PHILADELPHIA — Philly is now home to a five-star hotel thanks to a new travel guide from Forbes.
Forbes Travel Guide recently published a “sneak peek” at its 2021 five star winners, and the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center was among the “world’s best properties.”
This marks the first time a Philadelphia hotel has earned the distinction from Forbes.
The hotel is the highest in all of North America, taking up the top 12 floors of the 1,121-foot, 60-story building (which is Philadelphia’s tallest).
Here’s what Forbes says about the hotel:
Architect Norman Foster and artistic director Jeff Leatham designed a space that is both modern and sleek while remaining warm and comfortable. They softened this urban hotel by subtly bringing the outside in with stunning florals and the strategic use of windows and mirrors that reflect back the blue sky and invite sunlight to flow naturally through the space. Plus, there’s an incredible infinity pool that “spills” out into the clouds.
In addition to the hotel itself earning five stars, the spa located in the hotel and on the building’s 57th floor was also awarded five stars.
Check out Forbes’ praise for the spa below:
Look inside and you’ll discover a crystal-themed oasis. Senior spa director Verena Lasvigne-Fox worked closely with crystal healing expert Rashia Bell to craft a peaceful and serene retreat heightened by the presence of 700 pounds of crystals embedded into the walls. They also are used in the services, from the Crystal Anti-Pollution Journey, which detoxes your skin from everyday pollutants and toxins, to the Rejuvenating Crystal Nailcare, a mani or pedi paired with a healing crystal massage.
To determine which places are featured in the Forbes Travel guide, inspectors checked into hotels for two-night minimum stays, posing as regular guests and paying their own way. They then tested up to 900 objective, stringent standards — such as whether you are greeted curbside by a staff member within 30 seconds of arrival, whether the bedroom is spotless and whether turndown service includes a special or thoughtful element.
“Achieving this accolade, arguably one of the hardest and most distinctive in the hospitality industry, fills me with abundant pride in our special team of individuals,” General Manager Ben Shank said. “Their genuine perseverance to create a comfortable elegance, coupled with authentic service, is now recognized on the world stage. On a personal note, with Philadelphia as my original hometown, I am humbled to be part of the team that has created a historic first for our wonderful city.”