There is a time and a place for every sort of hotel. There is a time for a big hotel with 3 staff members to every guest. There is a time for a luxury restort, with a pool, a tennis court, and enough activities to exhaust even the most enthusiastic athlete. And there is the time for an exquisitly appointed boutique hotel, where all your needs are silently met without ever having to ask. A time when all you want is peace, quite, a beautiful room, and a fantastic location. This is the time that you want The Latham.
The Latham is Philadelphia’s own diamond in the rough. This boutique hotel, right on Rittenhouse Square and walking distance from many major tourist attractions, including Reading Terminal Market, is an absolute gem. The hotel is undergoing a major renovation, with a new restaurant and bar set to open later this year. In the meantime, all the rooms have been redone in a sleek, modern style with premium linens and flat screen televisions. The rooms are not large, but they are decorated stylishly and manage to feel luxe and plush. The rooms are quite soundproof, and housekeeping comes as frequently or infrequently as you desire. The free wifi is a huge boon to this hotel’s draws – so many luxury hotels don’t offer this amenity, though these days, everyone needs it. Also, there is an ipod docking station.
The marble bathrooms, complete with Neutrogena toiletries, are utilitarian and come with plenty of towels. The shower head could be more powerful, but the bathroom is well lit, with a magnifying make up mirror and an outlet for shaving or hairdressing use.
The small lobby is light and well designed, with a nook offering coffee and juice in the morning and water the rest of the day.
Perhaps most notably, the staff at The Latham is as gracious and knowledgeable as the staff at any major hotel. Helpful, congenial, and ready to answer a question about directions or offer a suggestion for breakfast at any turn.
The Latham is an ideal boutique hotel. It is small, with luxurious rooms, a special amenities, and a location that simply can’t be beat. For luxury, convenience, and personalized attention, head to The Latham.
To read more about Sarah’s luxury travels and dining experiences, head to Fritos and Foie Gras
