SO AMAZING! I'm glad I found this hotel and took a chance -- by it being new!! I was hesitant because the cost was so affordable, there was only one Yelp review at the time, and there wasn't a 360 view of the rooms nor videos, but this hotel is really a gem!
I booked a studio room and it had enough space. It included a TV, robes, mini fridge (it was filled with some drinks but there was enough extra space for my items, like drinks), and iron and ironing board.
Bedding and Shower
The bedding was extremely cozy and comfortable! I liked body wash that was in the bathroom (I usually don't use a hotel's body wash, but I've been wanting to try Malin + Goetz's line of products for a while now), and I loved the thoughtful handwritten note addressed to me upon check in, in addition to the list of recommended places to visit in the area. The only drawback is the shower doesn't have a door, but the water doesn't spill all over the floor like I've experienced with other hotels that also had door-less showers.
The Hotel
There's a pin required to enter the building, which made me feel slightly safer staying here. I loved that there was a list of upcoming events printed in the lobby, as well as umbrellas to borrow in case it's raining.
Service
Though it's invisible service, I was able to meet a staff member named Molly and she was very polite and friendly. I inquired about storing my luggage when I initially booked and Molly was very helpful the morning of my arrival with storing my luggage. She also texted me throughout my stay to ask how things were going, which I appreciate!
The women working in the retail store downstairs were very friendly and personable as well and gave great recommendations on things to do in the neighborhood.
The neighborhood
I felt about 75% comfortable walking this neighborhood during the day. As a heads up, there is construction going on in the neighborhood across the street from the hotel's entrance and across the street from the coffee shop and retail store's entrance. However, it wasn't super noisy. There are many dining options in this area as well. My favorite was the corner store because it offered a variety of options - both healthy and comfort/not so healthy foods - in a short walking distance and honestly, the corner store's bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on a hoagie roll tasted better than the egg and ham sandwich at Yowie's coffee shop downstairs.
Other details
It's required to pay the full cost of the stay when booking and it's non-refundable. The hotel doesn't hold money for an incidental fee throughout your stay like other hotels, however, you'll be charged after your stay if something is found missing or broken.
This room had a connecting door. However, it was locked on my side and the other side (I included a photo). I was also informed that no one would be staying on the room next to me for the duration of my stay, so I felt comfortable.
There are snacks available for purchase in the room and it's reasonably priced. I indulged in a few snacks, which I don't usually do because hotels typically overcharge for basic snacks, and recommend the chips and gummies! They're also non-GMO which is a plus!
There was so much thought put into this hotel! The space and the staff will definitely keep your energy uplifted. I highly recommend this hotel if you're visiting Philly and don't want to stay at a downtown hotel or if you're seeking a staycation or if you just want to stay at a smaller hotel with a more personable experience! It's Black-owned too! read more