Philadelphia Boutique hotel Hotel Anna & Bel has announced two leadership appointments: Helen Watson as general manager and Kimberly Capehart as food & beverage general manager.
The appointments come on the heels of milestone launches for the property, including the debut of the Anna Suite by Anthropologie Home —an immersive stay experience in partnership with Philadelphia-native global lifestyle brand, Anthropologie— as well as the rollout of Type Anna / Type Bel, a pair of wellness-focused stay experiences inspired by the hotel’s namesake female personalities, Anna & Bel.
“Anna & Bel is a place that honors history, femininity and community,” said Galli Arbel, director of brand, Anna & Bel. “We’re proud to have two strong women at the helm of a property that began as a women’s home and today continues to celebrate creative spirit and connection.”
Helen Watson brings more than 25 years of leadership experience at several boutique hotels across the U.S. to her new role as general manager. Most recently, she served as general manager of The Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she oversaw both daily operations and long-term strategic expansion. Her career includes roles at The Beverly Wilshire Hotel, The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles and The Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas.
“This property has such a distinctive story, and I’m excited to build on that foundation and lead a team that ensures every guest feels like they’re part of the Anna & Bel family,” she said.
As food & beverage general manager, Kimberly Capehart will oversee the hospitality programs at Hotel Anna & Bel’s dining destinations: Bastia, the Corsican- and Sardinian-inspired restaurant, and Caletta, its cocktail lounge, working alongside Chef-Partner Tyler Akin.
Capehart’s career is rooted in Philadelphia’s hospitality scene, where she most recently served as general manager at Pizzeria Beddia. Earlier, she held leadership roles at La Colombe Coffee Roasters.
“Bastia and Caletta have already earned an incredible response, from national recognition to becoming neighborhood favorites,” said Capehart. “My focus is to honor what’s been built while continuing that level of excellence – ensuring every meal and cocktail feels like an invitation to connect, celebrate and discover something new.”
Housed in an 18th-century historic building, Hotel Anna & Bel, the property is just steps away from the music, art, and culinary scene of the Fishtown neighborhood. The hotel recently celebrated its first anniversary.