Anna & Bel — Hotel in Philadelphia

stayed here with my husband for our babymoon. The hotel is very cute and trendy but not exactly functional. I really wanted to stay at a hotel with a pool. The pool area only has a couple lounge chairs and the other side are just regular seats. No one wants seats, people want to lounge. Especially as a pregnant person. The “towels” at the pool are more like cute blankets, absolutely no absorbency. No one was coming around to pick up old drinks and cups so tables between lounge chairs would be filled to the brim with drinks. Drink service came around every couple hours and or frequently. I stayed for 3 days and never once saw anyone measure the chemicals in the pool so very likely we all now have pinkeye.

For breakfast I wanted a coffee and stood at the bar looking at the bartenders for awhile, no one else was there and never was acknowledged. I had to say excuse me wheee can i get a coffee? and they were kind then but why not just greet your guest that’s clearly waiting at the bar you’re working at? service in general was very slow. We had breakfast one morning near the pool and the whole experience was around 2 hours and took too long to get the check. Get guests in and out, turnover is important. Let me leave so you can fill more tables.

The biggest qualm for me though was in the room the AC split unit was above a giant dresser so the air never blew into the room just directly into the dresser. Why? just why? Also, certain design choices are absolutely cute not not functional. Next to a big soaking tub, going to need a table or something. As a woman going to need an area (in a suite) to do my makeup. Put a stool infront of a mirror. In a bathroom when you have toiletry bags and makeup and things you’re going to need counter space. In a shower despite being supplied body wash/shampoo/conditioner you might have something of your own or minimally a razor. Design an area to put guests things rather than just forcing them to put it on the floor. The TP was the cheapest grade toilet paper and at $600 a night, come on. I’m already uncomfortable being pregnant and dealing with all sorts of stuff down there - at least give me the soft TP!

Don’t get me wrong - anthro home everything is cute. But when you’re staying at a hotel you want it to look lux but also feel lux. I wish hotels allowed their staff to stay an expired the rooms and functionality of things. The staff was nice though! but bet they’d be even better if they themselves were going through the...

Getting this out of the way right up front: street parking is not predictable or convenient, lot parking was a long walk away, there was no microwave in my room for some reason (didn’t need one so didn’t ask), there wasn’t a lot of counter space in the bathroom, and it is special-occasion expensive in general. That said, this is a beautiful intimate hotel with every corner carefully and thoughtfully attended to. I was staying alone but as part of a group of family and friends for a wedding weekend. What a perfect place for a group to gather! Some of the rooms have access to semi-private balconies that can be shared, and the pool courtyard is both a great place to informally gather and a lovely scene to overlook. Each room that I saw was unique, clean, welcoming and homey, in no way cookie-cutter or conventional. My second floor king room was very quiet; my unfortunate coughing spells were unheard by my light-sleeping friend next door, and voices from the pool/bar area below were almost unnoticeable with the balcony door closed. My only worry was for other non-wedding guests whose peace may have been disturbed by our enthusiasm at gathering for such a happy occasion, but in no way was that on the hotel. It’s just a risk of being at a small boutique property.||As for location, it is tucked away in Fishtown, a walkable and fun residential neighborhood with many interesting places to visit and try out. We were not sightseeing but I’m sure the staff has recommendations for getting to the more conventional Philly sites. What a great staff, too; every person I encountered (all young women, in keeping with the feminine vibe and history of the building) was helpful, friendly and professional. Also no complaints about the restaurant, Bastia, where we had brunch one morning. Excellent service, variety and flavors. ||To families with young kids: there were a few children in our group who had fun in the pool and generally seemed safe and happy, but be aware the property is small and contained, so not much room to stretch and play. This would be a lovely place to return to after a long and tiring day out, but not so much a destination in itself. For adults, though, I could see coming here just to enjoy the beautiful, relaxing surroundings.||I had a memorable and delightful stay and would absolutely love to return. Many thanks for the...

My husband and I just had the pleasure of staying at Anna and Bel, and from the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and in good hands. The hotel staff were genuinely so friendly and attentive.

I loved the overall aesthetic, with every detail thoughtfully addressed. The rich fabrics and textures, combined with the soft lighting, immediately catch your eye. Unique art books, framed artwork, and ceramics were thoughtfully placed throughout the common areas and in individual rooms, which gave it a personal touch.

Our room was immaculate, quiet, and so relaxing (we both had the best night’s sleep!!). The minibar was impressive and well-stocked with fun, locally sourced specialty snacks, as well as unique drinks and teas. Also, our room smelled amazing.

We had dinner in the evening at Bastia (the hotel restaurant on the first floor off the hotel lobby). We chose to make reservations at the bar, and it was perfect. The service was again warm and welcoming and the meal was incredible. The atmosphere was as thoughtful and refined as the hotel itself.

In the morning, we enjoyed espresso and tea from the minibar in our room and then headed down for breakfast in the courtyard, where the outdoor seating is attached to their smaller restaurant, Caletta (overlooking the pool). The labneh with fresh berries was my favorite and the perfect summer dish!

Overall, very impressed with the service and atmosphere. We left feeling refreshed and are already talking about booking another stay before the end...