You’re standing in an elevator that feels more like a rocket ship. In roughly 60 seconds, you’ve shot up 60 floors. Your ears pop. Then the doors slide open and you’re staring at the entire city of Philadelphia through floor-to-ceiling glass. It’s disorienting. It's beautiful. It's exactly what the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center wants you to feel the second you arrive.
Honestly, most people come here just for that feeling.
Being the highest hotel in North America is a hell of a marketing hook. But after the initial "wow" factor of being 1,121 feet in the air wears off, you start to wonder if the substance matches the spectacle. This isn't just another luxury hotel; it’s a vertical campus designed by Norman Foster, the same guy who did the "Gherkin" in London and Apple Park in Cupertino. It sits atop the Comcast Technology Center, crowning a building that redefined the Philly skyline.
Whether you're a local looking for a staycation or a traveler tired of the usual Rittenhouse Square haunts, this place is a different beast entirely. It’s tech-heavy, floral-obsessed, and unapologetically expensive.
The Sky Lobby and the First Impression Trap
Most hotels have a lobby on the ground floor. You walk in, check in, and go up. Here, you do the opposite. You enter a sleek, minimalist ground-level vestibule and immediately get ushered into those high-speed glass elevators.
The 60th-floor lobby is where the drama happens.
Jeff Leatham, the celebrity artistic director, handles the flowers. If you’ve seen those massive, gravity-defying floral installations on Instagram, they’re probably his. He uses thousands of stems—mostly orchids and roses—to create these pillars of color that contrast against the cold steel and stone of the architecture. It smells like a literal garden in the clouds.
But here’s the thing: the lobby is often packed. Because it shares space with JG SkyHigh, the lounge by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, there’s a constant hum of people who aren't even staying at the hotel. They’re there for a $20 cocktail and a selfie. It can feel a bit like a high-end tourist attraction rather than a private sanctuary. If you’re looking for "quiet luxury," the lobby at 5:00 PM on a Friday isn't it.
The service, though, usually stays a step ahead. The staff seems to have this uncanny ability to spot a confused guest in a crowd of influencers.
Living in a Glass Box (In a Good Way)
The rooms start on the 48th floor. That means even the "worst" room in the house is higher than almost any other hotel room in the city.
Inside, the vibe is "ultra-modern minimalist." Think light woods, neutral tones, and some of the most intuitive tech I’ve seen in a hotel. You don't have to hunt for light switches; there are iPads that control everything from the drapes to the 24-hour in-room dining menu.
Speaking of the drapes—you’ll use them.
Because the building is basically a giant glass prism, the sun can be brutal. But when you wake up and hit that "open" button on the tablet, and the city slowly reveals itself while you're still under a duvet? That’s the moment you realize why you paid the premium. The bathrooms are equally ridiculous. Many have soaking tubs positioned right against the window. There is something deeply surreal about bathing while looking down at the roof of the Liberty Place towers.
One small gripe: the open-concept layout in some rooms might be a bit much if you’re traveling with someone you aren't that close with. The privacy glass is cool, but it’s still a very transparent environment.
The 57th Floor: The Infinity Pool and Spa
If the lobby is the heart of the hotel, the 57th floor is the soul. This is where the "wellness" stuff happens, and it’s arguably the most impressive part of the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center.
The infinity pool holds 30,000 gallons of water. It’s positioned so that the water seems to spill right over the edge into the Philadelphia skyline. It’s heated, it’s quiet, and it’s arguably the most photogenic pool in the United States.
Then there’s the spa.
They did something interesting here by incorporating "crystal healing" into the structure. There are literally hundreds of pounds of crystals—amethyst and desert rose—embedded into the walls of the treatment rooms. Whether you believe in the "vibrational energy" of rocks or not, it makes for a very calming aesthetic. The treatments are pricey, obviously. You’re looking at a couple hundred dollars for a massage, but the facilities (the sauna, the steam room, the relaxation lounge) are top-tier.
It’s worth noting that the fitness center isn't an afterthought. Usually, hotel gyms are tucked away in a basement. Here, you’re on a treadmill looking out at the Ben Franklin Bridge. It makes a 5-mile run significantly less miserable.
Dining at the Top: Vernick Fish vs. Jean-Georges
The culinary scene here is split between two heavy hitters: Greg Vernick and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. They offer two completely different experiences.
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Vernick Fish is on the ground floor. It’s a modern take on an American oyster bar. It’s buzzy, loud, and feels very "Philly." The raw bar is incredible, and the design—with its high ceilings and cream-colored ceramics—is gorgeous. It’s the kind of place where you get high-quality seafood without the stuffiness of traditional fine dining.
Then you have the sky-high options.
Jean-Georges Philadelphia is the "big" restaurant on the 59th floor. It’s fine dining with a capital F. The tasting menus are elaborate. The service is choreographed. The views are, again, the main event. It’s spectacular, but it’s a commitment—both in time and money.
JG SkyHigh is the more casual lounge area. This is where you go for a burger or a ginger margarita. Honestly? Most people find the lounge more enjoyable. You get the same view, a shorter wait, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. The food is still Jean-Georges quality, but you aren't locked into a multi-course marathon.
The Reality of the "Comcast" Connection
It’s easy to forget this hotel is inside a corporate headquarters. Comcast occupies the bulk of the building below the hotel. This creates a weird, interesting energy. During the week, the ground-floor concourse is filled with tech workers and executives.
The building itself is a marvel of engineering. It uses a "tuned mass damper" system—a massive 1,000-ton weight at the top—to keep the tower from swaying too much in the wind. You won't feel it move, but it’s a fun fact to think about while you’re sipping espresso on the 60th floor.
The location is also incredibly central. You’re steps away from Suburban Station and a short walk to Logan Square or the Art Museum. However, because you’re so high up, you can feel a bit disconnected from the street life. You have to make a conscious effort to leave the "cloud bubble" and actually go explore the city.
Is It Worth the Splurge?
Let's talk numbers. This is consistently the most expensive hotel in Philadelphia.
If you’re just looking for a bed to sleep in, this is overkill. You’re paying for the architecture, the view, and the "Four Seasons" level of service where they remember your name and how you like your coffee.
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Who it’s for:
- Anniversary or proposal trips.
- Business travelers who need the best tech and a central location.
- Design nerds who appreciate Foster + Partners architecture.
Who it’s NOT for:
- Budget-conscious travelers (the "incidental" costs like parking and breakfast add up fast).
- People who hate heights (seriously, the glass elevators are no joke).
- Travelers who prefer historic, boutique vibes.
The Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is a statement piece. It’s Philadelphia’s way of saying it can compete with New York or Tokyo in terms of luxury infrastructure. It’s polished, it’s dramatic, and yeah, the view really is that good.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book the Lounge, Not the Table: If you want the Jean-Georges experience without the $200+ price tag, aim for a late lunch at JG SkyHigh. You get the same floor-to-ceiling views and a more varied menu.
- Timing the Elevator: If you’re prone to motion sickness, close your eyes during the lift. It’s fast. Very fast.
- The "Local" Secret: You don’t have to be a guest to visit the ground-floor Vernick Coffee Bar. It’s one of the best spots in Center City for a high-end pastry and a quick meeting.
- Sunset is Prime Time: Aim to be in the 60th-floor lobby or the 57th-floor pool exactly 20 minutes before sunset. The way the light hits the city’s brickwork and the Delaware River is something you won't forget.
- Check the Event Calendar: The hotel often hosts high-profile events. If you want a quieter stay, call ahead and ask if there are any major conferences or weddings during your dates, as the lobby can get congested.
To make the most of your stay, download the Four Seasons app before you arrive. It allows you to chat directly with the concierge for everything from extra pillows to dinner reservations, bypassing the need to ever pick up a room phone. If you're driving, be prepared for valet-only parking, which is the standard for this part of Center City; otherwise, use the 19th Street entrance for the most direct access to the hotel elevators.