Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

Set in a contemporary tower, this firmly upscale property makes a big deal of its marriage of French and American style, and it’s generally a successful combination. The elegant, modern lobby displays canvases by local artists, alongside attractive floor lanterns, vaulted white ceilings, and neutral-toned geometric floor tiling -- the only drawback is the lack of much natural night. The large reception desk has a patterned blue-gray and black frontage, and a brown-paneled backdrop with more modern art accents. Generic, rather dated and overly busy hallways are a letdown, with ugly peach-cream patterned walls, brown-and-yellow carpets, and dated elevators. But highlights include cozy Liberte restaurant’s large central chandelier-style downlighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, and heavy dark shelves stacked with books. Chez Colette has a decidedly French vibe, featuring wooden roller blinds and navy-blue-accented rugs and banquette seating. This chic and French-owned chain property is popular with business travelers, and tourists who are in town to shop and eat. 

On a busy junction in the downtown Rittenhouse Square shopping and dining district, this Sofitel is conveniently located walking distance from boutiques, restaurants, and other Philadelphia attractions, as well as a handful of subway stations.- Four-minute walk to Curtis Institute of Music

• Five-minute walk to 15th-16th & Locust subway station
• Six-minute walk to Rittenhouse Square and Suburban subway station
• Seven-minute walk to Walnut-Locust subway station
• Eight-minute walk to Philadelphia City Hall
• 14-minute walk to Franklin Institute
• 15-minute walk to Pennsylvania Convention Center
• 17-minute walk to Barnes Foundation
• 19-minute walk to Philadelphia Amtrak station
• Nine minutes to Philadelphia Museum of Art by car (17 minutes by public transportation)
• Nine minutes to Philadelphia Zoo by car (27 minutes by public transportation)
• 17 minutes to Philadelphia International Airport by car (28 minutes by public transportation)

The air-conditioned rooms at the Sofitel Philadelphia are spacious and generally chic, sporting geometric-patterned gray carpets, white-gray vertical-striped wallpaper, and brown accent walls with large modern art canvases. Beds feature sultry black headboards, gray bed skirts, and crisp white linens, and there are large freestanding bedside tables and stylish wall-mounted lamps. But some elements of the decor are dated -- like tan-wood framed, olive-green-upholstered chairs -- and some furniture is considerably worn. In pricier rooms, attractive double doors lead to large separate lounges, with large desks and elegant sofas.Amenities include flat-screen TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, safes, minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, robes, slippers, hairdryers, irons, and ironing boards. Accessible and family rooms are available, and family-friendly perks include child-size bathrobes and babies’ toiletries.Spacious bathrooms are smart, with green-gray marble vanity countertops and submerged sinks, shower/tub combos with power showerheads, and separate walk-in showers with fixed showerheads. That said, some of the peach-colored tiling is a tad frumpy. Keeping with the French theme, designer miniature toiletries are by Lanvin. Windows are large, and most rooms have decent views of the city.

There’s a decent range of facilities here for an urban hotel, though there’s no pool or spa. The 24-hour gym features an extensive selection of Lifefitness cardio and weightlifting machines and free weights. The excellent breakfast buffet (costs extra) is served in the Chez Colette restaurant, while the Liberte Urban Chic Lounge serves a-la-carte French-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, plus cocktails. It’s open from mid-morning until the wee hours. Room service is available almost 24-hours a day, with longer weekend hours. The small business center has Apple Mac computers and printing facilities, 16 meeting rooms can accommodate 250 guests, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Secure self-parking and valet parking are available (both for a fee), and there’s an on-site laundromat (costs extra). Pets are allowed to stay free of charge.