Guild House Philadelphia
History-forward boutique with an activist soul. Residential feel, eclectic interiors, luxury amenities sourced from minority- and women-owned businesses. Proudly LGBTQ-friendly in the heart of the Gayborhood.
The Eliza (a.k.a. The Founder's Suite) on the 2nd floor is set in the Guild's former library — lush botanical prints, a pastoral mural, and a soaking tub make it one of the most popular rooms
Why It Matters
One of only two Philadelphia hotels to earn a Michelin One Key designation. The building is a genuine National Historic Landmark, and the hotel's commitment to honoring its feminist history — through room design, curated amenities, and community events — makes it genuinely singular rather than just aesthetically interesting.
An 1855 Italianate rowhome turned National Historic Landmark, the Guild House Hotel is a 12-room boutique property in Philadelphia's Washington Square West neighborhood. Every room is named for a notable woman from the building's past life as the New Century Guild, a proto-feminist working women's organization founded in 1882. The design, by Philadelphia-based woman-owned studio ROHE Creative, is individually tailored to each woman honored — no two rooms feel alike. There's no front desk and no on-site restaurant, but the 24/7 virtual concierge and "invisible service" ethos mean you're never without support.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
The Abigail
The second of the two fourth-floor Queen Quarters at 220 sq ft. Same compact footprint as The Martha, same full amenity set. Good for solo travelers or couples on a tighter budget who still want the Guild House experience.
QueenThe Alice
The flagship. At 1,010 sq ft, this sprawling split-level suite on the 2nd floor occupies the former auditorium of the New Century Guild. Two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a large living room, kitchenette, and soaking tub. Named for Dr. Alice Norton, who organized the Guild's theatrical and musical productions — the decor leans rock 'n' roll: graphic textiles, luxe leathers, brass accents. Perfect for bridal parties, small gatherings of up to 15, and families.
1 King + 2 TwinThe Edith
Named for Edith Brubaker, Guild president who led 100 members in a suffrage parade down Broad Street in 1915. A fourth-floor king salon with a sitting area and kitchenette — the top-floor position means better light and a quieter feel.
King
The Eliza
Known as The Founder's Suite, named for Eliza Sproat Turner — writer, abolitionist, suffragist, and New Century Guild founder. Set in the Guild's former library on the 2nd floor. Lush greens, botanical prints, and a pastoral mural fill the room; the soaking bathtub is a serious draw. 550 sq ft with king bed and workspace.
KingThe Emily
Named for Emily Sartain, artist and director of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art and Design). Third-floor king salon, compact at 315 sq ft but appointed with the same quality as every other room.
King
The Florence
Named for Florence Kelley, a founding NAACP member. A first-floor king salon with workspace. The king bed setup makes it a solid choice for couples wanting more space than The Wilda offers.
KingThe Gabrielle
Third-floor junior suite with king bed and workspace. At 460 sq ft, it's a comfortable mid-size room with the same ROHE Creative-designed interiors that make the whole property photogenic.
KingThe Martha
One of two compact Queen Quarters on the fourth floor at 220 sq ft. Don't let the size put you off — reviewers note even the smaller rooms have oversized bathrooms and very comfortable beds. The most accessible price point in the hotel.
QueenThe Mary Margaretta
Third-floor suite with two queen beds — one of the few rooms that works well for two guests who aren't a couple, or for a parent and child. 560 sq ft with living area, workspace, and 32-inch Smart TV.
2 QueenThe Mathilde
Named for photographer Mathilde Weil. The only ADA-compliant room in the hotel. First-floor junior suite with a kitchenette, making it a strong option for longer stays.
KingThe Ruby
Named for the ruby butterfly pin once worn by Guild members. This fourth-floor king salon repurposes a former billiards room — soft velvets and original millwork wainscoting give it a distinct character from any other room in the house.
KingThe Wilda
The smallest of the first-floor rooms. Queen bed, dedicated workspace. Good entry point for the property at a more accessible price point, though it's still a proper suite with the same amenities standard throughout the house.
QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The entire 12-room hotel plus The Lounge can be reserved exclusively for weddings, retreats, work gatherings, family reunions, and celebrations. The custom portal allows group guests to select their preferred rooms. The lounge seats up to 25 for ceremonies or dinners. The Alice suite accommodates small gatherings of up to 15.
The hotel regularly hosts themed events tied to its feminist and social history, including guest speakers, readings, and community gatherings inside The Lounge. These events are part of the hotel's ongoing commitment to honoring the New Century Guild's legacy.
Several rooms including The Alice and The Eliza have Matterport virtual tours available on the website, letting prospective guests walk through before booking.
Full wedding packages available, with customization for ceremonies, cocktail parties, and receptions in The Lounge (up to 25 guests seated) or across the full property. Offsite caterers and bartenders welcome. Partner vendors available on request.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The virtual concierge offers personalized neighborhood itineraries and special service arrangements on request.
Available upon request for families traveling with infants or toddlers.
Chemex pour-over with seasonally rotating beans from Sip & Sonder (Black women-owned). Tea by Blushing Wren (Philadelphia-based, woman-owned, sustainably sourced).
Hypoallergenic bedding with 100% USA-grown cotton sheets throughout.
Fork & Melon skin and body care products formulated with watermelon seed oil imported from France.
Staff on call round the clock via text/virtual interface. No physical front desk — the 'invisible service' model means guest interaction is on-demand rather than face-to-face.
Housekeeping is available on request rather than automatic daily service — in keeping with the hotel's quiet, residential ethos.
Guests receive access codes by email within 48 hours of arrival. Entry is via private entrance — no lobby.
Paid parking available in a garage directly next to the hotel, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
BUILD YOUR GUILD HOUSE PHILADELPHIA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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