By Stacey Zable

The completion of a year-long, $25 million dollar renewal project on The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia last year brought updates to new guest rooms and meeting spaces, the lobby and public spaces, and a new restaurant, bar and lounge. Here’s what else makes it a good choice for Philadelphia-bound travelers.

Historic Setting

In a city where so much history exudes, The Ritz-Carlton boasts its own fascinating past. The building opened in 1908 as The Girard Trust Company and was built as a reproduction of the Pantheon. The original bank architecture can still be seen in the outside columned façade and the magnificent lobby boasting a 100-plus-foot Rotunda dome, 16 columns, and 9,000 tons of Georgia marble. The new design even uses “neutral colors, textures and materials inspired by money and currency, with pops of metallic, bronze and emerald green” to tie into its bank history.

What a View

Located in the heart of Center City along Avenue of the Arts in front of City Hall, The Ritz-Carlton and its guestrooms offer wonderful views of the city. Much of the property’s artwork and guest amenities incorporate a sense of place including such fun Phili touches as complimentary soft pretzels and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews in the lobby. The hotel is within walking distance of many of Philadelphia’s major sites, as well as numerous dining and shopping options.

New Spacious Rooms

The 300 newly renovated guest rooms are large with high ceilings and are designed to be pampering respites from the city. Guests find city views, comfortable workspaces, and large marble bathrooms with separate tubs and stall showers. In-room amenities include exclusive Asprey bath products. An upgrade to Club Level brings access to the lovely 30th floor lounge with dedicated concierge. Culinary offerings throughout the day include breakfast, light snacks, hors d’ oeuvres, beverages and evening chocolates. The paneled room, the former board room for the bank, is outfitted with fabulous Philadelphia views as well as comfortable furnishings to give that welcomed feeling of sitting in a friend’s living room.

Hotel Amenities

Aqimero, the hotel’s restaurant with an open kitchen, opened in the lobby in June as part of the renovation. The all-day menu “meshes the Latin-American flavors of acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval in a modern sustainable way.” Choices include grilled specialties, sushi, ceviche, and a raw bar. The hotel offers guests opportunities to relax and be pampered in its fitness center, and in the Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon.

For more on The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/philadelphia/hotel-overview