Name: Temperance House
Address: 5 South State Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Price range: $157–$268 per night
Rating: 8.35

What guests think

Reviews of Temperance House describe a charming historic inn with a friendly, accommodating team and a central, walkable Newtown location, balanced by practical trade-offs like steep stairs, limited amenities, and a lively tavern that often runs late.

Multiple guests note no staffed front desk, with check-in and help handled by bar staff, leading to delays or late-night disturbances. Street parking is common and sometimes inconvenient, and several reviews mention dated furnishings or maintenance lapses, plus patchy Wi-Fi/TV. On the plus side, many enjoyed the tavern food and the distinctive rooms. Expect walkable charm with trade-offs in noise and convenience.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Lively on-site tavern with entertainment is a highlight, but there is no elevator and access involves steep, narrow stairs. Parking is mostly on-street and can be inconvenient or limited, though some found it manageable.

Related guest reviews

10

Brinkley

May 16, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I stay here when I visit my company's facilities in the area. I love the historical aspect of this inn, and the fact that a good restaurant and fantastic bar are attached make it that much better! Each room is unique and as long as you can do without an elevator and climb a flight or two of stairs, you will be pleased with the property. Overnight parking is available and easy, and free, on the street in front.

4

Leah

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Cool historic house in great location but don’t stay there. Narrow long staircases from the 1700’s are not fun for schlepping bags and there’s no elevator. Air conditioner didn’t work well and didn’t work at all. We were too tired to go downstairs and find someone to help and there’s no phone in the room. There’s no staff at the desk either you have to find the bartender in the noisy crowded bar (who was very nice and helpful). Parking is on the street and there’s nowhere to stop in front to unload bags. It’s just an awful experience.

10

MIchael

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Most attentive staff! Restaurant and dinner comedy show were excellent. All around wonderful

6

Nancy

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was very nice, but the desk is not staffed and we had to go into the bar to find someone to check us in and answer questions. As someone else said, it's really a bar that rents rooms. We were directly above the bar and heard music through the floor until very late. Parking is insufficient and we ended up with a street-parking ticket.

6

Susan

Mar 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location was great but unfortunately the parking is inconvenient. There is a 2 hour time limit so I kept having to move my car. The room was very nice but no real amenities. Also I didn’t expect a 3 story walk up and no elevator. All in all the rooms are clean and right in the center of town making shopping and walking easy.

10

Marie

Nov 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place. Super nice staff. Bar and restaurant downstairs were perfect.

8

Sue S

Jul 10, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was very nice. However, there was never anyone at reception. No convenient parking. No elevator, with steep narrow stairs. No service to speak of.

10

Liz

May 7, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Historic building. Very cool tavern with live music and good food. Staff was friendly and helpful. If you like blackout curtains- there aren't any. Also the info on the room door said continental breakfast. That didn't happen. Both days. So don't count on that but cute little coffee place next door, breakfast joint called Pat's down the street, and the Amish Market is easily walkable and they had all kinds of good stuff.

8

Dolores

Jun 4, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This is an historic building so there is no elevator. The staff carried my bag upstairs, but if you cannot do stairs, it is not for you. The room was clean and pleasant.

10

Emily

Jul 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed 2 nights for work, but wish I could have stayed more. Hotel, room, and staff were great, tavern food was excellent with a huge beer selection, and surrounding area was interesting and fun, with lots of dining and shopping options. I will definitely be booking a room here again!

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Cleanliness

Many guests found rooms clean, but several reported issues such as stained or tired carpets, musty odors, ants, or small maintenance oversights.

Related guest reviews

10

Joseph

Jan 31, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean and comfortable place. Shower was nice and water was as hot as you want it to be. Great location and nice restaurant/bar on site. Was very happy with the stay.

6

Diane

Aug 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautiful location. Room needed some updating. Carpet is indoor/outdoor with multiple stains. Both beds were very hard and had a terrible night sleep.

6

Mary Nicole

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great and the property is lovely - but the Haunted Porter room had ants and felt very musty, likely due to the air conditioning unit plus the rugs in the room (I stayed on particularly hot and humid nights). Also had a knock on the bedroom door in the middle of the night from a staff member at the adjoining restaurant saying I hadn’t paid a bill. I was never at the restaurant so she had the wrong room and she apologized, but getting awakened in the middle of the night is decidedly non-restful. The front desk was never manned during my entire stay – you had to go into the restaurant to find anyone to help you. Great location, but I’d like to see some improvements in the management before I’ll stay here again.

6

Ashley

May 11, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff is friendly and it's a convenient location but the room needs a make over. There was a leak right outside our door and the carpet looks really dirty and had a little smell. We had the maid sign out and we never received towel replenishment and no one ever came. No one was ever at the front to ask. We stayed from Friday to Sunday.

6

Susan

Mar 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location was great but unfortunately the parking is inconvenient. There is a 2 hour time limit so I kept having to move my car. The room was very nice but no real amenities. Also I didn’t expect a 3 story walk up and no elevator. All in all the rooms are clean and right in the center of town making shopping and walking easy.

4

Marguerite

Nov 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The area is perfect and the staff very nice. The room was cute but small. The bed sat very high so you have to climb up into it and I'm a tall person. The toilet ran all night along and the handle was broke. The walls are very thin and we could hear the people in the rooms above and at the bar below very loudly through at least 3 am. So, was not able to sleep. I could see the benefits of cute historical building and nice area but I would not stay here again due to the noise, small/high bed, and desk in room was sticky.

6

Donna

Jun 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was good. Window blinds didn’t work. Should be cleaner.

6

Miranda

Oct 29, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Cons: noise from tavern and street until late, no parking lot, bed hard as a rock Pros - very clean and nice staff, easy checking and checkout

10

Don

Jul 2, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean rooms, friendly service, nice bar and nice area.

2

Irene

Feb 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Not what it used to be, food wasn’t good no continental breakfast as advertised broken curtains in our sweet coffee maker gross stains on rugs of our 240 night room very dissatisfied

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Rooms

Rooms are unique with historic character, but noise from the tavern and street can be disruptive late into the night; comfort varies, with some small layouts, hard or high beds, warm rooms, and mixed Wi-Fi/TV performance.

Related guest reviews

8

Martha

Jul 24, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Liked the location, but very noisy till 2am due to loud band playing in bar. Thin walls due to age so voices and footsteps are loud. Helpful staff, comfortable bed, small room but good use of space, had everything I needed. Available street parking in front of hotel is a plus.

6

Nancy

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was very nice, but the desk is not staffed and we had to go into the bar to find someone to check us in and answer questions. As someone else said, it's really a bar that rents rooms. We were directly above the bar and heard music through the floor until very late. Parking is insufficient and we ended up with a street-parking ticket.

6

Cynthia

Jul 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was ok but not as pictured on the website. The biggest issue was that I could hear live music from the bar downstairs until 11am. Ate dinner at the Tavern and the burger was good.

4

Mary Ann

Oct 1, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff was friendly and very accommodating. The Porter room was clean although a little tired looking. However, the music was pulsating from the bar until after 2am. I did not get to sleep until it was quiet. So. If you go there, I recommend hanging in the bar until closing, then get a good night's rest rest.

10

Marisa

Aug 19, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

We had a great stay at the Temperance for four nights. The owner was friendly and upgraded us for free because she had the space! Tip: we couldn’t hear any of the live music on Wednesdays from the downstairs bar from our room on the third floor, but you’d be able to hear it on the second floor. Fun to stay in a historical space right on the main street of Newtown.

8

Candice

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everyone here is so nice, and the hotel itself along with the Tavern is extremely unique and awesome! The only issues we had was that there was really loud music coming from downstairs until about 2 or 2:30 in the morning which made it difficult to sleep, and the room got pretty warm since the AC unit was small and on the other side of the room. (That was to be expected due to the age of the property.) We would definitely come back here and adjust ourselves accordingly.

4

Marguerite

Nov 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The area is perfect and the staff very nice. The room was cute but small. The bed sat very high so you have to climb up into it and I'm a tall person. The toilet ran all night along and the handle was broke. The walls are very thin and we could hear the people in the rooms above and at the bar below very loudly through at least 3 am. So, was not able to sleep. I could see the benefits of cute historical building and nice area but I would not stay here again due to the noise, small/high bed, and desk in room was sticky.

2

Raphael

Jun 15, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Their warning that some tavern noise should be expected is greatly understated. The music from the live band at night was so loud that we could hardly hear our tv and could no way fall asleep after a long travel day. We checked out the very next morning explaining that the music was too loud. They offered a different room but given how loud the band was, we could not imagine that any of the rooms could be sufficiently quiet. We felt that we had a legitimate reason but they still charged us for a second night since we could not provide 24 hours advance notice. We therefore give them a one star rating. Of course, if you like loud live band music and going to bed late, then this place would be great.

4

BRETT

Nov 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Poor internet but much worse is the VERY LOUD music in the bar until after 2:00 am. Guests cannot sleep. Bad idea putting a hotel above a loud bar with bands. Otherwise would be a good option.

6

Mary Helen

Mar 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was perfect. Quaint area of Newtown. Bar was very loud. Our room was facing street above tavern and you could hear people talking loudly when they hung out in front of the tavern. There isn’t someone at hotel reception desk and

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Service

Staff are widely described as friendly and accommodating, yet the front desk is often unmanned and check-in or assistance is handled by bar staff, causing delays or occasional disturbances.

Related guest reviews

8

Curt

Dec 3, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

My wife and I arrived at the Temperance House and approached the desk to check in. We waited, and waited, and waited. After 15-20 minutes I called the phone number on one of their business cards. The phone at the desk rang but so did someone else asking if she could help. I explained that we were trying to check in. We were told that someone would be there. We waited, and waited, and waited some more. I called the number again after a considerable wait time. The receptionist finally arrived and checked us in and showed us to our room. We learned that she was the bartender and also working the restaurant. This is an older establishment and I would be interested in hearing about its history. Our room was comfortable and clean.

10

MIchael

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Most attentive staff! Restaurant and dinner comedy show were excellent. All around wonderful

6

Nancy

May 5, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was very nice, but the desk is not staffed and we had to go into the bar to find someone to check us in and answer questions. As someone else said, it's really a bar that rents rooms. We were directly above the bar and heard music through the floor until very late. Parking is insufficient and we ended up with a street-parking ticket.

6

Mary Nicole

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is great and the property is lovely - but the Haunted Porter room had ants and felt very musty, likely due to the air conditioning unit plus the rugs in the room (I stayed on particularly hot and humid nights). Also had a knock on the bedroom door in the middle of the night from a staff member at the adjoining restaurant saying I hadn’t paid a bill. I was never at the restaurant so she had the wrong room and she apologized, but getting awakened in the middle of the night is decidedly non-restful. The front desk was never manned during my entire stay – you had to go into the restaurant to find anyone to help you. Great location, but I’d like to see some improvements in the management before I’ll stay here again.

10

DAMEION

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were welcoming and attentive. No issues with checking in or out. Nice location right in town.

10

Deron

Jul 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Cannot say enough about how great the staff is at Temperance House. Everyone there treats you as though you're the only guest in the building. As far as the building, we loved the uneven floors and old-school character of the hotel. Made you feel like you traveled back in time. Would definitely stay there again.

8

Joseph

Dec 31, 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Great atmosphere with entertainment nightly. Staff very friendly. The only drawback is that they are shorthanded so the bartender has to do double duty as the front desk clerk. Overall great place.

10

Alesia

Jun 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great historic house, quaintness found in every nook and corner. Michael was very friendly, helpful and made sure we had everything we needed.

10

Emily

Jul 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed 2 nights for work, but wish I could have stayed more. Hotel, room, and staff were great, tavern food was excellent with a huge beer selection, and surrounding area was interesting and fun, with lots of dining and shopping options. I will definitely be booking a room here again!

6

Mary Helen

Mar 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location was perfect. Quaint area of Newtown. Bar was very loud. Our room was facing street above tavern and you could hear people talking loudly when they hung out in front of the tavern. There isn’t someone at hotel reception desk and

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Location

Central, walkable location in Newtown/State Street near shops and dining, with a quaint, safe feel.

Related guest reviews

8

John

Mar 31, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

all was fine. Never saw or heard any other guests while there. Newtown was quiet & quaint.

10

William

Apr 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Located in the heart of the town near restaurants and shops. Parking is convenient.

10

Brendon

Aug 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

close to places in newtown

6

Susan

Mar 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location was great but unfortunately the parking is inconvenient. There is a 2 hour time limit so I kept having to move my car. The room was very nice but no real amenities. Also I didn’t expect a 3 story walk up and no elevator. All in all the rooms are clean and right in the center of town making shopping and walking easy.

8

Cindy

Nov 12, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location

8

Halbert

Oct 27, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s fun staying in a b&b that is hundreds of years old. It’s beautiful. Just remember it is very old with floors that are uneven and steep winding stairs to get around. The staff is very friendly with a great bar and restaurant. If you have mobility issues with stairs or need large restrooms that are easily accessible, this is not the place for you. Had a great time.

10

DAMEION

Sep 1, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff were welcoming and attentive. No issues with checking in or out. Nice location right in town.

10

Karen

Jan 1, 2023

·

Stayed 19,357 nights

Town is adorable and location of inn is perfect. They were very accommodating.

10

Jeffrey

Apr 17, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff were exceptionally accommodating - the only issues being where reservations made through Expedia could not be altered by the property, although they were willing to do so. State Street is very walkable, with a number of local shops and dining options in addition to the restaurant at Temperance House itself. We appreciate unique older properties, and Temperance House was exactly that.

10

Anne

Sep 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient! Right in the heart of Newtown.

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Dining

The tavern/restaurant earns frequent praise for good food, drinks, and entertainment. Several reviews note that the expected continental breakfast was not provided.

Related guest reviews

6

Katherine

Mar 31, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The bar noise was very loud in room 5. We never received an answer to our query about a room change or the non-existent continental breakfast.

10

MIchael

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Most attentive staff! Restaurant and dinner comedy show were excellent. All around wonderful

6

Cynthia

Jul 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was ok but not as pictured on the website. The biggest issue was that I could hear live music from the bar downstairs until 11am. Ate dinner at the Tavern and the burger was good.

10

Marie

Nov 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place. Super nice staff. Bar and restaurant downstairs were perfect.

10

Liz

May 7, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Historic building. Very cool tavern with live music and good food. Staff was friendly and helpful. If you like blackout curtains- there aren't any. Also the info on the room door said continental breakfast. That didn't happen. Both days. So don't count on that but cute little coffee place next door, breakfast joint called Pat's down the street, and the Amish Market is easily walkable and they had all kinds of good stuff.

10

Anthony

Oct 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Not crazy about parking a new car on the street. Restaurant dining was incredible at Temperance House. Really nice room and friendly staff.

8

Elizabeth

May 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Extremely unique property -- circa late 1700s. Every room is different and charming. Knowledgeable bartender makes a huge difference. Food was excellent.

10

Robert

Jun 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I was only disappointed that I heard or saw no ghost, not really, it was a great stay. Bartender Nick was great too. I had a crab cake sandwich, which was delicious.

10

Emily

Jul 30, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Stayed 2 nights for work, but wish I could have stayed more. Hotel, room, and staff were great, tavern food was excellent with a huge beer selection, and surrounding area was interesting and fun, with lots of dining and shopping options. I will definitely be booking a room here again!

2

Irene

Feb 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Not what it used to be, food wasn’t good no continental breakfast as advertised broken curtains in our sweet coffee maker gross stains on rugs of our 240 night room very dissatisfied

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$153
February	$152
March	$149
April	$155
May	$161
June	$159
July	$156
August	$158
September	$161
October	$150
November	$143
December	$139

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $183	2 $183	3 $183	4 $157	5 $183	6 $206	7 $268
8 $183	9 $183	10 $183	11 $183	12 $183	13 $208	14 $206
15 $182	16 $183	17 $183	18 $183	19 $183	20 $208	21 $208
22 $182	23 $183	24 $182	25 $182	26	27 $206	28 $206
29 $183	30 $183

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1 $183	2 $183	3 $183	4 $208	5 $208
6 $183	7 $157	8 $183	9 $183	10 $183	11 $208	12 $182
13 $158	14 $157	15 $183	16 $184	17 $183	18 $208	19 $208
20 $183	21 $183	22 $183	23 $183	24 $196	25	26
27 $196	28 $196	29 $183	30 $183	31 $184

Temperance House

Prices for Temperance House

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Sapphire Suite

Michael David Room

the State Room (Over Bar)

Joseph Richard Suite

Opal Room

Haunted Porter

the Artists Loft

Chloe's Loft

Commissioners Retreat

Bouvier

the Topaz Room

the Fredericks Room (Over Bar)

Edward Hicks Suite

Guest reviews of Temperance House

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

Prices for upcoming dates