The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection by Marriott

Exceptional

Great location and the entrance to the hotel was charming . Rooms were very nice and beds very comfortable. We had hidden destination fees and billing was very confusing . Had to call 3 times to understand the bill.

Great staff! Helpful and friendly, made my stay wonderful.

The valet guys are the best! Great location and room

The location was great. Close to most anything including public transportation. The room was comfortable. I didn't see or use any services like restaurants, spa, gym, etc.

Very good

Great room and hotel, situated in the heart of the city, and close to subway and restaurants.

Pleasant

Very dark room, not enough lighting. Gym is showing its age with a few things broken or dirty looking. For a Friday night I wish the bar stayed open a little later. Could not connect to WiFi once during the whole stay, Waste of resort fee

the Reading Market that has so many wonderful places to eat. There are so many attractions in walking distance.

Good

Exceptional

I love this hotel. It’s such a big part of Philadelphia history it’s got the best location in town close to everything. I always stay at the Notary when I’m in Philly.

Very good

Parking is challenging but well-managed: valet (simply no room to park) at Center City prices but in-and-out privileges make it better, just remember to leave enough time for valet to bring your car around. Our only hiccup is when we were checking out. There was one woman at the front desk and there was a line. The gentleman in front of me wanted a room early (it was 1pm; check-in was 4pm) and was argumentative so she was already frustrated. Unfortunately, she took it out on me - she was incredibly brusque. She asked if I wanted my invoice as an e-mail or printout: I said printout to check some charges. She assumed I'd say e-mail and had already moved on to the next person. I gently repeated that I wanted a printout, and she was not happy. She glanced at her screen (which I couldn't see) and stated the charges were all fine. I finally got the printout and in fact there was $40-some charge that I didn't recognize but she was already engaging with the next person and had clearly dismissed me. We had to get on the road so I didn't have time to get back in line, but it left an unfortunate sour note to an otherwise very nice visit. One star off as a result.

What truly sets this hotel apart is its exceptional staff. Everyone was welcoming and greeted guests with a smile. I would especially like to recognize the front desk associate, who kindly extended my checkout time until 4:00 PM after learning that my son was not feeling well. Her thoughtfulness and compassion made a stressful situation much easier for our family. Having stayed at several hotels in Philadelphia since last summer, I can confidently say that The Notary stands out as my favorite. It will undoubtedly be my first choice and designated hotel for all future trips to Philly.

From the rust seeping through the window frame paint, to the damp smell of the room, this hotel was struggling. The suites do not face out towards the city hall. Instead you’ll be facing a large nondescript government building. Valet pickup waits are 25-30 minutes which at $65 is streep. The front door buzzer is finicky, so your introduction to the hotel is getting trapped in a vestibule for 2 minutes. Room service for breakfast comes in plastic takeaway containers but, even with that cost savings they still made watery oatmeal.

Very good

Exceptional

These are minor little things but given the cost one’s expectations were higher. I have a pet peeve for resort or destination fees and I feel that one should include it in the rate of the room. All said not a bad hotel or experience.