The Rittenhouse Spa & Club — Attraction in Philadelphia

Overview - I’m not necessarily unhappy but I would not return or recommend for how much money we spent. This is a “luxury” spa that felt no where near luxurious. My friend and I did have a good time, but we would have a good time anywhere. I would buckle up this is going to be a long one.

General PSA before review - please bring a bathing suit! I’ve been burned with spas advertising hotel pools that ended up not being open to spa guests, so we didn’t bring any. We sat with our feet in which was nice! This is not factored into the overall review. Everyone else seemed to get the memo except us so just a little warning.

MASSAGE I had a 50 minute relaxation massage with a female provider. I am no stranger to massages and would rate this one as average. She was very sweet, but she did a lot of random movements, like shaking my legs and stretching my arms around. When I kept tensing up due to confusion and a little annoyance, she got clearly frustrated with me. The leg portion of the massage was just her pushing on my legs with open hands. She did give a mean scalp massage which was delightful. I would by no means say I was disappointed, but I was also not blown away, especially with how expensive it was. She was very insightful at the end by telling me which areas held the most tension and tips on how to fix it. Overall very nice woman and very chatty but I wasn’t over the moon about it. My friend said her male massage therapist did not even touch her hands, feet or scalp and did the same leg pushing motion.

PROS The staff are all very friendly The pool was the perfect temperature, the chairs are very comfortable The robes are so soft and luxurious The gym was VERY nice The relaxation room had a wonderful tea selection and the couch in there is very comfortable. We got the charcuterie board and some juice which was delicious. Great amount of food! They do give a complimentary glass of Cava which was a nice touch (you do have to ask and they didn’t tell us initially tho) I did enjoy my treatment overall and so did my friend

CONS Holy cow this place was hot. You are in these fluffy robes and at one point the thermostat in the Locker room read 83. My friend and I thought we were being dramatic until we made a comment to one another and another large group of women agreed. I am a baby about being hot and we ended up wrapping up our stay early because we were so uncomfortable. I did tell the front desk when we left about the temperature, but I had seen several staff members throughout our time there in the locker room, so they had to know and just didn’t fix it. The seating options leave much to be desired. The only place to really sit is the pool area. Which can get loud and warm. The seating is limited, and people were left standing and my friend and I ended up sharing a seat because we felt bad (it is big enough for two, just not the most comfy that way) there is a couch in the relaxation room that you hang out in before your treatment, but it felt like a room you only use before your treatment. Again, limited space and people were left standing waiting for their appointment. We felt bad taking a spot when we just wanted to chill in the quiet for a bit after our treatments. While the staff were all so kind, it was hard to get someone’s attention. We wanted to order some food and drinks and I had to approach a staff member that had walked by several times without checking in. The pool area got very crowded and there was only one staff member; people were clamoring to get any service. The showers were not clean. There are no hooks inside any of the bathroom or shower stalls which was so confusing. Had to rest my towel on the awkwardly shaped door handle. I kept my slides on because my shower was not clean (picture attached) and for such a nice spa that’s just not acceptable. The sauna was out of order, would not have used it since I was so hot but just in case you like that.

With two massages, a charactery board and juice, our total was about $500. I would never in a million years pay...

I moved from Boston to Philly in June and have since visited several spas all over the city in an attempt to find my "forever" spa as well as an amazing esthetician to work with consistently. I wasn't sure I'd ever find the right fit due to the never ending trial and error period. That was until Tuesday, when I visited the Rittenhouse Spa for a facial with Dayna. The spa itself is incredibly beautiful, and the concierge/housekeeping/and literally every employee I encountered was so helpful and nice. The relaxation area is by far and away the most relaxing spa waiting room I've ever experienced. I thought I knew relaxation and luxury but these facilities exceeded any and all expectations, setting the bar inside my head much higher. When I met Dayna, before we even entered the treatment room I knew she was the esthetician I've been holding out for. My criteria was someone who is passionate about the medical spa industry, who demonstrates expertise and deep knowledge about medical grade skincare, and lastly someone who is genuinely invested in the relationship they have with their clients. I had the 60-minute HydraFacial with dermaplane and a gold mask add-on. The entire experience was amazing to say the least and Dayna checked off every box 20 minutes into my treatment. I felt so relaxed the entire time, and Dayna was super knowledgeable and walked me through the products she was using and the purpose of each step. I like to chat during my medi spa treatments, especially about products and all skin related topics, but the second we stopped talking I was still pulled into a see relaxation because of the comfortable table/sheets/lighting/and overall ambiance of the treatment room. After the service, Dayna took the time to write out some recommendations she had for me regarding my skincare routine, as well as recommendations for things I asked for like fine dining restaurants and a good place to go for injectables etc. Long story short, Dayna went above and beyond and if you're looking for a legitimate esthetician and a drop dead gorgeous/relaxing spa to visit, book an appointment with her at the...

I went for a deep tissue massage and facial- definitely the best massage I have had in a very long time! Beatrice is the absolute best. Kin was so sweet and was great as well, she recommended an add on for my treatment but did not try to oversell me on products. I was really happy with my experience! I was able to enjoy the pool as well and ordered lunch while I was there. The only thing that was kind of annoying was trying to find someone to place an order for food with. I went to the front desk and the girl (who was very flustered and short with me) told me to use a QR code and do it online. The QR code only takes you to the main website and is not easy to get to the menu. The girl seemed irritated but finally took out a clipboard and took my order- and let me tell you, it is very limited. I heard there are four different restaurants in the hotel, and in hindsight I should have just gone there in person instead because not all food items are delivered to the spa. Plus, it is expensive for what it is. Also, be aware that some of the clientele that come to this spa act very entitled and were inconsiderate to staff and others around. One couple were sitting outside on a long outdoor chair (there are only three, in a row) and were actually sharing the middle chair, and put all of their stuff on the other two. I came outside and they did nothing to allow me to use one and I ended up sitting in the blazing sun at the single bistro table they have out there. On top of it the couple left their trash there and one of the employees had to clean it up. Then when I sat in the waiting area which is called a “relaxation room” three women that came together were having an unreasonably loud conversation when the area is supposed to be quiet. None of these things reflect my general experience at the spa- all in all I had...