A History Lesson Kids Love at The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

Located right in the heart of the city, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia is an opulent reminder of our nation’s earliest days. Originally Girard Trust Company, it became Girard Corn Exchange in 1951, then served as a bank building in the 1970s and ’80s before evolving into The Ritz-Carlton in 2000. With decor that preserves a sense of the past, it’s the perfect home base for a visit to one of the most historical cities in America.

Family-Friendly Review and Highlights of The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia

Location

In this sprawling city, location is everything. The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia is on Avenue of the Arts, a short walk from City Hall, LOVE Park, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and Reading Terminal Market. Rittenhouse Square is a longer walk from the hotel but worth it, as is the recently built Spruce Street Harbor Park. For kids who don’t want to walk, there are plenty of taxis in the area, but Philadelphia is a terrific city to explore on foot and is very stroller-friendly.

Accommodations

When we walked into our room, the first thing we noticed was the beautiful view of the city — its historic importance is evident just by looking out the window.As usual, The Ritz Carlton leaves no stone unturned when it comes to comfort and ease of travel: Our room included a marble bathrooms with a rain shower head, plush robes, a 40-inch HDTV, a minibar, a CD player, complimentary newspapers, and high-speed WIFI. Guests also may request hypoallergenic bedding.

Dining

We had access to the 30th-floor Club Lounge, which provides culinary offerings throughout the day and a shared computer station. It was the perfect place to begin the day with breakfast or relax with a snack or cup of tea after an excursion. The hotel’s restaurants, the 10 Arts Bistro and 10 Arts Lounge, serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer kid-friendly meals. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Activities

We spent our first night hanging out in LOVE Park, watching breakdancers, posing under the famous sign and strolling to nearby Rittenhouse Square for a bit of shopping. The next day, we ventured first to Federal Donuts and then to Spruce Street Harbor Park for a day on the water and lounge time in hammocks. Other family-friendly favorites include the Liberty Bell, the U.S. Mint, the Betsy Ross House, and for kids are full of energy, the Please Touch Museum.

Packages

The Ritz Carlton offers vacation packages to make a trip more affordable. The Stay and Play package is geared toward family travel, including tickets to the Please Touch Museum. The Two Nights in the City package offers a couple or a parent and child a sampling of art, history, food and culture along with a two-night stay.

Relevant Links:

Browse family-friendly hotels and things to do in Philadelphia on Ciao Bambino

72 Hours in Philadelphia with Kids

Editor’s Note: Holly experienced The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia as part of a media trip. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Holly Rosen Fink except where noted.