• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

General manager David Benton runs the ritzy Rittenhouse Hotel (from $330) with precision and pride. The hotel, centrally located on Rittenhouse Square, is first class from the décor to the service to the in-house restaurant, Lacroix. The rooms are big; ask for one with a view of the square.

From left, Philadelphia's historic Rittenhouse square district; guests of Rittenhouse 1715 enjoy complimentary wine from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each evening.    (Photo: Courtesy of 1715 Rittenhouse)

The antiques and period reproductions in Rittenhouse 1715 (from $239) could give you ideas for your shopping list. Formerly the Rittenhouse Square B&B, the property expanded into an adjoining townhouse last December. The sixteen Salgado Saucier–designed rooms are all traditionally handsome, but the duplex presidential suite has a more loftlike feel.

The Ritz-Carlton (from $299) remains the most stunning show in town. A rotunda soars over the hotel lobby. Book on the north side of the building above the fifteenth floor to be face to face with the statue of William Penn, across the street atop City Hall. On Friday and Saturday evenings, save room for the chocolate buffet in the lobby.

Published on October 11, 2006 as a web exclusive.