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Phone: 215-925-5460

Street Address: 414 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Email: harmara@juno.com

Rates: $105 per night, minimum 2 nights. Guests are received Monday through Friday. No new arrivals on Saturday or Sunday.

Location Rating: Superb Society Hill location. This is a very desirable neighborhood. Many interesting old residential buildings are here. Independence Hall is an easy, pleasant walk. But, parking is a problem here.

Lobby Appearance: The foyer is very tall, I believe 13 feet. To the right is a dining area. Next is a fairly large kitchen. The rest of the first floor is private space for the owners - Harry and Marilyn.

Room Appearance: I was surprised - they had a modern design theme. And they each have a private bathroom.

Useful Nearby Businesses: Over 100 restaurants within walking distance. Close to the area known as "Antique Row." Movie theater within a few blocks.

Hotel Restaurants: None. It's a private residence. A "continental plus" breakfast is included.

Other Amenities: Self-controlled heating. Most rooms have a 13" TV. One has a 19" TV. Central air conditioning. Phone in room.

Would I Stay Here? Yes. It is an interesting opportunity to live in one of Philadelphia's oldest residential neighborhoods.

Comments: The house dates back to 1805. Harry and Marilyn bought it in 1967 when this part of the city was considered to be a slum. The rebuilding of this home took Harry 25 years, and the house is Harry and Marilyn's pride and joy. The owners are happy to give a briefing on the history of the property, and show the antique bottles that were found in the basement.

The owners have been offering rooms for 16 years. Four rooms are available. They don't advertise. About 40% of their guests are from oversees.

I expected an old home like this would have antique furniture in the rooms, but everything is modern looking (budget furniture). If you want to stay in an old house with an antique look, then this isn't the place for you.

Three of the rooms have a 13 inch TV. Their big room on the top floor has a 19 or 20 inch TV. Rooms facing the street have interesting views, but also have street noise (with windows closed). Rooms facing the back are quiet. Second floor rear room has windows, but you cannot look out of them since they are so high. The nicest room is on the top floor facing the street. It has the most space. Whether you get the nicest room or the room with really high windows that you can't see out of, the price is still the same.

I think the price is good for this location. There are hotels nearby, like the Omni Hotel, Society Hill Hotel and Best Western Independence Park Hotel. The difference is this B & B is in an unusual, old, upscale residential neighborhood while the other places are in a busier commercial area. Parking is a problem at 414 Spruce Street. Nearby there are free parking spots in the street, but there is a 2 hour time limit during the day time hours. If you park for 2 hours and 1 minute, there is a strong possibility you will have a $20 ticket on your windshield (really!). The city's ticket writers are very hard workers.

Your hosts stay out of your room. It is expected you will make your own bed.