Celebrate Women’s History Month in March with a stay at Philadelphia’s new Guild House Hotel. This 1855 row house and National Historic Landmark was once owned by a 19th-century working women’s advocacy and support group known as the New Century Guild, whose ranks included notable abolitionists, suffragists, activists, poets and artists.The boutique hotel opened in September with 12 rooms and suites named after former guild members—among them, Eliza Sproat Turner, a teacher, writer and New Century Guild founder; Florence Kelley, a founding member of the NAACP; and Emily Sartain, artist and director of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art and Design).
In the guild’s former library, the Eliza junior suite (aka “The Founder’s Suite”) gives a nod to Eliza Sproat Turner’s love of the Pennsylvania countryside with a palette of lush greens, botanical prints and a pastoral mural.
The cozy Ruby Suite—named for a ruby butterfly pin once worn by guild members—repurposes a former billiards room with soft velvets, original millwork wainscoting and an Art Nouveau chandelier.
Upon arrival, guests gain building and room access with pin codes provided in a confirmation email (there is no front desk). Enjoy creature comforts such as afternoon cookies, handmade chocolates and curated products sourced from women entrepreneurs around the country, including Sip & Sonder coffee and bath-and-body products by Fork & Melon.
Outside the hotel, you’ll find many of the city’s prominent attractions within walking distance (or a short transit ride away), from the Avenue of the Arts to popular Walnut Street shopping—plus charming Old City, home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and more. Rates begin at $239.
Guild House Hotel, 1307 Locust St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1-855-484-5333