After Airbnb Crackdown, a New Hotel Trend Takes Over Philly

Philly is seeing something of a boom in boutique hotels as we brace for what’s expected to be a massive tourism year in 2026. After the city started regulating and placing restrictions on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals, a crop of new, small – and Instagramable – hotels have popped up around town. Five opened last year alone. To see what’s going on with the boutique hotel scene, we visited the Gas Lamp Hotel in Old City and hung out with co-owners Scott Yesner and Wendell Holland. Other boutique hotels in the city include Yowie and Society Hill Hotel in Queen Village, The Dwight D Hotel and The Franklin in Rittenhouse, Hotel Anna & Bel in Fishtown, Riversuites on the Delaware River, Guild House Hotel in the Gayborhood, Morris House Hotel by Washington Square Park and Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns in University City.

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