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Hotel Anna & Bel: A Creative Retreat in Philadelphia’s Fishtown

Art-filled rooms, Mediterranean dining, and a courtyard pool bring a worldly touch to a historic neighborhood address.

By Lindsay Cohn

Why it works

Fishtown often draws comparisons to Brooklyn. But Philly’s hippest hood is distinct with personality and eclectic charm all its own. The newest addition to the area, Hotel Anna & Bel further proves its exciting evolution. 

Located at the intersection of Susquehanna Avenue and Belgrade Street (hence the name Anna & Bel), the property occupies a building that was originally an asylum for unmarried and single women back in the 1850s. An homage to its past life, the reimagined 50-key hotel celebrates female creativity in a place that used to confine it. 

Design & Character

The original grand staircase, black and white checkered floor tiles, and a brilliant art collection (many of the pieces were created by female artists), set the tone. The property feels at home in its creativity-fueled Fishtown surroundings while simultaneously transporting guests to other pockets of the globe. 

The Courtyard

The tree-shrouded courtyard pool — a rarity in the city — nods to New Orleans. It’s the perfect spot to sip a glass of prosecco on an umbrella-shaded lounger and go for a swim in the warmer months or toss on a sweater and nibble on fritto misto when the weather dips. 

Dining & Drinks

Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean — specifically, its sun-drenched climate, fresh ingredients, and unhurried atmosphere — the recently opened bar, Calleta, serves up craft cocktails and spritzes in a swanky space dripping with low-slung tables and sumptuous seating. The boozy bolthole also promises live music in the evening. The restaurant, helmed by award-winning chef Tyler Akin, Bastia, also succeeds in bringing a taste of the coastal region that encompasses France, Italy, and Greece to a landlocked city. (Be sure to order the skate cheeks, storzapretti ricotta dumplings, and orata with sorrel pesto.)

Rooms

Bedrooms, which range from studios to spacious one-bedroom suites, pay respect to the building’s character while infusing a contemporary sensibility. The character of original ceiling beams mingles with bespoke furnishings, curated antiques, and small-batch accents. A muted palette with punches of rich color pulls it all together. Niceties like Printfresh robes are an extra special touch. 

Thoughtful Extras

Throughout the property, sweet surprises abound. There’s a pebbled patio for catching up with friends old and new, as well as a sunny, plant-filled terrace. Inside, you’ll find a cozy living room to plop down and even a quirky, kiosk-sized reading nook on the second floor. Another clever (and considerate) detail, a convenience closet stocked with all the stuff travelers typically forget — toothpaste, deodorant, etc. More on the surprise-and-delight front, the wellness amenities include a private treatment room and a subterranean fitness center with an infrared sauna. 

A Neighborhood Connection

Community is clearly important to the hoteliers (who are Fishtown locals, after all). Destined to become a cultural epicenter, Hotel Anna & Bel has already hosted a panel of inspirational women in the hospitality design space and plans to do more events in the future.

Fast Facts

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Rating: Four-star

The Vibe: Intimate urban retreat with worldly influence and Fishtown flavor 

Food + Drink: Head to Bastia for fresh-made pasta and seafood. For an aperitif (or digestif), grab a seat at Calleta.  

Amenities: Outdoor pool; bar; restaurant; gym with infrared sauna; private treatment room; convenience closet; boutique

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The courtyard pool is a rare treat for the city and gives off vacation vibes 

5 Nearby Attractions: Frankford Avenue; Penn Treaty Park; The Fillmore Philadelphia; Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia; Food Tours

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: You’re a short walk from Kalaya, a beloved Thai restaurant that outgrew its cramped quarters and moved into a sprawling space where the kitchen can satisfy the demand for prawn salad, crab curry, and whole branzino. 

Rooms: 45 rooms in the original main building, plus five in the adjoining townhouse

Pricing (at original publication): Rooms start at $300/night  

Closest Airport: Philadelphia International Airport

Hotels Above Par

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