Stepping into the grand Guild House, a new luxury boutique hotel that recently opened in the center of Philadelphia, feels like entering a space that exists outside of time. The property’s most impressive feat is creating a space that both honors the fascinating historic past of the building while also providing modern design details that make it feel fresh. It’s a great option for those looking for a unique place to stay in the city in a can’t-beat central location.
In 1906, the Italianate townhouse in which the hotel is located became the home of New Century Guild, a pioneering group that advocated for the role of women in the workplace. The legacy of that organization can be found in details throughout the current space, which was sold to its recent owners in 2018. For instance, each of the 12 one-of-a-kind rooms are named after women with ties to the guild and feature subtle creative nods to their namesakes.
One particularly striking suite, “The Eliza,” is named for guild founder Eliza Turner and combines modern light fixtures and bold prints with rich woods, historic illustrations and some truly beautiful vintage furniture. A coffee maker is hidden inside a giant wardrobe like a door to Narnia, the television blends into the wall like an oil painting and snacks can be found tucked inside an antique writing desk like secreted love notes. The suite is particularly inspired by Turner’s love of nature with lush greens, botanical prints and a jaw-dropping pastoral mural that was custom-made for the space by Paper Space.
The main public area of the hotel is a first floor lounge called the Library which previously served as the guild’s main dining room. Its role as a gathering place is made clear via a 22-foot-long tufted velvet banquette which runs across the wall of the space. In fact, it’s one of the only places you may see another person during your time here as the hotel is run as an “invisible operation.” Guests are texted a passcode to enter the building and their room before their stay. Still, a virtual concierge is on-hand to provide useful parking tips, dinner recommendations and more. (Recommendations for dinner on a recent stay were spot-on.)
Appropriately enough given the location’s history, the female-run Rohe Creative were tasked with re-imagining the restored National Historic Landmark for present-day guests. Furthermore, the hotel’s partnered with women-owned businesses to provide room amenities like coffee, tea, snacks and bath products. Daily turn service in guest rooms is also available upon request as well as customized itineraries and other special services. If you’re planning a larger event in the Philadelphia area, or just want to check out all of the truly inspired suites for yourself, it’s also possible to book the entire townhouse.
