The Sylvan
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge glowing beyond The Sylvan's living room window

Pier 5 Marina · Old City, Philadelphia

A floating retreat on the edge of the Delaware River …

The Inspiration

Rooted in the river as it was before the birth of the city.

The interior takes its cue from the Delaware as it existed before William Penn arrived — tulip poplar and white oak, sycamore and spicebush, marsh grasses and waterbirds, and the shifting colours of the water.

Natural wood, botanical detail and art drawn from the flora and fauna of that early river. The quiet palette makes a small woodland retreat, floating at the edge of a bustling city. You wake to sunrise straight through the windows, and come home to the bridge glowing above the water.

In Motion

The Sylvan, on film

1 film

The Houseboat

31 views aboard
Living room at night with the Ben Franklin Bridge aglowRooftop deck lounge and dining above the marinaKitchen and living room with botanical wallpaperBedroom with brass bed frame and ceiling fanWalk-in shower with brass fixturesSecond bedroom in deep green with brass bedSecond bedroom looking through to the galleyGalley hallway with marina lightKitchen with brass faucet and farmhouse sinkFlatware and serveware drawerKitchen with cooktop and microwaveDining table with harbor viewsTable setting with linen and brassLiving room sofa and botanical muralReading chair beside the windowCandle warmer and seasonal detailRooftop lounge at night beneath the bridgeRooftop with the Ben Franklin Bridge behindRooftop wide view over Pier 5 MarinaRooftop daybed and lounge seatingRooftop dining table for twoSide deck looking out over the riverSide deck along the hullMarina at sunset beneath the bridgeBedroom seen head-on with linen beddingBedroom wide view with ceiling fanVanity with brass faucet and mirrorTiled walk-in showerSecond bedroom with arched mirrorSecond bathroom vanitySecond bathroom shower
Living Room1 / 31

From our guests

8 photos
Night view of the lit Ben Franklin Bridge through the living room windowThe houseboat at night in the marina, roof deck glowing under string lightsSailboats at the marina seen through the window at sunsetWildflowers along the marina with boats and the bridge beyondThe dining table set for dinner with a welcome bag from PhillyA coffee mug and pod on the kitchen counterA small pumpkin beside a candle warmer lamp in the eveningAn open kitchen drawer with flatware and boards neatly arranged
Book direct
Check dates for your stay.

Live availability and the best rate, booked straight with the host — no platform fees.

Provisions

  • CapacitySleeps 5 guests
  • Layout2 bedrooms / 2 full baths
  • Rooftop45 ft, private to your stay
  • KitchenFull, stocked, dishwasher
  • LaundryWasher & dryer aboard
  • AccessSelf check-in, gated marina
  • ParkingOne space, 5 min walk
  • ComfortHeat, A/C, Wi-Fi, smart TV

5.0 out of 5 · 16 Airbnb guest reviews

“The houseboat was pristine, upscale, finishings like a fine hotel. The rooftop deck is its own delight — huge, with the river and bridge lit up at night. A great night's sleep with just a hint of gentle rocking.”— Linda, New Hope, Pennsylvania
“Absolutely loved our stay. Right on the Delaware with incredible views and Old City just steps away. This is definitely not your typical Airbnb, and that's exactly what makes it so great.”— Trey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“It looked great in the pictures, but it was way better than I expected. The decor is beautiful, and it was so nice sitting out on the deck at sunset.”— Maria, 7 years on Airbnb
Rooftop seating and dining on The Sylvan looking across Pier 5 Marina
Above Deck

Forty-five feet of private roof.

Coffee on the roof as the first boats pass under the bridge. Lounge chairs, a dining table, seating for the whole party — and at night, the bridge lit above the water with the marina quiet below.

The Locale

Old City's restaurants, museums and founding streets are all on foot. Minutes from the gangway.

7m

Race Street Cafe

Dinner

8m

Elfreth's Alley

History

9m

Panorama

Drinks

11m

Royal Boucherie

Dinner

14m

Museum of the American Revolution

History

15m

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Outdoors

20m

Zahav

Dinner

20m

Independence Hall

History

Good to know
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Rated5.0 · 16 reviews