Anna & Bel: A Boutique Hotel Off the Philadelphia Beaten Path

Name of Accommodation: Anna & Bel

Location: 1401 E Susquehanna Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Price: Rooms start at $400 a night

Accommodation Options: Signature Queens, Kings, Studio Suite, One-Bedroom Queen Suite, One-Bedroom King Suite, One-Bedroom Suite & Sofa Bed, Loft Suite, Bel Suite

Anna & Bel is reason enough to book a romantic Philly getaway with your partner, and from the cozy lobby (where you can snuggle up over a game of chess) to the sumptuous linens and secluded outdoor bar area, it’s practically screaming for a couples’ getaway. That said, it would also be a great spot for a sophisticated girls’ trip. (The building was originally used as an asylum for “indigent widows and single women,” and the hotel is committed to honoring these “feminine vibes,” boasting women-forward local art and literature in its library.)

Though we did spot several children upon our stay, we vote to leave the kids at home—this gem is best enjoyed without having to chase after a two-year-old.

The on-site restaurant, Bastia, offers a seasonal menu that nods to the coastal cuisines of Sardinia and Corsica—think grilled orate with sorrel pesto and spaghetti all’aragosta with Maine lobster, basil and gremolata—all served in a darling rustic dining room replete with fireplace, warm woods and rich velvets.

But make sure to grab a drink before or after (or both!) at Caletta, the similarly Italian-inspired cocktail bar that starts indoors and spills outside to the oasis-like patio overlooking the pool. We’re still dreaming of the Cocomero, a watermelon highball made with pisco, tequila, watermelon and matcha.

Yes, it was heavenly, thanks to a firm mattress, Bellino linens and a room scent that can only be described as sleepy-sensual. (It’s a bespoke sandalwood and cedar blend.) The Friday night we were there, we could hear sounds of revelry from the bar up in our room, but it was quiet by the time we went to bed at 11.

We visited during the summer and fell in love with the pool, which cozies up to the tree-lined hotel patio and feels less Philadelphia than it does New Orleans. (Bonus points for the complimentary poolside affogatos.) There is also a stunning living room lobby area, a remarkably chic 24-hour gym with infrared sauna and a rooftop wellness deck which hosted a morning Yoga class the Saturday we were there. Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention the quirky elevator, which features plush, velvet stools…of which we availed ourselves.

Attentive, unobtrusive and appropriately hip. (Yes, you’re going to want an Anna & Bel ballcap before you depart.)

The details. Every moment at Anna & Bel—from the in-room kimonos and writing desks to the checkerboard pool deck and vintage-inspired glassware—feels intentional, and transports you to a languorous time and place.

While the neighborhood has many terrific stores and restaurants (like beloved Lebanese café Suraya), it’s mostly residential. We found parking on the street, but there’s also a complimentary lot several blocks away.