A tranquil weekend in bustling Philadelphia
Visiting a city with a young family can be hectic, which is why places like the Four Seasons Philadelphia are so special. You’re in the center of it all—an easy walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rittenhouse Square, and Chinatown. But once you enter the building, you feel like you’re a world away from that…in a beautiful, bright oasis. If you’re looking for a place for your family to relax and unwind during a trip to Philadelphia, then the Four Seasons Philadelphia is the place for you.
Full disclosure: we barely left the hotel. And if you’ve read my previous post about Philadelphia, you know that’s a rare feat for us because we.love.Philadelphia. We—even the kids—didn’t want to leave. Our son actually cried when we got into the car to head home.
Our First Moments at the Hotel
We arrived at the Four Seasons Philadelphia on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in August. Late summers in Philly can be HOT, HOT, HOT, but we didn’t even feel the humidity because our car was taken care of within minutes of pulling into the driveway. The property also has a house Tesla Model X that will take guests around the hotel so you don’t have to rely on cabs or Ubers…or walk through the sauna that can be Philly in the summer.
Our bags were taken out of our car and whisked off while a staff member directed us into the glass elevator up to the 60th Floor for check-in. The staff at the Four Seasons Philadelphia is one of the top reasons to stay here. They’re so knowledgeable and welcoming, and make sure your stay is perfect from beginning to end.
Our kid’s first elevator ride up was one to remember. My husband and I got to stay at the property in the past for an anniversary weekend, but this was our first stay with the kids. You go from the first floor to 60th in 60 seconds and the views are out of this world. Best view of Philly, no doubt about it. Fun fact: you can take this elevator ride even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. Just plan on getting dinner and/or drinks at Jean-Georges or JG Skyhigh (more to come on that later).
Check in was a breeze, as check in always is at any Four Seasons. I highly recommend you download the Four Seasons App and link your room reservation to it before you arrive. I opted for contactless mobile check-in and chatted with the in-house team via the app to arrange for a crib for our little one. The room was ready for us as soon as we checked in, and the crib was already in the room when we arrived. Added bonus? The in-house team made sure there was a diaper genie, diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, conditioner, and lotion…plus bubble bath in the room. Again, the level of service and detail is top notch at the property.
The lobby is gorgeous. Make sure you take a few minutes to check out the flowers in the lobby. They are extravagant, and the smell is heavenly when you walk in. The property’s team of talented florists is led by infamous floral designer Jeff Leatham who has designed for the Wynn in Las Vegas, and collaborated with Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Burberry.
The Room
Our 50th floor room was so beautiful and bright! We had a king size bed, but could have gotten two double beds. Our son wanted to sleep with us as an added bonus of the staycation. The floor to ceiling window view of North Philadelphia was so breathtaking. We used to live in the Fairmount section and were even able to spot our old rowhome from the window. Our son got a kick out of that.
The luxurious details in the room must be called out. There’s a button next to the bed that fully opens and closes the curtains. Also, the Four Seasons Philadelphia has Comcast X1 on the (large) in-room TVs. You can use the voice remote to select anything you want to watch.
The bathroom? Well, let’s just say I was taking detailed notes for an upcoming remodel in our home because it feels like you’re in a luxury spa: large soaking tub, separate rain shower, huge end to end sink situation, cozy robes and slippers (even ones for the kids).
Oh, back to the details and service. The team left our kids a Minions cupcake and welcome note, along with other treats.
The Pool
Once our bags arrived in the room, our first stop was of course the infinity pool. So we donned our comfy Four Seasons robes over our bathing suits and made our way to the 57th floor, which also has a large, state of the art fitness center equipped with Pelotons.
So the pool, y’all. We could have spent the entire day here. We actually spent several hours of our two night stay here. It’s the perfect temperature, not too cold, but not bath water either. The kids were mesmerized because you actually feel like you’re swimming in the clouds while up there. It’s an incredible feeling looking down at William Penn atop City Hall and lounging by the pool while sipping on complimentary orange-infused water. The team at the pool is so accommodating. We were brought bottled water, almonds, and other snacks as soon as we sat down. Towels are also rolled up and waiting for you at each lounge chair. The kids were fully taken cafe of. We brought our own puddle jumpers but should have known we didn’t need to, because the Four Seasons takes care of everything! Not only do they have puddle jumpers for use, they have pool noodles as well.
We did a ton of night swimming too. Do make sure you spend time at sunrise or sunset if you can. Family pool hours are 8am to 8pm so adults can get some time alone later at night. But the pool never felt crowded or loud. It was always peaceful, even with kids! How do they do it?!
Food
Okay, so if you’re staying at any Four Seasons, you know the food is going to be top notch.
The Four Seasons Philadelphia has several restaurants onsite. Vernick Fish is on the first floor and while we didn’t eat there this stay, we tried it on our previous stay and if you’re a seafood fan, you should definitely make a stop here. It’s essentially an oyster bar with creative twists on seafood small plates. Anything James Beard award-winning chef Greg Vernick touches is gold.
We had lunch at Vernick Coffee Bar on our second day at the hotel. It’s located at the base of the Comcast Technology Center (which occupies the bottom of the building while the Four Seasons occupies floors 46-60). The Vernick Coffee bar is also a good option for breakfast, which we enjoyed here on our last morning. This place has got it all. Think creamy lattes, house-baked treats, delectable sandwiches, and fresh-pressed juices. The menu is always fresh and seasonal. My husband ordered a mushroom soup for lunch and our super picky 20 month old ended up having 75% of it.
For a treat, make sure you try JG Skyhigh. We had dinner here and everyone left satisfied. Even the aforementioned 20 month old picky eater. We were hesitant to have dinner with the kids at this very swanky spot but the staff made everyone feel so accommodated. JG Skyhigh is located on the 60th floor, right by the grand lobby. They had silverware for kids, a booster seat for our toddler, a really approachable kid’s menu, and tasty food and strong drinks for the parents.
For an extra special evening (we will be back, Four Seasons Philadelphia), try Jean-Georges. Jean-Georges is located on the 59th floor—you go down a gorgeous waterfall encased staircase from the 60th floor and are presented with a luxurious bar. Jean-Georges boasts a six-course tasting menu of Chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Cornelia Sühr’s creation.
We took advantage of room service for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast in our room overlooking the city was so special. The kids had oatmeal and the fluffiest pancakes while we opted for traditional eggs and toast. You know how room service is hit or miss? Room service at the Four Seasons Philadelphia was a HIT. For dinner we let the kids eat chicken fingers and pasta in bed (with towels, we’re not animals), and they felt like they hit the jackpot as far as vacation goes. Hubby and I had salads and they were so fresh. They also have a very tasty cookie plate that we may or may not have gotten into once the kids went to sleep.
Things we didn’t get to do, but will return for next time
We’re definitely returning. Already planning a weekend around the holidays to take in the lights and Christmas Village by City Hall.
As mentioned above, Jeans Georges. We will not be taking the kids though. The Four Seasons Philadelphia helps arrange quality childcare!
The Four Seasons Philadelphia Spa. Maybe we’ll tack this onto our holiday stay and switch off watching the kids while one parent gets a massage or facial. The Spa is gorgeous and has top quality services that will surely add to the luxurious experience you get with the rest of the hotel.
