictures on their wall. Check-in is done at their dining room table--very homey. Breakfast is continental and very flexible, which was perfect--we had places to go and things to do. We are soooo glad we found them. Hadn't seen recent reviews on them, so wondered if they were still in business, but they totally are. For $125/night + tax this was the perfect find for my husband and me.

Terrific place! It's a beautiful house run by a wonderful couple. They couldn't be more welcoming…read more It's like staying with a favorite aunt and uncle. The house is perfectly located for enjoying Philly. They gave me great recommendations for food and how to find my way around.

Staying at Thomas Bond House was my first experience at a B&B and it was outstanding! We stayed for…read moreone night in the Benjamin Franklin room and it thoroughly exceeded my expectations. We decided to stay at a B&B over a regular hotel because the pricing was comparable to any of the chain hotels in the downtown area and the photos of the rooms online looked so charming. The innkeeper, Craig, is funny, warm, and welcoming. We asked to drop off/pick up our bags outside of normal check in/out times and they were more than accommodating! Staying here feels like staying at an old friend's house, not to mention the absolutely gorgeous decor in every detail of the house! My favorite part of the stay was definitely the hot breakfast which they serve on weekends. As we came down into the dining room, the staff cooked our breakfast fresh and it was such a lovely experience. I highly recommend the French Toast if you are luck enough to stay on a morning it is served! If you are looking for a unique, personalized, lodging experience I cannot recommend Thomas Bond House highly enough!! We will definitely be staying here again the next time we visit Philly!!

We booked a room here to celebrate my wife's 50th birthday in Philadelphia. We typically don't book…read moreB&Bs but were intrigued by the historic appeal and location. We were very pleased to find a parking garage adjacent to the estate and proximity to Old City and its amenities. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the owner, Nature, who was very hospitable. We stayed on the third floor and were quickly reminded that we were not in a hotel (i.e., no elevators) and began lugging our bags up the steep staircase. Our room - and the entire house - was as authentic as possible following some minor restoration. The decor was not our cup of tea, but it fit the theme and we were not surprised it was missing some modern touches (i.e., USB outlets, an updated shower, etc.). We stayed here only one night but got to experience breakfast on Sunday morning; fresh pancakes with powdered sugar and blueberries and perfectly cooked sausage links. The hot food was complemented by a continental breakfast spread of fresh fruit, bagel, bread, and pastries. Our only gripe of the entire stay was that our room was extremely warm. The owner informed us upon arrival that "only heat was on" and to use the fan in the room if necessary. Unfortunately, the fan did not suffice and we were forced to prop open a window to cool of the room before we slept. Sadly, we could not keep the windows open while sleeping, because there were no screens and the city is noisy at all hours - especially early in the morning. Overall, it was an interesting experience. But, we will most likely book a hotel during our next overnight visit to the City of Brotherly Love.

Bang for your buck: 8/10 Quality: 8/10…read moreService: 10/10 Ambiance/Location: 10/10 Overall: 9/10

Arrived and the front desk agent was accommodating and answered my questions. She Gave us a warm…read morecookie to enjoy! Yummy! Beautiful lobby area and decor. Inside it offers a restaurant, cafe and seating to relax in. Room was roomy and comfortable. And, clean. Bathroom had all the towels we needed, but you have to find some under the sink. Would definitely stay here. It's near everything too.