This bed & breakfast was a welcome respite during a rather hectic week at a conference. It's located in a lovely neighborhood in Philadelphia. While the bed was as comfortable as my one at home (loved the down comforter!), it was great having wireless so I could stay connected. Kathy was kind enough to offer an earlier breakfast hour for those of us attending the conference, which made my stay that much better. The location was perfect, as I could walk to the convention center district during the day, and then down to South Street in the evening. I will definitely stay at The Columns again!

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Kathy is an excellent person and her hospitality is outstanding.

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We arrived for check-in at 3:00; The B&B was locked, with no one answering repeated phone calls. We were unable to leave messages in "full" voicemail. The innkeeper finally arrived at 6:15. We and other guests were very frustrated by our wait in the rain. The innkeeper, Kathy, was frazzled and not initially welcoming or apologetic. Rooms were not ready for occupation. This wonderful old house was in total disarray. There were stacks of "stuff" everywhere! The common area was not available due to extreme clutter. Breakfast was not worth mentioning . . . very poor. On the plus side; the house was in a fabulous neighborhood near Historic Downtown and there were many superior restaurants within walking distance. The shared bathroom was clean and there were many beautful antiques throughout the house. This could have been a great experience. It was not.

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The house is indeed lovely, inside and out, as pictured. However, th eliving room was unavailagble during our stay and the dining room only briefly during breakfast. Perhaps due to numerous personal problems, Kathy did not live up to her billing in other reviews. She was late meeting us at the house, absent most of the time, and somewhat rigid about breakfast hours. Although she was helpful in suggesting restaurants and calling cabs, we did not find her cheerful or sociable. Although numerous amenities were listed by B&B.com, we didn't see a computer or fax available, and the TV provided many channels, except for the broadcast network stations and PBS which we normally watch. Although a telephone was listed as available, we were able to use it only during severely limited periods under Kathy's oppressive supervision, and were unable to use it at all the second day. This posed a serious inconvenience, as we needed to make numerous toll-free or credit card calls during an extended trip. We were sorry to miss the cat, which was missing during our stay. With a lovely building in an excellent location, one hopes that the service will improve.

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The owner was nowhere to be found when we first arrived or in the morning for breakfast. When she was there she would not leave us alone. What was supposed to be a romantic weekend turned out to be an uncomfortable stay at what felt like a very distant relatives house.

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In the middle of historic Philadelphia the Columns on Clinton is a delight. Just a blocks from some of the best dining and coffee houses to enjoy along with the history that surrounds you. Our host ...Linda was a excellent and made us feel welcome. If you do not stay you will miss one of the best BB I have ever stayed

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Kathy was extremely helpful concerning the city, the history and the points of interest. We simply told her what we wanted to see and in a matter of a breakfast conversation Kathy was able to advise us the tourist traps to avoid and the best way to enjoy the historical attractions we wanted to see. We absolutely loved our stay, not only because of the great location, but the extensive knowledge of our host!!!

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The location of the Columns is convenient and the area is charming. I really enjoyed the breakfast, Kathy is very good cook! Furthemore Kathy was helpful giving good tips regarding PA.

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My sister and I's stay at The Columns was our first at a Bed and Breakfast. We wanted to save money and be in the city so I could attend a conference. The rate was much lower than the major hotels and they didn’t include breakfast! Kathy was full of suggestions for our stay, called cabs for us and provided interesting conversation. We were within about 10-20 minutes walking distance of many major downtown Philadelphia attractions, like Independence Hall, close to South Street, and the buses/subways. The breakfast was delicious, with several options and Kathy was willing to accommodate requests for an earlier breakfast or different options. With several people all attending the same conference, the shared bathrooms were busy, but we were willing to wait. The house was quiet and we were free to come and good as we pleased.

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I stayed here in April while attending a conference at the Convention Center. The owner is very helpful and friendly host. Room was super comfortable and very clean. Neighborhood is quiet yet centrally located. Short walk to Liberty Bell, Convention Center and other main attractions. Highly recommended,

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I arrived early one weekday morning for a conference and called Kathy stating I was coming. There was some confusion and for a moment, I thought I was not going to have a place to stay, but in the end, Kathy was very accommodating and hospitable. She told me that no matter what she would have found a place for me. I thought that was incredibly caring of her. She let me leave my luggage at the inn and also let me change before the conference. She also offered me breakfast, and that was really nice. I was given a room on the 4th floor, and it was absolutely lovely. Very spacious bathroom on the 4th floor. Kathy also offers great recommendations and she is a great resource. We wanted to go on a picnic one afternoon, and she provided all the utensils we needed and let us have a late checkout. Kathy was absolutely wonderful and felt like an old friend. She also had a beautiful Persian, named "Paris," and I fell in love with him. A delightful experience and hope to stay with her again the next time I am in Philly :)

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I am not sure who wrote the prior reviews on this B&B, but I would not recommend it. The room was VERY small and tight and there was a list of "do not touch" instead of a welcome.

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Cathy is the most engaging Irish innkeeper I have ever known. She and her guests make for some very interesting breakfast conversations. I stayed with Cathy for a month while my apartment was being readied for occupancy and she and I have become strong friends. She knows everything worth knowing about Philly and if your nice she will regale you with her many colorful adventures. Paris (her cat) is somewhat more circumspect although I suspect equally full of tale. Truly a most enjoyable experience and as I write this review I smile. A pleasant memory that I shall cherish forever.

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A fascinating house on a very convenient and beautiful street. Kathy was very friendly and accommodating, her helpfulness and knowledge of Philadelphia made for a very pleasant stay.

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Kathy is the nicest Lady alive. We loved our stay and cant wait to go back. Great house great, The Neighborhood rocks. Kathy knows all, where to eat where to shop. Great breakfast awesome cheese's. Fun Fun Fun. I didnt want to go out and see Philly I would of rather sit on the porch and talk to Kathy for days on end.

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Highly recommended! Your stay in Philadelphia will be enhanced by making The Columns your home base. It's an amazing historic house, run by an equally amazing innkeeper, Kathy. Within walking distance of Society Hill neighborhoods, the historical sights and even the zany scene on South Street. My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at The Columns in early April 2008. It was a last minute getaway for us, and I contacted the innkeeper on a Thursday afternoon hoping for a last minute stay to celebrate our Anniversary. Kathy contacted me almost immediately and informed me of some openings. When she found out it was our Anniversary, she volunteered to find a flower arrangement and have it our room upon arrival! (It was incredible bouquet that she negotiated with the local florist). Talk about service that goes above and beyond! (Later that day when my allergies flared up, she even bought some sudafed while on her grocery run. Try asking THAT of your Marriott front desk person!) Our themed room was beautiful and spotlessly clean. The 1850-era home is filled with wonderful collections of antiques and interesting art pieces. Kathy is a gracious and interesting hostess, and she attracts guests that match her personality. Sunday morning we had breakfast with a political reporter from the Washington Post and an architectural photographer. Our morning meal was simple and elegant, with fresh fruit and a large variety of pastries and breads. Maybe best of all was the resident house cat, Paris! For those who truly enjoy the Bed and Breakfast experience, The Columns is a great choice. The best recommendation I can give us this: we'll be back!

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A wonderful way to spend the weekend away from the ordinary. Was sorry to leave the enjoyable company of Kathy and her cat, Paris. Look forward to coming back again and again.

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Cathy is wonderful and reminds you of an older sister. She is fun and knowledgeable and goes out of her way to make your stay enjoyable. The accomodations were perfect and the location was ideal. Overall, an excellent experience!

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The Columns and its keeper, Kathy Cushing, are wonderful hosts for your visit to Philadelphia. This B&B is a four-storey house, packed to the rafters with antique furniture and bric-a-brac - very appealing to the Victoriana and Steampunk enthusiast! The atmosphere is cosy, cluttered and almost entirely lamp-lit with not a bright light in sight. Rooms are well-appointed with gigantic beds, writing desks, reading chairs, TV and chests of draws. There is a shared bathroom/shower/toilet on each floor stocked with shower and shaving products in case you forgot something. The whole house is equipped with very fast, reliable and free wireless internet and a simple breakfast is provided daily. The Columns is situated in the heart of The Washington Square district and in walking distance to all points of interest in the city although you might want to catch a bus if you are heading out to the Museum of Art. The host, Kathy Cushing, is a smart, friendly, helpful and unobtrusive host who knows the city back-to-front. Between Kathy and her cat, Paris, you will feel most welcomed and well looked after. The Columns is great for conference travellers wanting a warm and cosy atmosphere rather than a sterile, uninspiring room. Perfect for independent travellers who like to get out and about during the day rather than mooching around Hotel foyers and who appreciate the fascinating and quirky over the formulaic and predictable. Highly recommended!

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I was staying at the columns for 3 nights during early October and had a good experience. The B&B is conveniently located at a tree-lined street, it was kept clean at all time and Kathy the innkeeper was absolutely wonderful. Good and hearty breakfast was served in the morning and all requests were attended to. Kathy was friendly and she shares local details with her guests. We got along very well and we even went for dinner and movie together on the last night I was there. It was her that I have a good memories of Philadelphia.

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Morning coffee on the front steps, greeting neighbors walking their dogs while learning the history and politics of Philadelphia was how our days began. Breakfast in the dining room -- fresh fruits, pastries, granola -- was punctuated with advice on where to find antiques, eat lunch or bargain shop. All recommendations lived up to their descriptions. Innkeeper Kathy is knowledgeable, witty, very accommodating, albeit a tough businesswoman, but with a heart of gold.

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Kathy's house is breathless. 4 story's of Antiques located in a beautiful neighborhood. The best thing about the house is Kathy herself, She is an awesome woman. We will miss her terribly, she is Gracious, kind, caring, there isn't a thing you cant talk to her about. My coworker and I were terribly depressed having to return home because Kathy made us feel as if we were already there. We cant wait to go back.

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My husband and I along with his parents had the pleasure of staying with Cathy during hip surgery stays during May and April of 2007 - Cathy was so kind to us and made a very stressful time easier. She welcomed us to her home and neighborhood -- you very much feel the charm and warmth of this niche in Philly - the streets are quiet, easy to navigate, the people friendly -- it was like being in a small town right in the center of a major city. Great sights are within walking distance and the taxi service in this city is outstanding. Cathy became a friend for life and we will visit again soon and this time not for medical care!

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We were fortunate to be able to stay at The Columns on Clinton as I looked for reservations only one week before traveling to Philadelphia. (There was a fortuitous cancellation.) This was the grand occasion of my daughter’s MFA graduation from the University of Pennsylvania. First I cannot imagine a more perfect location for a bed and breakfast as Clinton Street is located in central historic Philadelphia between 10th and 9th streets. This district is perfect and a delight for walking, window shopping, browsing, eating and of course people watching. Clinton Street is a rather tucked away residential street with mature street trees complementing the brick sidewalks. Kathy is a fabulous host. In the best east coast tradition she is a no nonsense individual that is truly pliable and generous. When I walked into the Columns I felt as If I had l entered into a London bed and breakfast. This is not surprising as 922 Clinton was substantially remodeled in 1878 by an English businessman. His cultural inclinations shine through with this remodeling including a four level open stair well. The open stairwell is quite dramatic with clerestory lighting descending from the roofline. Each room is themed to more subtle and substantial aspects of a broader Philadelphia history, (not your typical juvenile notion of Philadelphia during this countries formative years). Our room was named the Longwood. The name and theme honors a Philadelphia gem, Longwood Gardens, a 1000 plus acre horticultural garden purchased and expanded by Pierre S. duPont in 1906. Kathy is a veritable historical reference manual for the city she adores. Philadelphia may well be one of the most underrated and undiscovered urban destinations in our fair nation. To give you an idea of Kathy’s tender side, she set out water and granola bars to bolster us through the hours long commencement ceremony. I’m certain I have a new friend and a new favorite destination. Indeed we were very fortunate.

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Together with two ladies (all together from Vienna, Austria) we used your accomodation between march 27th and March 31st, 2007. As given by the review above I enjoyed this stay very much and will highly recommend the "Columns" to all my friends and relatives for their next visit to Pliladelphia.

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My collegues and I had a great time in this outstanding accomodation - with Kathy, the very generous innkeeper with a strong personality who did everything to feel us comfortable. I can sincerely recommend this B&B!

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Kathy the Inn Keeper is a wonderful hostess. The rooms are beautiful and well worth the stay.

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