The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

Presently staying at this hotel and I’m appalled at the experience. Firstly, check in is at 4pm, at the time of check in, I never got notified my room was ready nor received my key to check in. Secondly, when I got to my room, the room was filthy. My blankets and pillows were covered in red stains and crumbs were all over the tables. There was also no soap in the room, which I was confused about. On notifying the front desk, I was not really given much understanding; however, the bedding was changed fairly quickly. Still, no excuse for a 5 star hotel to not have clean sheets on the bed and crumbs elsewhere. There is a hole in the ceiling where a light fixture would have been before demonstrating exposed wires. Lastly, the room vibrates loudly when the shower is on. Overall, just a weird experience. One time I came back to my room door wide open with all my bags, electronics, and luggage open on display because housekeeping stepped away for a moment. I was upset at this because someone could have easily stolen my handbag close to the door. Turndown service was given on the first night, not the second. We were told we would get a fruit bowl, we never got it. This was a special occasion for us and the Ritz ruined it. Wish we stayed at our original hotel booked. The breakfast downstairs was also disgusting. I ordered Eggs Benedict and got a spicy dish and was advised that the chef made the recipe wrong recipe for the day. The food did not taste fresh in any capacity. Needless to say, I don’t complain much; however, this is defaults not acceptable and not the experience paid for for a 5 star hotel. Look elsewhere.

Please understand that we were at an event located within the Ritz-Carlton. The Pink Room. This was a bucket list event that was overpriced There was no room for mingling. The decor looked like it was purchased from the dollar store. The good thing was we were able to make conversation with each other and the party we shared a table with.

Had a very pleasant experience here, used my Amex Platinum FHR benefit and got credits to use for dining and other amenities. Complimentary room upgrade was nice, lobby and everything was decorated beautifully for Christmas as well !

Rooms are beautiful with Dyptique soaps and toiletries. Easy walk to Old City, Reading Market, Center City shops. Plus there is a champagne vending machine near the guest elevator bank.

The AC is controlled by the entire building, not individual rooms! Maintenance staff told me that I couldn't even turn on my fan because the building was set to "heat." I like my room around 63° at night; instead, I had hot, stagnant, musty air. The tiny rooms are crammed with large, awkward, outdated furniture. The walls are paper thin. The full width mirrors in the tubs are creepy. Not every room has a shower. They charged us for ice at the bar when we ordered drinks. The gym is as awkward and small as the bedrooms. The ceiling is so low that you can't use the step machine. You can't Absolutely avoid this shoddy relic of a hotel.

Stunning Hotel. I had a great time. The lobby is incredible. The entire staff was friendly and helpful. My room on the 19th floor was large and perfect. I ate dinner and breakfast at the hotel restaurant and both meals were delicious. Drinks at the hotel bar where good and strong. Hotel is right in the center of the city. Perfect location. Use your Amex Platinum card and get all sorts of additional perks. Looking forward to returning.

This location is more a really nice 4-star than a 5-star. If I were looking for an exceptional experience I would much rather prefer the W around the corner. The value for the price at this hotel isn't there.
Pros:
- Decent gym with full set of dumbbells but nothing notable
Cons:
- Cant fully adjust temperature in rooms, I wasn't able to turn on the heating during my late September stay because the hotel was still in "A/C mode"
- Rooms are not what you would expect at a hotel of this caliber/price