A Bespoke Brand Gives a Historic Women’s Home New Life As Boutique Hotel: The Creative Branding Agency Behind Philadelphia’s Anna + Bel Hotel Opening

Hotel Anna & Bel is a 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. Cohere played a pivotal role in the successful opening of Hotel Anna & Bel, crafting a distinctive brand experience that has captivated both guests and critics. The essence of the Anna & Bel narrative shows itself throughout the brand with illustrative marks and thoughtful copy to create a brand that has an alluring flare, an understated yet memorable point of view, and a light feminine touch.

Anna & Bel, Fishtown’s newest darling, soft-opened on August 7th, 2024 and celebrates its grand opening on September 5th, 2024. Rooms start at $300 per night and can be booked through the Anna & Bel website. It’s the original details, like ornate moldings and a grand staircase, that truly transport guests to another era. Our branding reflects these storied elements, from room numbers to custom bandanas for the front desk staff, and we’re excited to see them come to life on the new website. Their team has done a remarkable job of bringing a long awaited addition to the area. This beautifully restored 18th-century property now as a modern hotel features a charming courtyard and inviting common areas designed for connection. The team behind the project is Philadelphia-based real estate development firm Foyer Project with architecture house, B March.

This project exemplifies Antoinette and Cohere’s expertise in blending unique design with strategic branding to create memorable hospitality experiences.

You can explore additional details of this project here: Hotel Anna & Bel Cohere’s Case Study.