PHILADELPHIA, August 16, 2001 – From historic renovations to new constructions, Philadelphia is undergoing a hotel boom. One sector that is experiencing significant growth is boutique hotels – small hotels that provide personalized service and a unique setting.

In the Philadelphia region, there are many small, lovingly restored hotels with rich history and architectural design that are helping to shape this viable new sector in the hotel industry. One such example is The Inn on Locust, a cozy hotel that opened in Center City, Philadelphia in March. The boutique property features 24 unique rooms with architectural treasures such as cathedral ceilings, lofts, fireplaces and hardwood floors. Originally constructed in 1926 for the Philadelphia Realty Board, the restored Georgian-revival style building has been meticulously renovated. Each room converts into a conference room and includes many high-tech amenities including personal fax machines, video conferencing, Ethernet connections, laptop plug-ins and DVD players. Glöbar, a chic, new restaurant/bar is located on the first floor.

Other Philadelphia region boutique hotels, many in historic areas, include:

• Alexander Inn: Ornate, turn-of-the-century style building, which originally opened in 1900, features 48 designer rooms with art deco furnishings, reflecting the great cruise ships of the 1940s. Listed in the National Historic Registry. 12^th & Spruce streets.
  (215) 923-3535, www.alexanderinn.com
• Best Western Impendence Park Inn: Built in 1856, the property, once a toy and doll manufacturer and warehouse, is comprised of 36 rooms decorated in a traditional mahogany style. On the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the Historic District. 235 Chestnut Street. (215) 922-4443.

• Chestnut Hill Hotel: Located in the historic Chestnut Hill section, the 28-room, Victorian-style property was built in 1864. 8229 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill. (215) 242-5003, www.chestnuthillhotel.com

• Clarion Suites: The 98 historically registered suites feature original brick walls and exposed wood beam cathedral ceilings. Built in 1892, the property originally housed the Heywood Bros. Furniture Company. 1010 Race Street. (215) 922-1730.
• The Latham: Elegant European-style hotel with 139 rooms in the upscale Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Center City was built in 1907. 17^th & Walnut streets.
  (215) 563-7474, www.lathamhotel.com

• Penn’s View Hotel: The family-owned and operated property, built in 1828, includes 40 rooms with old world charm and European hospitality. Ristorante Panoroma is located in the lobby. Front and Market streets. (215) 922-7600, www.pennsviewhotel.com

• Golden Plough Inn at Peddler’s Village: Located in Peddler’s Village, the 66-room country inn reflects the architectural style of Colonial America. The main part of the building incorporates the historic Buttonwood Inn, which dates back to the 18th century. Many rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Route 202 & Street Road, Lahaska. (215) 794-4000, www.goldenplough.com
  
• Hotel Du Village: The 19-room Tudor-style inn, built in 1907, resides in a building that was once a private girl’s school. Country French restaurant, tennis courts and pool are located on-site. 2535 River Road, New Hope. (215) 862-9911, wwwhotelduvillage.com

• Brandywine River Hotel: The 40 room Country-Victorian hotel is located in the heart of the Historic Village of Chadds Ford. Routes 1 and 100, Chadds Ford.
  (610) 388-1200, www.virtualcities.com\PA\BRH.HTM

• Joseph Ambler Inn: Tucked away in 12 acres of rolling countryside is this 37-room inn decorated with colonial antiques and reproductions. The original field house was built in 1734 with additions in the 1800s and 1900s. 1005 Horsham Road, North Wales.
  (215) 362-7500, www.josephamblerinn.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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