The Franklin on Rittenhouse, a Boutique Hotel in Philadelphia

The Franklin on Rittenhouse, a Boutique Hotel in Philadelphia has a unique blend of modern luxury and old-world style. I recently had the opportunity to stay at the intimate and luxurious 5-star hotel and had such a fantastic experience.

Join me and look behind the famous and often photographed red doors that lead to The Franklin on Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia! This was my first time in Philly and I had a wonderful mom and son weekend with my oldest. We were there for the Jackson Lacrosse Tournament Junior Open. Many thanks to The Franklin on Rittenhouse for hosting us!

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Dating all the way back to 1829, The Franklin on Rittenhouse boutique hotel has been a fixture in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Since then, the French-inspired boutique has kept up with the times by offering modern luxury amenities while preserving its historic character.

The famous red doors of The Franklin on Rittenhouse, a Boutique Hotel in Philadelphia.

An attractive woman wearing a tan hat and a light blue button-up shirt dress is exiting the red doors of The Franklin on Rittenhouse hotel.

History of The Franklin on Rittenhouse

The Franklin on Rittenhouse boutique hotel in Philadelphia is steeped in history. It was originally a former textile mill, built on the site of Benjamin Franklin’s original race track, back in 1772. In 1941, it became the current building – The Franklin Institute – a research and education center dedicated to the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin.

During the 20th century, the center became a popular tourist attraction in Philadelphia. The building was renovated in 2018 and opened its doors as a boutique hotel.

Today, The Franklin on Rittenhouse is one of the city’s best hotels. It offers guests a chance to experience Philadelphia from an entirely new perspective – surrounded by timeless history right in the heart of Center City. Its luxurious amenities, modern décor, and incredible service make it an attractive destination for travelers from all over the world.

A smiling woman posing with a hand on her hip in front of the sign for The Franklin on Rittenhouse hotel in Philadelphia.

A woman standing sideways on a step next to beautiful floral wallpaper. She is wearing a light blue shirt-dress and a cream colored hat.

A woman standing on a step next to beautiful floral wallpaper, and a planter on a gold and glass table. She is wearing a light blue shirt-dress and a cream colored hat.

The lobby of this hotel pays homage to its long and colorful history through an art installation featuring archival photographs of the area’s past. All of the little details make this boutique hotel truly stand out.

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Travel Essentials:

The Armand Suite

The Franklin on Rittenhouse has 20 rooms and suites, all individually decorated and feature plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi. The suites also have separate living and dining areas, and some have balconies with views of Rittenhouse Square.

Each room or suite is named after a French idea or icon. The frette linen-covered beds will want to make you spend quiet mornings enjoying complimentary continental breakfast and of this I did partake.

The Armand Suite felt like my home away from home during my stay. The spacious suite spans 2 floors. Two of the main features are a fireplace and black winding staircase which lends a birds-eye view from the bedroom down to the chic and comfortable main living area downstairs.

With its well-chosen artwork and modern furnishings inspired by automotive designs, the sleek suite on two levels pays tribute to French industrialist Armand Peugeot.

A black winding staircase next to a plant.

Birdseye view of a dining table with 4 chairs in The Armand Suite at The Franklin on Rittenhouse, a boutique hotel in Philadelphia.

A luxurious bedroom with white, black and gold bedding.

A blue velvet sofa next to a dining table with four chairs.

A well-appointed bathroom. Plush robes hanging next to the shower.

Hotel Amenities

The Franklin on Rittenhouse also offers an array of amenities, including meeting rooms and event spaces.

Guests enjoy Molten Brown bath amenities, complimentary wifi, a large-screen television, Frette linens, luxury bathrobes, and a complimentary breakfast. Each room or suite comes equipped with a personal safe.

The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company Bar

Head down to the acclaimed speakeasy bar, The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company. Sip a handcrafted cocktail or glass of absinthe cooled with water from a 1930s absinthe fountain.

This swanky bar really does have that dimly-lit speakeasy atmosphere, down to the doorman who will greet you. In addition to bar seating there are tables, and cozy booths that line the wall.

Mixologists at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company Bar take their craft very seriously. The bar offers a very expansive list of prohibition era cocktails. There are also some fun libations with names like “Per my last email”.

The bar is incredibly popular, so I recommend making reservations ahead if you can.

A view of the bar at The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company Bar. Image portrays a chic bar with dimmed lighting.

A cozy booth with plush velvet seating inside of The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company Bar, located within The Franklin on Rittenhouse in Philadelphia.

Attractive woman smiling and holding onto a stair railing inside The Franklin on Rittenhouse, a boutique hotel. She is wearing a floral print brown and tan dress with wedge heals.

The Franklin on Rittenhouse Location

The boutique hotel offers luxury and an all-new take on sophistication in the heart of the famous Rittenhouse Square near the best restaurants, high-end shopping on Rittenhouse Row, and nightlife in Philadelphia.

Located at 1715 Rittenhouse Square, the hotel is just two blocks from the Locust Train Station and the historic Rittenhouse Square. Thomas Jefferson University and the Benjamin Franklin House are one mile from Rittenhouse 1715. Independence Hall is less than 10 minutes away by car.

Parc Restaurant and a fitness center are conveniently located nearby.

With the hotel being perched in the heart of Philadelphia’s fashionable Rittenhouse Square, the central location makes it easy to get around.

If ever there was a hotel to wear your fanciest dress…

A woman wearing a fancy pink tulle dress in front of a large gilded mirror in The Gilded Queen Room suite in The Franklin on Rittenhouse.

I was able to get a peak inside The Gilded Queen Room and was SO glad I packed my insanely fancy pink tulle high-low dress from Mac Duggal. No, I didn’t wear it on the lacrosse field but was able to get a few images in front of the extra-large mirror, located in The Gilded Queen Room. I just knew there would be some amazing spots to get new fashion pics!

City Girl Tip: Always pack at least one amazing dress!

The Franklin on Rittenhouse Final Thoughts

I typically only care about location, location, location when I travel which The Franklin on Rittenhouse has in spades. Only, on this trip it was the staff who made the greatest impression. They truly know how to settle you in and make you feel right at home.

I loved EVERYTHING about this unique boutique hotel in Philly!

With its unique location and rich history, The Franklin on Rittenhouse is one of Philadelphia’s most beloved places to stay. Whether you’re looking to explore Benjamin Franklin’s legacy or simply relax and enjoy the city or are in town for business, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable getaway.

The Franklin on Rittenhouse will provide you with all the comforts of home while keeping its historic charm alive.