WHAT’S IT LIKE? Emulating Rome’s Pantheon and made of 9,000 tons of Georgia marble, The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia exudes a regal air made accessible by a dash of local charm. The building was converted into a Ritz-Carlton in 2000 and dates back to 1905, when it was the home of Girard Trust.

Perhaps it was the Indian wedding taking place at the hotel (the groom arrived on horseback, and the attendees dressed in extravagant traditional frocks were milling about the lobby), but the staff was more than just helpful: they seemed genuinely cheerful. The concierge, for example, remembered us whenever we passed by and even asked about our sushi dinner when we were leaving. Also, within minutes of my arrival, an amiable gentleman delivered the Champagne bucket I’d requested upon check-in. The genial air of the hotel made it a comfortable place to return home.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is next to City Hall, a national historic landmark, and within walking distance of Rittenhouse Square, with a spectrum of shops and restaurants along the way.

HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 299 guest rooms and 28 suites.

ROOM FACILITIES The first thing that caught my eye was City Hall, just outside my window. I grew up in the area and was more than familiar with the building’s elaborate architecture, but never before had I seen it so close. It was a truly memorable view, and while sitting at my work desk, I found myself looking out more than once at the vaguely Parisian statues and columns.

The bathroom had a separate shower stall and soaking tub, with a bath butler and bath menu available from $40, as well as a pillow menu, free morning newspaper and overnight shoeshine, plus complimentary pressing of one item upon check-in for Club Level guests. Rooms are also equipped with Wi-Fi for $9.95 per day, while it’s free in the lobby.

The Club Lounge, which served as the original boardroom when the building was still a bank, has historic touches like the original clock above the doorway. The lounge features a laptop and printer, and serves breakfast from 6:30 to 11 a.m., while lunch, snacks and cocktails are available at various times until 10 p.m.

MEETING FACILITIES The hotel has more than 25,000 square feet of stately meeting space, including a 6,300-square-foot Grand Ballroom, 13 meeting rooms and four boardrooms. A conference concierge and a technology butler are available, and a business center is equipped with computers, printers and fax machines. With the hotel located next to City Hall, the staff has become particularly adept at setting up arrangements for settlements and other legal needs.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Modern design elements and bright shocks of color mix brilliantly with the towering marble columns on the main floor, creating a dazzling backdrop for a drink at The Lounge at 10 Arts. To the side is 10 Arts, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hollandaise sauce on the eggs Benedict was perfection, and staff accommodated special requests with grace and ease. I can’t wait to return for dinner to sample the Chesapeake Bay crab in truffle vinaigrette. Just off the main dining area is The Reserve, a private dining room that can accommodate up to 35 guests.

LEISURE AND MEDICAL FACILITIES Richel D’Ambra Spa and Salon has a complete menu of treatments available, from massages, manicures and pedicures, makeup application, facials and more, with in-room services available for most menu items.

Additionally, the hotel works closely with nearby hospitals for its medical concierge program. With so many top facilities in the area, many guests come to Philadelphia for surgeries and outpatient treatments. The program coordinates on-call nurses, transportation to and from the hospital, and special equipment guests may need in their rooms.

VERDICT The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia serves up a rare cocktail of history, luxury and  service. Maintaining the professional ambience of its former incarnation as a bank, it makes an excellent meeting destination, but its proximity to the restaurants, shops and city sights also lends itself to the leisure set.

PRICE Rates start at $389 for a Superior Room.

CONTACT The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, 10 Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, Pa.; tel. 215-523-8000; ritzcarlton.com/philadelphia.