_{Featured Image: Guild House. Image credit Jason Varney.}

Some of the City’s most enchanting architecture has been preserved and repurposed as boutique hotels, offering a charming alternative to contemporary lodgings. What do they all have in common? Unique histories, authentic architectural details that take guests back in time, and just the right touch of deja vu.

1. Hotel Anna & Bel

Hotel Anna & Bel, opening in August 2024, 1401 E Susquehanna Ave in Fishtown, was originally built in 1769 as a country seat named West Hill. In the 1850s-1890s it became the Penn Asylum for Indigent Widows and Single Women. That name reflects the losses of the Civil War which left many northern women impoverished widows and single women without options. Later, in 1894, a three-story annex with a bell tower and decorative brickwork was added. It closed its doors as a retirement home in 2020.

While the hotel honors its past, it offers contemporary amenities, including an open-air courtyard, seasonal pool, daytime cafe, and evening bar and lounge. Bastia, the hotel’s 70-seat restaurant, named after a commune in Corsica, specializes in coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Come for epic brunch options and luxe evening meals prepared by Chef Akin, formerly of Zahav. 

After indulging in those meals, you may want to hit the hotel’s fitness room and sauna. Many guest rooms overlook the courtyard, while the living room, adorned with local art and a library, honors the property’s legacy of women-led collaboration. 

2. Morris House Hotel

Morris House Hotel, 225 S. 8th St, built in 1787 is a stunning example of Colonial architecture with its handsome brick facade, wooden shutters, and white Roman Doric columns. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1967, Morris House Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the Historic District. The Morris family contributed one of the first mayors to the City in the early 18th century. While Washington may not have slept here, there’s a good chance he stopped by to converse with the owner who served as a captain in the Continental Army under Washington’s command.

Everything inside the Morris Hotel is in keeping with its history, except for attention to creature comforts, including 24-hour concierge service, Jacuzzi Jet Tub, Continental Breakfast, Hi-Speed WiFi, Large Screen TVs, Computers & Printers, and, best of all, afternoon tea with cookies. If you want to feel cozy, you can stay in the Carriage House!

3. La Reserve Bed & Breakfast

La Reserve is a historic boutique hotel that hides in plain sight. Located at 1804-1806 Pine Street, it blends in with the neighborhood’s distinguished red brick townhouses, decorative window boxes, wrought iron stair rails, and wooden shutters. Except for its discrete white sign, you would not know this is a B&B filled with historic furnishings, fireplaces, and architectural details.

Built in the 1800s, it was a family home until 1985 when it first became a B&B. With its chandeliers, Victorian furniture, and oriental carpets, La Reserve is reminiscent of a movie set, one with old-world charm. More importantly, this is one of the only Center City bed and breakfasts within walking distance of the Kimmel Center, Rittenhouse Square, and some of the top-rated restaurants in the City.

4. Guild House Hotel

Guild House, 1307 Locust, owes its creation to members of the New Century Guild, founded in 1882 by Eliza Sproat Turner on Girard Avenue. A writer, abolitionist, suffragist, and feminist, Turner changed the course of American history at a time when women could not vote, own a home, or even have lunch in a restaurant without a male family member. Members didn’t just talk about progress, they published a newspaper, The New Century for Women. 

In 1893, the Club moved to the 1200 block of Arch Street. When Turner died in 1903, she willed her fortune to the Guild so they could purchase the Italianate building that is now The Guild House on Locust Street. In 1915, the Guild president led 100 suffragists in a parade down Broad Street. 

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993, The Guild House opened as a boutique hotel in 2020 with twelve luxury rooms and suites in the heart of the Gayborhood. Named by Travel & Leisure as one of the world’s best new hotels, “…for its impeccable details, invisible luxury services and sound infrastructure.” 

5. Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast

Cornerstone, 3300 Barring, was built as an extravagant country estate when the Powelton section of the City was lush farmland. The lavish stone home was built for a wealthy widow, the grandmother of Maxfield Parish, one of the most popular artists of his day. Parrish visited the house as a child and returned there when he studied at Drexel University.

The house passed through different owners in the late 19th century until it became a rental property in the 1960s. The current owner of The Cornerstone, Jill Moody, grew up admiring her grandmother who owned a B&B in New Hope, and decided to get into the business herself. However, Moody doesn’t run the Cornerstone by herself. It’s a full-fledged family endeavor that includes her parents as well. All the rooms have high ceilings and period furnishings.

Here, Chef Brian whips up Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Lemon Buttermilk Pancakes, and Avocado Toast for breakfast. All are served with La Colombe Coffee. But if you want a change of pace (and a Bloody Mary) Sabrina’s Cafe is just across the street.

Consider these charming boutique hotels when inviting friends and relatives to Philly. They will surely appreciate the uniqueness and intimacy of these historic digs.