Photo courtesy of GPTMC
For those times when Google just won't do, we at Out Traveler are always happy to help out a fellow traveler. Here's the latest from our inbox:
Q: "I was hoping you might be able to point me in the direction of a gay-friendly B&B in Philly with access to a spa and/or wine tours. I did a simple Google search but wanted to touch base with the expert before making a decision." - From Kim W., New York City
A:Philadelphia has a score of great gay-friendly (and gay-owned) places to stay. Here are two that fit perfectly with your requirements.
Penn’s View Hotel
14 N. Front Street
(215) 922-7600
www.pennsviewhotel.com
This 52-room European-style hotel is located in the heart of Old City, Philadelphia and is part of a refurbished 19th-century building that was once a hardware store. The hotel has a restaurant, operated by Lucca Sena, the owner of the hotel. Panorama Restaurant is host to what is considered the best wine cellar in the city with over 200 types of wine that can be bought by the glass. Located nearby is the Terme di Aroma spa (32 N. Third St., (215) 829-9769) and this month only they're offering an "Escape Spa Package" for $110.
Though not strictly a B&B, the hotel offers a continental breakfast buffet daily and all rooms have private baths, terry robes and cable TV. The hotel is located in an area great for nightlife.
Rittenhouse 1715
1715 Rittenhouse Square
(215) 546-6500, ask for Harriett Seltzer
www.rittenhouse1715.com
This is a beautiful, gay-friendly B&B located on a quiet street in fashionable Rittenhouse Square within walking distance of many upscale restaurants, museums and shops. As part of their New Year's package, Rittenhouse 1715 has a wine reception early in the evening. A short walk away is the chic Rittenhouse Rescue spa (255 S. 17th St. Second Floor, (215) 772-2767) where pampering is their job.
The B&B is part of a renovated carriage house and has 23 guest rooms and suites with marble bathrooms, phones, 100 channel cable TVs, computer workstations with Internet access and a 24-hour concierge service.
