Distinctive service, luxurious accommodations and an unmatched City Center location \u2013 that\u2019s what you\u2019ll find at The Rittenhouse, Philadelphia\u2019s most historic hotel. Perched on the edge of beautiful Rittenhouse Square, our landmark hotel began as a stunning Beaux-Arts mansion, designed in 1913 by famed architect, Paul Cret. Home to Pennsylvania Railroad president, A.J. Cassatt and his family, the building was eventually sold and was used as a church headquarters for the Episcopal Church of Pennsylvania. Later, the home was transformed into the Academy of Notre Dame, a prominent school for affluent children, including members of Hollywood\u2019s first family \u2013 John, Ethel and Lionel Barrymore. In the late 1960s, architect Donald Reiff was hired to design a new luxury hotel for the site.<\/p>\n
Situated to take full advantage of views of the square and cityscape, and designed to make the most of interior space without sacrificing comfort, the hotel was finally completed and opened to great acclaim in 1989. Today, the Rittenhouse reflects the romance and service standards of the past while offering a thoroughly modern menu of hotel amenities. Enjoy a cup of tea in our lounge, named for A.J. Cassatt\u2019s sister Mary, who was a renowned painter and artist that traveled to the Paris Salon of 1868.<\/p>\n