PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 13, 2001 – People who prefer the intimacy of bed-and-breakfasts will find more than 150 B&Bs throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region. Choices in the city and countryside include elegant townhouses, historically certified homes, charming Victorian inns, quaint cottages, high-rise apartments and country estates, says Mary Alice Hamilton, a partner in A Bed & Breakfast Connection of Philadelphia.

The main reason increasing numbers of travelers are seeking B&Bs is the particular local flavor guests can enjoy. According to Hamilton, even convention attendees are selecting B&Bs these days, and an increasing number of people are booking through the Internet.

The following B&Bs, among many others, await the traveler to the Philadelphia region:

Barren Hill Inn: Built in 1732, this home in Chestnut Hill has five guest rooms, each with cable television, radio and modem. Guests may use the spacious living room and the 24-hour kitchen, stocked with juice, milk, soda and spring water. Rate: $89 to $159.

Fitzwater B&B: Built in 1874 for Jonathan May, a sea captain, this bed-and-breakfast is located in the heart of historic Queen Village, the oldest area of Philadelphia. Comfortable and interesting rooms echo 19^th century Italy, England, France and, of course, Philadelphia. All rooms have unique furnishings, private baths and lovely views. It’s a short walk to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Penn’s Landing, South Street and Antique Row. Rate: $95 to $125.

Historic B&B: A private residence since 1828, this home has been restored and furnished to reflect the graciousness of the early 19^th Century. Located in the heart of Philadelphia's Society Hill, this B&B is listed with the National Registry of Historic Homes. The narrow tree-lined street and private city garden insulate guests from noise and traffic. Four large, elegantly furnished rooms each have a private bath. Some have a working fireplace or jacuzzi. Rate: $145 to $200.

Ibrah House: Built in 1740 by a wealthy Englishman, this historically certified home in Society Hill is furnished with antiques collected from around the world. Unique furniture, oriental rugs and art can be found throughout. The air-conditioned bedrooms have double beds and private baths. Rate: $90.

Rittenhouse B&B: This meticulously renovated carriage house has ten guest rooms with marble bathrooms, phones, 100 channel cable TVs, computer workstations with Internet access and a 24 hour concierge service. Located on a small quiet street within walking distance of restaurants, museums, boutiques and historical attractions. Rate: $209 to $259.

Ten Eleven Clinton: A charming, three-diamond all-suites bed-and-breakfast built in 1836 featuring fireplaces in most rooms, as well as private kitchens, baths and phones with Internet access. The establishment is located in Washington Square West, a short walk from the historic district, Society Hill and Antique Row. Rate: $145 to $250.

University City Victorian: This elegant Queen Ann Victorian house is sheltered by gardens, which can be enjoyed from the wrap-around porch. It has five guest rooms in the heart of University City and within walking distance of the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania.
Rate: $70 to $115.

Bed & Breakfast at Walnut Hill: The circa 1840 antique furnished mill house is built on land that was originally granted by William Penn to his daughter Letitia in 1701. Bright rooms feature antiques and crafts imaginatively displayed. Located in Kennett Square, midway between Philadelphia and Lancaster County. (610) 444-3703. Rate: $75 to $100.

Bridgeton House On-The-Delaware: Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, this small brick inn is Bucks County’s only riverfront bread-and-breakfast. Features include French doors, canopy beds, fireplaces and private balconies. (610) 982-5856. Rate: $99 to $279.

Chester County Farmhouse: This renovated Pennsylvania fieldstone farmhouse, with its open beam ceilings and random width floors, dates back to the early 1730s and was part of the Underground Railroad. Each bedroom has its own theme plus private bath, cable color TV and central air-conditioning. The house is located near Brandywine Valley and the Amish country. Rate: $75 to $85.

English Regency: Featured on house tours, this home is situated on one-and-a-half acres in an elegant, wooded area, and is furnished with antiques, art and oriental rugs. Guestrooms include canopied beds. The home is conveniently located near King of Prussia, Radnor and Bryn Mawr. Rate: $90.

Hamanassett Bed & Breakfast: This stately mansion offers nine guest rooms appointed with antiques and oriental rugs, four-poster and canopy beds, private baths and TVs. Living room/library boasts a Federal-era fireplace and more than 2,000 volumes of contemporary and classical literature. Located in the Brandywine Valley. (610) 459-3000. Rate: $100 to $130.

Linfield Elegance: European and American craftsmen fashioned this 22-room Victorian mansion in 1897. The mansion features marble and alabaster floors, stained glass, fireplaces and a winding chestnut staircase. It is located just 12 miles west of Valley Forge and King of Prussia. Rate: $90 to $140.

Mansion Inn: The Victorian Manor home, furnished in high-quality antiques and art works, is Bucks County’s only four-diamond inn. Some guest rooms feature an antique clock, fireplace, whirlpool and elegant canopy bed. An in-ground swimming pool is also on site. Rate: $150 plus.

Sweetwater Farm: Built in 1734, this manor home sits on a 50-acre farm. The main mansion houses seven guest rooms while the surrounding buildings include five cottages and three barns. (610) 459-4711.
Rate: $125 to $275.

Triple Creeks B&B: The private-entrance suite in this B&B has a queen-sized Murphy bed, kitchenette, television, VCR and computer. Relax in the solarium or the jacuzzi. On cool evenings, enjoy the fireplace. In warm weather, watch the goldfish swim in the fish pond or roam the property’s seven verdant acres. Full breakfast is served in the Irish tradition. Rate: $125.

Victorian Splendor: Built in 1896, this 17-room home is a late-Victorian showpiece. A huge fish tank serves as the base of the kitchen counter. Four fireplaces and an abundance of oak woodwork add to the charm, and a lovely garden frames the backyard swimming pool. The Barnes Museum and St. Joseph's University are both a short walk away. Rate: $90 to $140.

Whitehorse B&B: Built in 1730, it offers a majestic view of a 300-acre farm in Valley Forge, an 18-hole golf course, Internet access, a swimming pool and a hot tub. With only two guest rooms, the home offers a comfortable environment for a discerning business traveler or romantic getaway. Rate: $200.

Winters B&B: Built in 1881, this gracious bed-and-breakfast is an elegant Victorian mansion. The foyer is filled with period antiques, featuring solid oak wainscoting. The house also boasts a library, wrap-around porch and ten unique fireplaces. Some rooms include marble showers, jacuzzis and private balconies. Rate: $150 to $175.

For more information on lodging in the Greater Philadelphia Region please visit www.gophila.com/accommodations/.

For more details on reservations for Historic B&B, English Regency, Fitzwater B&B, Ibrah House, Barren Hill Inn, Rittenhouse B&B, Ten Eleven Clinton, University City Victorian, Whitehorse BB, Winters B&B, Victorian Splendor, Chester County Farmhouse, Triple Creeks B&B and Linfield Elegance, contact: Mary Alice Hamilton, A Bed & Breakfast Connection of Philadelphia, Phone:
(610) 687-3565 or (800) 448-3619; Fax: (610) 995-9524, e-mail: bnb@bnbphiladelphia.com,
website: www.bnbphiladelphia.com

Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating awareness of and visitation to Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. For more information about travel to Philadelphia visit www.gophila.com or call (877) GO-PHILA.

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Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of www.gophila.com/pressroom.