Philadelphia has quickly become one of my favorite cities to visit in the U.S. It often gets skipped in favor of New York City or Washington, D.C., but trust me—you’re missing out if you overlook this vibrant, history-filled, and food-loving city.
On my third visit, I wanted to experience something different. For our mother-daughter getaway, we chose to stay outside the city center and explore a more eclectic, up-and-coming neighborhood—just 20 minutes from downtown. That led us to Hotel Anna & Bel, a historic landmark in Fishtown with a fascinating past.
Originally built as a private mansion in the 18th century, it took on a new life in 1858 as the Penn Asylum for Indigent Widows and Single Women. Run entirely by women, it provided a safe, communal living space for Philadelphia’s widows—an inspiring piece of the city’s history. Most recently, it operated as the Penn Home, a retirement home, before being reimagined in 2024 as a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Fishtown.
Location: Fishtown in Northeast Philadelphia
One Bedroom Photo Credit: Goldenberg Photography via Anna & Bel Hotel
Hotel Anna & Bel has made its home in the storied neighborhood of Fishtown, Philadelphia. Originally believed to have been named by Charles Dickens, but more likely due to its history as an epicenter for the commercial shad-fishing industry. From a working-class neighborhood to an elevated (some say gentrified) but undoubtedly interesting area, Fishtown recently gained popularity for its eclectic culinary, art, and music scene.
Room Features
Hotel Anna & Bel, Philadelphia Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
47 rooms, with luxury accommodations ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites with unique and varied layouts, including:
● 24 Standard Rooms ● 8 Studio Suites ● 14 one-bedrooms ● 1 two-bedroom.
As guests, we had two different rooms. Each was distinct but still provided the luxury of a stocked mini-fridge, microwave, kettle, Nespresso machine, small sink, cutlery, and dishes. There was a sitting area with a small table and a comfortable vintage chair to enjoy a cocktail (should you choose to indulge—there was a mixology book too!). The beds were very comfortable, and the lighting was plentiful or minimal—the choice was yours. Each bathroom was equipped with high-end toiletries, a bathrobe, and slippers. An added bonus was a handheld steamer for your clothes!
The furnishings were unique and boasted a wardrobe (instead of a closet), beautiful lamps, and minimal desks. Each room is uniquely decorated and very luxurious—just what you are looking for in a boutique hotel experience. Although my hotel room view was of an alley and the back of other homes, it was surprisingly quiet. My daughter’s room overlooked the street but was also very quiet. I would highly recommend requesting a room overlooking the courtyard and plunge pool.
Amenities
Infrared Sauna – Photo Credit: Hotel Anna & Bel
An interior courtyard and heated pool serve as the heart of the property, with a selection of rooms featuring terraces overlooking the courtyard oasis. Creative spaces and curated amenities such as a living room, wellness amenities such as a private treatment room, fitness
center with an infrared sauna, and an outdoor yoga and meditation deck.
● Complimentary secure self-parking lot
● Complimentary WiFi
● In-room dining from Bastia
● In-Room Nespresso espresso machines & electric kettles by Fellow
● 100% Eco-Friendly Natural Talalay latex Natural Dreams mattresses
● Luxe Bellino linens ● NorviGroup Norsk duvet and pillows ● Frette terry towels
● Custom 100% organic cotton robes from Printfresh ● Le Labo bath amenities
Encouraging privacy, this hotel provides an “essentials closet” located on each floor. Ran out of tea, forgot your toothbrush, or need some extra lotion? No problem; these closets provide extra toiletries and towels at not cost. The hotel also provided cotton bathrobes and comfy slippers. The robes are unique and can be purchased (along with some very cool tote bags) in the lobby. One sweet detail was a small reading nook on the second floor providing a quiet space to read and relax.
Lounge, Hotel Anna + Bel, Philadelphia Photo Credit: Douglas Lyle Thompson
You can also enjoy the well-curated art and books in the lounge. There are various sofas, a working fireplace, and small tables where you can enjoy a snack, socialize, or relax. We opted to enjoy a coffee and pastries from a local bakery on our last day in the lounge.
Dining
Bastia: Salads, Entrecote & Swordfish Dishes—Hotel Anna + Bel, Philadelphia Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
Named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine and the top restaurant in Philadelphia by Philly Mag, Bastia is relatively new (opened in August 2024) but has experienced Chef Tyler Akin at the helm, bringing distinct Corsican and Sardinian cuisine to the City of Brotherly Love. We enjoyed Sunday brunch and had a selection of salads to share (which we highly recommend), and each of us had different entrees, from grass-fed entrecote to swordfish brochetta to a divine mushroom tartine.
Bastia
Bastia is a leisurely cafe by day and a Mediterranean restaurant by night from Chef-Partner Tyler Akin of Form-Function Hospitality and Foyer Project. Bastia draws culinary inspiration from the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. The vegetable- and seafood-driven menu is underscored by Akin’s extensive travels throughout these regions, where he immersed himself in the vibrant atmosphere of the islands, strolling through the fish and bottarga vendors at the San Benedetto Market.
Caletta
Caletta – Hotel Anna & Bel, Philadelphia Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
Caletta is an oasis-like intimate cocktail lounge and piano bar with a 24-seat lounge featuring an Italian-leaning menu of elevated bar snacks alongside a progressive, seasonally-driven cocktail list. The bar is extended to a patio space that was heated by outdoor standing heaters but was packed on our Saturday night stay.
Nearby Attractions
Located in the northeastern part of Philadelphia, you are about 10 minutes away from one of the most interesting historic institutions in the United States—the Eastern State Penitentiary, well worth a visit. You are also close to some of the best museums in Philadelphia, including the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (where you can run up the ‘Rocky’ steps). Visit the historic old town, enjoy the Museum of the American Revolution, and the Constitution Center; many of these attractions are accessible with the Philadelphia CityPASS.
Overall Recommendation
Anna + Bel, Philadelphia Photo Credit Douglas Lyle Thompson via Hotel Anna &Bel
If you have been to Philadelphia before and stayed in the downtown core, try something different. Settling into Fishtown is another way to explore what this vibrant city has to offer. The quiet location, great places to eat and a feeling of safety and comfort are reasons to stay at Hotel Anna & Bel. The real reason you want to visit is the exquisite restaurant, the intimate bar, cosy lounge, and in the summer, the stunning pool! Overall, we felt pampered and well taken care of. There is plenty of outdoor seating offering a heated patio that held a special glow at night. Make sure to make a reservation the minute you book your hotel room.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Fishtown was a great location. We loved it. If you are concerned about the distance from downtown, have no fear an UBER from our hotel to downtown Philadelphia was quick and ranged from $12-25 (depending on the time of day). You can easily access all the museums on Ben Franklin Parkway to keep you busy!
Disclosure: I was invited by Discover PHL to visit as part of an organized press trip. We enjoyed accommodations, meals, and transportation. I also partnered with CityPASS for some of the activities. All opinions are my own.
