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.
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 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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
Top Takeaways
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: Rooms start at $300/night
Closest Airport: Philadelphia International Airport