Two questions often presented to me are should we see the Liberty Bell and where to find the best cheesesteaks. I always answer yes to the first and I usually share my personal favorites with the second. Where to stay however can require some thought. Visitors and locals often do not associate the City of Brotherly Love with significant roles of historical influential women. The Spot recently visited The Guild House Hotel, a luxurious boutique property centered in the heart of Philadelphia. One of the distinctive features of the property is that it was once home to the New Century Guild and has since evolved into contemporary elegance.
Located at 13th and Locust Streets, we were greeted by Alex, the Director of Hotel Operations, at our arrival. She guided us throughout the property and shared its history. The establishment is a National Historic Landmark and was once a private home to the New Century Guild during the 19th century. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Century_Guild
Alex passionately detailed the Guild’s background and introduced us to its founder, Eliza Sproat Turner, a suffragette, abolitionist, and author. This residence served as a gathering place for women, allowing them to meet in public without needing permission from their husbands. Even after living in the city my entire life, I was captivated by the stories of these remarkable women and their achievements.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of the hotel is The Lounge, where members of the Guild would gather to discuss ideas, read, or enjoy tea and coffee. This unique hotel reveals the untold stories of these women. While I looked around, I was reminded of the HBO show The Gilded Age, which portrays women asserting themselves and sharing new ideas. The decor creates a welcoming atmosphere filled with books, vintage phones, typewriters, and comfortable furniture. There is an instant vibe that inspires conversation, activism, and expression. It’s readily apparent, The Lounge is just as an important focal point today as it was in the early days.
The hotel resembles a residential row home and underwent a three-year renovation by ROHE Creative, a woman-owned interior design firm based in Philadelphia. https://www.rohecreative.com. Each of the twelve rooms is named after a member of the New Century Guild, featuring elegant and refined decor fostering emotional connections and positive memories. This setup also serves to educate visitors about the lasting influence of these women.
We found The Guild Hotel charming and delightful. Conveniently situated near popular attractions like The Reading Terminal Market, Independence Mall, and Rittenhouse Square, the hotel is easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. Philly is a walkable city therefore any of these main attractions are reachable in minutes. Additionally, Philadelphia is bike friendly. Bike lanes are increasingly part of the transportation outlook and safe for recreation and family-friendly activities.
A visit to the Guild House Hotel is valuable for anyone, making it an ideal location for special events, overnight stays, or cityscapes. The real fun is exploring all the diverse cafes and restaurants from around the globe nearby. Lastly, as we walk through the hallways of the hotel and look around at the names of the members, it serves as a gentle reminder to immerse ourselves in the present moment. You can learn about planning your perfect cityscape here http://guildhousehotel.com.
And if you missed our recent article on how to embrace French and European culture, check it out! Don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for all the latest happenings in the Greater Philadelphia region !