WELCOME TO FISHTOWN:
PHILLY’S CREATIVE HEART
Your ultimate guide to Philadelphia’s Fishtown, crafted in partnership with Hotel Anna & Bel. Created by the travel editors at Hotels Above Par, this pocket guide shares the neighborhood through a local-minded lens.
Flip through the pages to uncover the story and design behind this female-inspired boutique stay highlighting where to eat, drink, browse, and where unwind in one of the city’s most creative communities.
FISHTOWN FINDS ITS ARTISTIC SOUL
Words by Megan Shelton
Fishtown often draws comparisons to Brooklyn. But Philly’s hippest hood is distinct with personality and eclectic charm all on its own. Hotel Anna & Bel further proves its exciting evolution.
Located at the intersection of Susquehanna Avenue and Belgrade Street (hence the name Anna & Bel), the property occupies a building that originally served as a sanctuary for unmarried women in the 1850s. An homage to its past life, the reimagined 50-key hotel now celebrates female creativity in a space that once confined it.
The original grand staircase, black-and-white checkerboard floor tiles, and a brilliant art collection (many of the pieces were created by local female artists) set the tone. The property feels at home in the originality of its Fishtown surroundings while simultaneously transporting guests to other pockets of the globe.
Bedrooms, ranging from studios to spacious twobedroom suites, pay homage to the building’s character while infusing a contemporary sensibility. The raw character of the original ceiling
beams mingle with bespoke furnishings, hand-picked antiques, and custom accents. A muted palette, punctuated by rich colors, pulls it all together.
Throughout the property, sweet surprises abound. There’s a pebbled patio for catching up with friends, as well as a sunny, plant-filled wellness terrace. Inside, you’ll find a cozy living room to plop down and even a quirky, kiosk-sized reading nook on the second floor. Another clever (and considerate) detail: convenience essentials closets on every floor stocked
with all the stuff travelers typically forget from dental kits to tampons. More on the surprise-and-delight front, the wellness amenities include a private treatment room and a subterranean fitness center with an infrared sauna.
Community is clearly important to the hoteliers (who are Fishtown locals, after all). Destined to become a cultural epicenter, Hotel Anna & Bel has already hosted a panel of inspirational women in the hospitality design space and plans to do more events in the future.
CHEF-DRIVEN DINING BEGINS AT
Helmed by acclaimed Chef-Partner Tyler Akin, Bastia brings the coastal flavors of Corsica and Sardinia to a landlocked city. Be sure to order the storzapretti ricotta dumplings and orata with sorrel pesto that tastes as if it swam straight in from the Riviera. Since its opening in August 2024, Bastia has been making waves Esquire named it one of the Best New Restaurants in America, 2024, and it was awarded Best New Restaurant in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine, 2024.
Drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean–specifically, its sundrenched climate, fresh ingredients, and unhurried atmosphere–bar Calleta serves up craft cocktails and spritzes in a swanky space dripping with lowslung tables and sumptuous seating.
Pro tip: Arrive early for an aperitivo at Calleta, then slide next door for dinner at Bastia. The Mediterranean may be miles away, but Fishtown captures its rhythm perfectly.
A cozy corner spot where comfort food meets technique, Meetinghouse serves up marketdriven dishes. It’s defined by an understated cool factor that’s quintessentially Fishtown.
LASER WOLF
Laser Wolf is the original modern Israeli grill that puts Philly’s live-fire dining on the map. Don’t skip the salatim spread or the skewers sizzling over charcoal. 02
1301 N Howard St
MURPH’S BAR
Murph’s Bar is a true Fishtown oddity: classic Irish pub on the outside, Italian BYO pasta haven on the inside. The spicy rigatoni proves its local legend status.
Baja flavors, vinyl culture, and zany energy converge at LMNO. Sip mezcal cocktails between bites of fish tacos, then browse the record shop and hit the dance floor.
1739-1749 N Front St
05
HALL
Stephen Starr’s sprawling biergarten remains a neighborhood anchor. Picnic tables, pretzels, and ping-pong—Frankford Hall is a crowd-pleaser.
THE ART OF ATMOSPHERE
FISHTOWN’S FIRST FULL-SERVICE BOUTIQUE STAY WHERE ART, DESIGN, AND COMFORT MEET MEDITERRANEAN EASE
Art isn’t decoration at Hotel Anna & Bel it’s the soul of the space. More than 250 works, all by female and local artists, are woven throughout the property, from abstract textiles and moody oil paintings to sculptural ceramics tucked between velvet armchairs. Each floor tells its own story, reflecting Fishtown’s inspired pulse and Philadelphia’s broader artistic renaissance.
The collection ensures no two visits feel the same. It’s not a gallery guests pass through it’s one you live inside.
Every detail is crafted with intention and a sense of place. Plush organiccotton robes await after a swim, sauna, or slow morning, while the minibar highlights neighborhood makers with organic almonds, Prosecco gummy bears, and a custom Bloody Mary mix from the female-owned Fishtown Pickle Project.
Sleep is elevated with a custom mattress, Bellino Fine Linens, Danish duvets, and Fritte terry slippers. Le Labo and locally made bath accessories round out the wind-down, or wake-up, ritual.
As Fishtown’s first full-service boutique hotel, Anna & Bel is designed for life. Guests can enjoy the heated outdoor pool, Peloton equipment in the gym, and an infrared sauna. Greet the morning with yoga and the evening with wine on the wellness balcony overlooking the courtyard.
In the lobby, the Living Room doubles as a co-working lounge and cocktail spot, where guests and locals mingle over espresso or spritzes. Out back, a quiet patio offers a place to read, write, or simply pause.
Every floor features an Essentials Closet, stocked with filtered water carafes, espresso pods, towels, tampons, and other comforts a reflection of the hotel’s ethos: independence with luxury.
Whether here for a weekend escape or creative residency, Hotel Anna & Bel invites you to move at your own pace work, play, rest, and belong.
NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
ALONG FRANKFORD, GIRARD, AND FRONT, FISHTOWN’S BEST PLACES TO SIP, BROWSE, AND CONNECT ARE ALL WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE HOTEL.
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MADE AND MAKER
Vintage clothing, local-designer housewares, and artisan goods this shop showcases the neighborhood’s maker-spirit in one smart space.
FRONT STREET CAFE
Back-patio oasis meets farm-to-table café with full bar and healthy menu: think juice bar, coffee, brunch, and dinner in one laidback spot.
DELICIOUS BOUTIQUE
Vintage and modern apparel and accessories in a small, friendly setting. A strong find for style-andlocal maker lovers. 3
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A multi-floor gallery dedicated to international and local contemporary works a cool stop to see Fishtown’s art pulse.
FISHTOWN SOCIAL
Natural wines, craft cocktails, and a welcome vibe make this neighborhood spot as much for locals as for visitors.
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LOT 49 BOOKS
Independent bookstore with a considerable mix of new/used books, poetry, zines, and local authors.
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TWO ROBBERS FISHTOWN
Stylish cocktail bar that aligns with Fishtown’s and Philly’s tastemakers –good for a refined night out without being stuffy.
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VESSEL COFFEE COLLECTIVE
A minimalist specialty coffee stop slightly off the main drag. Known for quality beans, quiet surroundings, and a workspace vibe.
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FUNHOUSE GALLERY
A low-profile art space that features rotating shows by emerging locals. Walk-ins welcome most days; ideal for spotting new talent.
FORÎN
Minimalist, craft-driven, and a little off the beaten path ideal for a quiet pit stop during a stroll.
TOILE
Boutique women’s clothing and accessories by local designers: intimate, curated, and uniquely Fishtown.
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ATLANTIS: THE LOST BAR
Hidden behind a quieter block, this bar offers a dive-but-expressive atmosphere, memorable drinks, and hot local character.
INSIDE THE ANNA SUITE
BY ANTHROPOLOGIE HOME
Tucked away on its own private floor, the Anna Suite is a design lover’s haven a two-bedroom King-and-Queen retreat imagined entirely by Anthropologie Home, through the lens of Anna & Bel. Ascend the suite’s dedicated staircase and step into 360° of light, framed by original industrial skylights and soaring ceilings that flood the space with warmth.
Every detail reflects Anthropologie’s signature artistry: bespoke furnishings, layered textures, collected accents, and a palette that softens the edges of the historic bones. Two spa-like bathrooms elevate daily rituals, while a full kitchen invites slow mornings or intimate dinners shared in good company.
A private terrace opens to sweeping views of the Fishtown skyline a quiet place to read, unwind, or watch the neighborhood come alive below. Singular in design and spirit, the Anna Suite exists only here, crafted for guests who prioritize beauty, serenity, and space to breathe.
ARE YOU ANNA OR BEL?
DISCOVER WHICH SIDE OF HOTEL ANNA & BEL SPEAKS TO YOU—AND LET IT GUIDE YOUR STAY
DO YOU SAVOR A QUIET MORNING WITH COFFEE AND A BOOK?
ALWAYS RARELY
MOSTLY ANNA
YOU’RE CALM, INTENTIONAL, AND DESIGN-MINDED. PERFECT FOR A STRUCTURED, SERENE DAY.
DO YOU THRIVE ON SPONTANEOUS ADVENTURES?
SOMETIMES OFTEN
IS A CURATED GALLERY VISIT MORE EXCITING THAN A LIVE MUSIC GIG?
MOSTLY BEL
YOU’RE SPONTANEOUS, SOCIAL, AND ENDLESSLY CURIOUS. PERFECT FOR CREATIVE EXPLORATION AND NIGHTLIFE.
AN EDITORIAL GUEST GUIDE
Hotels Above Par is a digital and print publication celebrating the world’s most charming boutique hotels.
This pocket guide was crafted in partnership with Hotel Anna & Bel, alongside Hotels Above Par’s Senior Editor & Creative Strategist, Britney Eschelman, and Lead Contributing Editor, Megan Shelton.
