Step inside the Bookhouse Hotel at Faunbrook and you’ll immediately see why it gets a nod for Best Theme. Each room has walls (literally) of books (5,000 of them are in the hotel), and various corners inside and out beckon you to curl up with your next great page-turner. Check in for a reading retreat and you might never leave. Read More »
699 West Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, PA Website
The original wallpaper at the Gas Lamp Hotel inspired interior designer Abigail Shapansky’s revamp of the 1845 rowhome overlooking Elfreth’s Alley. That paper now lives on in artistic ways — not only in the five-room hotel’s rich color scheme, but also in framed original patterns and salvaged pieces strategically displayed in the space. So does the hotel’s history as the former HQ for the Austrian Gas Lamp Company. All rooms are named for lighting innovators, and a copper gas lantern hangs outside. Read More »
140 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA Website
The Anthropologie Home–designed Anna suite at Hotel Anna & Bel is a gem, from the poodle umbrella stand that greets you at the door to the absurdly gorgeous vanity area in the primary bedroom. There’s greenery by Terrain and a teeny patio, and, oh yeah, you can shop everything. Read More »
1401 East Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, PA Website
At South Street’s buzzy Yowie, interior design stans know that it’s Shannon Maldonado’s world and we’re just lucky to be living in it. The creative director’s singular contemporary aesthetic informs the property’s year-old invisible-service hotel, cafe and lifestyle boutique. Here, the 11 suites double as mini showrooms for colorful, quirky goods from local indie makers like Liz Colyar and Cloud 9 Clay. Scout out your favorites during your stay, then find the smaller items in the shop — or have the staff put in a custom furniture order, just for you. Read More »
226 South Street, Philadelphia, PA Website