Spruce Hill Manor

The rooms were cozy and the owner is sweet and welcoming. She served a wonderful breakfast with a large variety of options. The home is beautiful and full of items to look at and explore. The complimentary off street parking is a major plus for staying in a city. She also had complimentary red wine - not my thing, but it might be desirable for a lot of people.

This house and neighborhood is beautiful! So green and lush, with a large backyard, grill, fig tree, grass.. what more could you ask for for a nice place to relax right in Philly? Atmosphere: Relaxing. Clean. Quiet. Quaint and ornate. The house is large with many beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms. Location: Very close to Penn and Center city is easily accessible. Staff: The woman running it was so friendly.. she did a wonderful job making us feel welcome and comfortable and we had all the privacy we needed. Would recommend this place to anyone!

This is a review for Akwaaba, which is the new B&B I. The home that used to be Spruce Hill Manner. Monique has totally redecorated and created a chic, stunning, and inviting space. Her breakfasts (we've had two so far) have been delicious and healthy, and she was so conscientious about modifying her cooking to accommodate my health-related food restrictions. The bed is very comfortable, the robes feel cushy and swank, and we've had a great stay so far.

We stayed at this B&B and would highly recommend it to everyone. The innkeeper was very nice and helpful. We were in the "Library" room which housed her books and games collection. The house was very clean and nicely decorated. The neighborhood is good, too. Breakfast was quite enjoyable, too. The innkeeper and assistant helped bring our luggage from our car and back out again. We had a very relaxing stay.

My stay was very pleasant. My room was clean. Janet allowed me a late arrival and walked me through the house too show me where things were when I arrived. Janet was available throughout my stay till assist with questions I had about the area. I loved that they are so eco-friendly too... They are very mindful recyclers and composters!

Amazing stay! Janet is a great host and conversationalist. She is extremely knowledgeable about the surrounding area and history of the town. The house is beautiful, spotless and comfortable. Definitely recommend!

We spent my wife me and ten days in this outstanding boutique B&B hotel. We had a huge room equipped with a comfortable twin bed and an additional bed we didn't needed. A toilet, shower, microwave and a little refrigerator were also there for us. This room is called the "Library". Actually on one wall was a big library with lot of old books that were part of this old house. The room as well as the dining room and the lobby/ living room are furnished and decorated beautifully with Victorian style furniture, lamps, dishes etc. Above all this beauty and convenience stands Jnet Ritano's hospitality and service. I have no superlatives in order to describe it. She was there always for every need and help: ordering a cub, guiding us in Philadelphia, laundry quick return and everything we needed in addition. We have travelled all over the world spending our time in all kind of hotels and zimmers - it's the first time we felt we want to give a present to the hotel owner or innkeeper. If you are in Philadelphia don't miss this exceptional opportunity to experience a different accommodation experience

Outstanding. We had a perfect stay and felt very pampered. Service was excellent and all the details were right. It was quaint, comfortable, safe, and quiet (except that the library gets a little noise from the breakfast room if you want to sleep through breakfast). No question we'll be staying there again the next time we're in the area.

We were there for a family birthday and the location, decor and staff were wonderful! I've been to the Cape May location, it was wonderful too...My goal is to visit them all!

The staff was amazing. The ability to build community with other guests was a sweet added bonus. Food was great. The house felt so homey. Room was just enough to retreat to after a day of exploring Philly. I look forward to returning.

Akwaaba did not disappoint! Every aspect of our experience was stellar. This team is definitely operating in its strengths. The property is lovely, the food is delicious, the energy is positive, and the ambiance is soothing! The amenities are on point, the area has many interesting activities and restaurants. We're looking for another opportunity to join them here and at the other locations!

I don't know if I can say enough good things. We stayed on a whim as an anniversary celebration, so we booked one night in the Blue Note. I was a little worried when we first arrived, because despite ringing the bell a couple times, it didn't seem like anyone was there to receive us. Fortunately, Michelle, the innkeeper arrived to greet us. Any reservations we had quickly dissolved with her upbeat attitude and her hospitality towards us. She showed us around a little bit and then gave us the key to our room. The room itself was so beautiful. It was modern and smelled freshly cleaned. It was a cold but sunny afternoon, so all of the natural light coming in enhanced everything. Around 4 o' clock, we had appetizers and wine prepared by Michelle. It was nice to just sit and listen to old school soul music there before heading back to our room for a while. We spent a little time there figuring out the tv, since initially something was going on that caused it to error, but I am sort of tech savvy, so we figured it out and got it working again on our own. By that point, all we wanted to do is nap anyway. The king sized bed and fluffy pillows just called out to us. Later in the evening, we had dinner somewhere downtown, and when we came back there were rose petals leading to our room. Inside the room was champagne, strawberries and chocolate, plus their luxurious robes! I felt so treated. In the morning the superb hospitality continued with that of innkeeper Tonie, who made us the most amazing french toast and meats. She also delivered some pumpkin bread that was simply delicious. We just loved the joyful spirit and care from the individuals who served us here this weekend. It was much appreciated. As a native of the city, I am glad there is somewhere to get away that is so close by. Hopefully I can return here again soon, maybe for a girls getaway. Also want to add a special shout-out to Katch, who helped me book our stay, and was so sweet and accommodating.

Monique and Glenn have DONE IT AGAIN with the newest addition to the Akwaaba Dynasty located in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Akwaaba, located at 3709 Baring Street, was formally the Spruce Hill Manor. Nestled on a tree lined street, strategically between Drexel University and The University of Pennsylvania, this historic landmark boasts of relaxation! So much so, the theme of the newest Akwaaba member is the Sound's of Philadelphia! From rooms honoring Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, The Roots, and more this Akwaaba property is sure to please! Relax in the library, the courtyard, the porch, or the backyard to find peace and serenity! This is an instant LANDMARK of exceptional service!

Spruce Hill Manor ended up being an unexpected highlight of my trip to Philly. Beautiful historic home right near the University, and was easy to Uber around town from here. Janet and her helper were always cheerful and accommodating, especially with late checkout. Super clean space. We stayed in the Library Room which was just enough room for 3 people. Beds were comfy and the neighborhood is quiet. Appreciated the breakfast spread with quiche, cakes, fruit, and cereals, and that we were able to hang out in the dining room drinking tea and soaking up the natural light and elegant furnishings.

Awesome staff. Great rooms. The southern breakfast was absolutely amazing. Cannot say enough good things about this B&B.

Ummmmm.... (as if it's ok to start a review off this way lol!) this is nothing short of an AMAZING place to stay! I'm not sure of any other way to say it! This is the diamond of all diamonds in the rough ‍ It's a hidden gem in West Philly right off of Lancaster. This was our first time staying at a Bed & Breakfast and it set the standards pretty high. If you are genuinely over the cookie cutter hotels and appreciate A LOT of character as well as love great service, this is for you. The attention to detail is not missed nor is the rich musical history of Philly's R&B sound. Although we stayed in the Blue Note room named after Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, we got to peek in on the other 5 rooms and was blown away. This staycation was to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary during COVID-19. We decided to do away with the hassle of traveling and discover what our own city had to offer. The Inn Keepers- Ms. Toni & Michelle were born for hospitality. Uche, the house keeper (as well as Ms. Toni) prepared the best breakfast! We highly recommend & plan on visiting the other locations... I will add 2 minor observations.... to get the full experience of the luxurious rooms I personally think the Itchi Ya Ya rooms misses the mark on that. It's just a room w/ a bed (and few other details) whereas the other rooms are full suites. And because this is such a rustic place there's obviously no central air so there's individual units in each room. I don't think our unit was suitable for our room. We got pretty warm at night. But this will NOT deter us from returning!

I am giving one star because I was going to be in town for one night and wanted the experience I've heard so much about. Unfortunately, the company policy /protocol is one of greed and they will not reserve a one night stay. Apparently, their business model suggests it's best to have an empty room. Very disappointed and will not attempt to stay when I'm in town for a longer stay.

My first experience at a bed and breakfast and was the absolute best. I along with 3 other girlfriends stayed at Akwaaba, PA August 25 for 1 night. The Inn-keeper, Nani was the absolute best, very accommodating, knowledgeable about the area offering suggestions on what to do/where to go. The evening reception was awesome, Nani prepared everything from scratch. Breakfast on Sunday was homemade Challah French toast, turkey bacon, eggs, pear ginger compote, fresh cranberry/orange juice and coffee. The rooms were simply AMAZING!!! We stayed in the Neo-Soul room, and toured the others which only got better! We will definitely return to Akwaaba!!! THANK YOU NANI and MS. MONIQUE!!!

What a beautiful place to stay. My boyfriend and I stayed for one night over the weekend. Janet couldn't have been more than accommodating from the minute we got here till the minute we left. Our room was absolutely perfect; beautiful, cozy, filled with antiques and beyond comfortable. With a delicious breakfast this place is perfect in every way.

My significant other and I stayed at the Akwaaba Inn Philadelphia the weekend of October 15-17. We were greeted by Rafyah the Innkeeper, who we later found out was also the chef. Her welcoming energy was above what I expected. She gave us a lot of insight on where to eat, or where to hang out to enjoy the area. The breakfast each day was delicious and filling. I literally have nothing bad to say about Akwaaba and looking forward to our next visit. Of course, he wants to go to the mansion in the Poconos next. :)

This was the perfect place to stay. I brought my mother here for her birthday weekend and ended up staying an additional night as it was so great. The historic inn was clean and immaculately kept. Every morning a wonderful breakfast is served including freshly brewed coffee ,fresh cut fruit, and a wonderful freshly made quiche. Spring water, hot tea, and wine was available 24-7. Janet could not have been more of a perfect host. Anthony was also great and made us feel very welcomed on our stay. This place can't be beat. i will definitely stay here on my next visit.

So great! This place is so cute. Quaint and comfortable. Janet, the innkeeper is kind and helpful and very knowledgable about town. The house is in the University district outside of the city about 2 miles but there is a $2 trolley to the City Hall around the corner. Prices are extremely reasonable and I highly recommend it. I will stay here again and again. Lemon Grass Thai food around the corner. See reviews on that. Amazing!!

Wonderful bed and breakfast. We wanted to be close to University of PA since I had a very early appointment. The B&B is located on a very quiet street and is beautiful. Janet, the owner, is wonderful and so very kind and sweet. She could not do enough for us and made us feel very welcome. We would definitely stay here again.

Great bed and breakfast I'll definitely be coming here again next trip to philly. The owners are great people friendly and very helpful and the room was spacious clean and very comfortable

Stayed there for a long weekend and the place was great. Clean, well-maintained, and Janet, the host, was one of the friendliest people I've ever met. Check it out next time you're in Philly!

Had a great stay here. It is beautifully decorated. The hostess was wonderful. We had the best time in Philly.

We recently stayed at Spruce Hill Manor while my husband was a patient at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. It was a lovely, serene place to come back to, and Janet was a very thoughtful host. The building is a fascinating one in a quiet area of West Philly, filled with antiques and interesting touches. Staying there made the whole hospital experience go easier and also was much more personal than an anonymous hotel stay would have been.

We spent 3 nights at this lovely Victorian home. Our proprietor, Janet, could not have been more accommodating. We stayed in the Tiffany room, just because Breakfast at Tiffany's is my all time fav movie and it was the perfect spot for us. The bed was comfy and the bath was perfect size. Janet ran us into town our first day since we wanted to get some pizza and go to a street antiques fair and didn't have our bearings yet. Sunday breakfast she made a delicious crustless broccoli cheese quiche. We had fresh fruit, bread, a variety of cereals and babka from the Whole Foods and they get it from Brooklyn. She had both chocolate and cinnamon babka and it was just heavenly. We ate way too much of it but oh, it was divine. Janet was very helpful in describing the transit system although we still got lost because of all the construction in town. Nevertheless, we had a lovely time and if you want to stay in a beautiful home, that is almost 150 years old, well maintained with period antiques, lighting and other features, stay here. Of course it has been updated but it still has such a wonderful flair. We have decided that we want to return some day and when we do, we will definitely stay here. Thank you, Janet and staff!

Spruce Hill Manor is a lucky find. It provides the charm of the country, the warmth of a home and the convenience of the suburbs (street parking), while enjoying the fun of Philadelphia. My room was lovely. The moment I walked in, I felt comfortable and I knew I made the right choice regarding lodging. I started my days with a delicious breakfast (Janet is a wonderful baker) - just the right mix of healthy and satisfying choices. My days ended by coming home (back to Spruce Hill Manor) to my comfortable, spacious and perfectly decorated room. Every city should have a bed and breakfast like Spruce Hill Manor. Although I am sure that someone with a keen eye could replicate this B&B, no one could compare to the Innkeeper, Janet Reitano. She goes over and beyond to make sure you have what you desire. Treat yourself when you come to Philadelphia and stay with Janet at the Spruce Hill Manor.