Hotel Anna & Bel Branding
A Bespoke Brand Gives a Historic Women's Home New Life as Boutique Hotel
Services
- Strategy
- Brand Identity
- Copywriting
- Collateral Design
- Web Design
Hotel Anna & Bel is boutique hotel, tucked away on the residential streets of Susquehanna & Belgrade in Fishtown, Philadelphia. Though the streets give the new hotel concept its name, the hotel's brand narrative celebrates the two fictional sisters who are representative of the building that once served as a women’s asylum and later one of the city’s earliest retirement homes.
Built with ornate details and architectural flourish, the client fully renovated this 1769 "home for indigent widows and single women" and the property's restoration has been thoughtfully considered, with the oversight of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, to preserve its historic character and original charm. Cohere was enlisted to conceptualize the entire brand identity, narrative, and creative materials.
Cohere facilitated the strategy and advisory, guiding the property owner through the branding process, ultimately partnering with Life House Hotels on the operations and management. The rooms pictured here were photographed by Stuart Goldenberg. The common areas were photographed by Douglas Lyle Thomspon.
The property most recently served as a cherished neighborhood retirement residence, "Penn Home," for 150 years.
Originally constructed in 1769 as "The Mansion House," this remarkable property once served as an Asylum for Indigent Widows & Single Women. For the last 150 years, it was a cherished neighborhood retirement facility, "Penn Home," until it closed its doors in 2020. Today, Hotel Anna & Bel is proud to offer an urban retreat in Fishtown, Philadelphia that honors the property's rich history while providing guests with all the modern comforts they desire.
A special feature of the hotel is the preserving the historic structure and French quarter style two story porches surrounding the central courtyard. The area is enveloped with trees, plant beds, grass patches and bistro tables overlooking an inviting pool and lounge chairs. The building has known many stories over the centuries, and we are lovingly restoring the bones for a unique boutique hotel experience.
Embracing a history of women-led community & hospitality in a world class boutique destination, the Hotel Anna & Bel exudes personality throughout the intimate rooms, courtyard and common areas which recall the connections that were made here over generations.
These halls have known many stories over the centuries, and now it’s time for a new chapter. When crafting the brand for Hotel Anna & Bel, we asked ourselves: What does it mean to reimagine the hospitality, comfort, and beloved community in a new boutique hotel experience?
The essence of the Anna & Bel narrative shows itself throughout the brand with illustrative marks and thoughtful copy to create a brand has an alluring flare, an understated yet memorable point of view, and a light feminine touch.