JG SkyHigh’s Sunday brunch scene tells you everything you need to know about Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center. At one table, you’ll see a large family with three or four children bursting with excitement at the sight of their brioche French toast. Not too far away from the cheers is a group of thirtysomethings tapping away at their laptops. And then there’s another table with two older, well-dressed women quietly taking in the 60th-floor view — all different demographics, and not a one looks out of place.
And this three-year-old property in the heart of the city would have it no other way. A towering presence in Philly — the Four Seasons resides on the top 12 floors of the 1,121-foot building, the tallest in town — the hotel stands out from the hospitality crowd in several ways. Outside of its incredible physical stature and the fact it’s Philadelphia’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star winner, the Four Seasons has figured something else out — it can have panache without all the pomp.
When the polite JG SkyHigh server drops off your sunny-side-up frittata, for instance, you’ll catch a glimpse of a tattoo peeking from under her sleeve. Though Porsches and Mercedes-Benzes line the rotunda, not 20 feet from the valet stand is a small fleet of electric bikes just waiting to be pedaled. It’s a delicate balancing act you’ll see played out repeatedly during your summer stay, especially in the following five categories.
The Rooms
Whether you’re looking at a premier room or the Presidential Suite, all Four Seasons Hotel Philly accommodations have their strong points. The latter makes its loudest statement with residential-style gathering areas, a formal dining room and a butler’s kitchen. But even with all the perks and added square footage, we’re confident you’ll have your Goldilocks moments in the just-right Skyline Corner Suite. Floor-to-feet windows grant you jaw-dropping looks at the William Penn statue and other area landmarks. Just imagine the joy the scene brings come time for Independence Day fireworks.
But views are just the beginning. The corner suite has a spacious sitting area with a plop-ready couch, flat-screen TV and a minibar stuffed with local snacks. A curved birchwood wall leads the eye toward the bathroom. There you’ll find a soaking tub overlooking buildings and a rainforest shower with a push-button faucet. From your plush king bed, grab the iPad to order room service — being inside the Comcast Center, you’re privy to lightning-fast Xfinity internet — and press a button to move the blinds. It’s all very tech-forward and tasteful.
The Food
Remember the French toast the kids were so animated about? That’s just the beginning at brunch. Omelets are fluffy. Burgers are juicy. Mimosas are free flowing. And speaking of drinks, you’ll find a decently sized bar and lounging area just across from the dining tables. The space is great for a pre-dinner cocktail or a post-outing nightcap. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, the place livens up with live performances from local musicians and DJs.
Only a few steps down from that section is Jean-Georges Philadelphia, a sophisticated epicurean experience open evenings from Thursday to Saturday. As is the custom for JG restaurants, the egg toast, caviar and yellowfin tuna from the tasting menu are clamored over. Watch the team work its gastronomic genius on those favorites and other bites through the banks of windows into the kitchen.
Another smart dinner destination is the ground-floor Vernick Fish. Though the restaurant’s design takes a more neutral take, a focus on freshness and flavors persists. The scallops are a standout on the menu. But chef Greg Vernick didn’t become one of the city’s most celebrated chefs with just one dish. Give the hamachi tartare and grilled branzino a try to appreciate the man’s dexterity around the stove.
The Spa
When it’s time to make your reservation at Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, you might find yourself initially tempted to go for the traditional massage or facial. And while we’re certain either will meet your expectations of a Five-Star facility, opt for the Seasons of Chakra or Crystal Oil Treatment instead. The former is a soul-soothing service where the therapist uses crystal bowls and aromatherapy techniques to align your energy points for the day.
With the other customizable option, you choose the stones and correlating oils necessary to help you reach maximum clarity, achieve a seasonal glow or whatever your goal may be. It was a joy to hear our expert therapist explain how the ocean jasper stone expands the mind and increases positivity. After your treatment on the 57th-floor sanctuary, bask in the sauna, experience the Instagram-worthy infinity pool and nosh on snacks in a light-filled relaxation room with unfettered views for miles.
The Service
Four Seasons properties around the globe are renowned for the way staffers warmly greet you throughout the property. There’s no difference here, and if anything, the polished crew may go a step above the brand’s already high standards. So, don’t be surprised if you solicit food recommendations and the doorman goes beyond the obvious tavern suggestion across the street but instead singles out a halal deli four blocks away that makes an incredible lamb-over-rice dish.
And if you ask the front desk for directions to the TD Pavilion at the Mann for the Norah Jones show (July 24) or Van Morrison concert (September 8), expect a detailed, presentation-worthy printout that breaks down travel times with Lyft versus the local trolley.
Seasonal Fun
When you step off the elevator on the 60th floor, a lobby filled with mirrors, lights and a stunning floral wall from artistic director Jeff Leatham greets you. It all comes together splendidly around Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but the team doesn’t take off during the summers. Local greens and oranges sprout from reflective cylinders meant to mimic the Philadelphia skyline. Leatham’s team also spreads the foliage fun in other public spaces and rooms.
Summertime is big in Philly for festivals and ball games. Because of the hotel’s enviable location, you can get to most places in a breeze. Going to see the Phillies play? If traffic cooperates, Uber will get you to Citizens Bank Park in about 15 minutes. In town for the Made In America music festival over Labor Day weekend? You can walk to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway stages. And the Barnes Foundation, a one-of-a-kind downtown art attraction, is not far from your room. With the hotel’s A Day of Arts and Culture package, you get two Barnes Foundation gallery passes, a welcome amenity and round-trip transportation. Or you could stroll there in about seven minutes. Like with everything else at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, you have options.
