Travel

Four Seasons Philadelphia Offers Exceptional Service And Killer Views

By Contributor,Jeff Leatham,Lois Alter Mark

Copyright forbes

Four Seasons Philadelphia Offers Exceptional Service And Killer Views

The gorgeous lobby of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center blooms with Jeff Leatham’s floral art.
Lois Alter Mark

“Congratulations on your new grandbaby!” effused Emily, the enthusiastic and welcoming front desk clerk at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, after I gave her my name during check-in. I had mentioned in passing that was the reason I was coming to Philly when I booked my last-minute reservation and was floored that someone had actually made a note of it to share with reception.

As if that weren’t enough, though, this is what greeted me on the floor-to-ceiling window of my room when I opened my door:

This is what personal service looks like at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.
Lois Alter Mark

I immediately threw down my suitcase, started taking photos and FaceTimed my family and friends to show them this amazingly thoughtful act. I couldn’t stop grinning and neither could they. A surprise and delight moment like this — which goes above and beyond the exceptional service guests already expect from Four Seasons — takes so little for a hotel to do but leaves a huge, long-lasting impact. This specific one was so meaningful to me that it has spoiled me for any other hotel.

It was the cherry on top of a truly superior stay.

The View from Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

My 55th floor room at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.
Lois Alter Mark

Conveniently located within walking distance of some of the city’s most important sights, including Independence Hall, the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (where you can run up the “Rocky stairs”), the hotel’s unassuming entrance is tucked into a side street and my Lyft driver originally drove past it, saying it was a small hotel and easy to miss. This made me laugh later when I read that Four Seasons Philadelphia is actually the highest hotel not just in the city but in all of North America. It may not take up much space on the ground but it soars up 1,121 feet and 60 floors into the sky. Because the hotel is housed on floors 48-60, unobstructed views surround you almost wherever you are.

The elevator ride up to the 60th floor lobby is an experience in itself, offering more and more expansive views of the city as it ascends. It’s fun to join in the “ooh”s and “ahh”s of fellow passengers as more of the city continues to come into sight.

Once the doors open, the “oohs” and “ahhs” resume, thanks to the eye-popping floral arrangements by Jeff Leatham, who literally wrote the book on The Art of the Flower and whose work has been commissioned by A-listers from Oprah to Cher to Chelsea Clinton.

What’s Special About Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

The pool overlooking the city at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.
Four Seasons

Although the unparalleled service and views (all 180 rooms and 39 suites boast them) have to top the list, there are so many other features that stand out about this hotel, from the well-lit, quiet spaciousness of the hallways and rooms themselves to the top-notch food and luxurious spa and pool.

I loved details in my 55th floor room like the Dyson hairdryer, the reading chair with the ottoman and the fact that I could open and close the blackout curtains without getting out of my very comfy bed.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try the hotel’s highly-rated restaurants, Jean-Georges Philadelphia and Vernick Fish. I did take advantage of the in-room dining menu and treated myself to the Lancaster Breakfast and a late night snack of Chicken Noodle Soup and a scoop of Coconut Salted Caramel ice cream. It was all heavenly and felt especially indulgent accompanied by the stellar city views.

Next time I’m here — oh yes, there will definitely be a next time — I also want to check out the 57th floor pool and the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, the city’s first (and only) Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Spa.

The New Sky Garden Floor at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

A rendering of the upcoming Sky Garden Penthouse Conservatory at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.
Four Seasons

Although I can’t imagine how Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center could get any better, a couple in the elevator told me the hotel just opened reservations for its highly-anticipated new collection of exclusive guest rooms and suites set to debut in December.

Designed by award-winning 1508 London, The Sky Garden, located on the 44th floor, will feature sweeping views, private terraces and highly-personalized offerings including chef-led culinary experiences, in-room wellness treatments and specially-curated access to the best of Philadelphia.

This couple had just booked a two-bedroom suite and I told them I hoped to be their neighbors in the Sky Garden when I hopefully return to Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.

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