Lokal Hotel Old City

Very nice, hip boutique hotel. However, their website doesn't say there isn't a Front Desk or any on-site personnel - if you need something or have to ask a question, it's via text or email. And IMPORTANTLY, there is no elevator so if you're on the top floor as I was, it's up 4 stories. Not fun schlepping luggage up there.

It's an unstaffed walk-up on a funky (in a good way) street. When you arrive, they send you an email. Unfortunately, no one bothered to think about the user experience. It tells you to put in the name of your room, but the email didn't tell me the name of my room. And then the instructions don't match the interface on the lock screen to get in. So you're standing there holding all your luggage and you have to call them. The screen on the door says, "Room number" but of course, I didn't know it. They answer the phone. What, the number is "Will"? Will isn't a number. Etc. The instructions are written by someone who isn't looking at the screen. The person on the phone is the only interaction you'll have while staying there, but there is no empathy or follow-up. If you're hoping for a delightful little hotel, this isn't it. It's an unstaffed AIrBnB with steep steps, a large studio apartment and it's quiet. It was also musty smelling and the windows don't open.

My husband and I stayed at the “Will” suite in Old City. The space was beautiful and filled with natural light. Checking in and checking out was very easy and contactless. We appreciated having a fully equipped kitchen, washer & dryer. The location was very convenient, close to many restaurants, shops, and attractions. I would definitely recommend the Lokal Hotel. We had a wonderful stay!

The Betsy room was perfect for our family. Our teens still love bunk beds, and we appreciated all the space in the common room. Although the kitchen area has limited storage, they have supplied an excellent array of cooking materials and supplies. We could have made a sophisticated meal there. The washer/dryer was very much appreciated. Access is great with your personalized code. We would stay here again.

I love the idea of Airbnb - instead of a basic hotel room I get the chance to live like a local in an apartment with a kitchen. However, the reality of Airbnb is poor service, hidden charges and that nagging doubt that it'll all work out properly as you're dealing with a person rather than a business. Which is why I *loved* staying here .. all of the "live like a local" advantages but the service levels of a proper hotel. Seamless "checkin", quick responses to emails, safe and secure financial arrangements. And the apartment .. wow. Cool design with gorgeous features, from the concrete kitchen worktop, through the stunning bathroom, to the wonderful floor to ceiling windows overlooking the street. The added touches of a bitters stocked cocktail trolley to make Old Fashioned's and a fully stocked kitchen essentials cupboard meant we really did live like locals, buying locally and cooking at "home", a very welcome respite after almost 2 weeks of dining out during the rest of our trip around the Northeast. When I return to Philly there is only one place I am ever going to stay.