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Last week, I had to be in Philadelphia for a business dinner. I had stayed at The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection a few years ago and was looking forward to staying at the hotel again. I love the location of the property and the history. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the former City Hall Annex building (built in 1926).
Anthony’s Take: The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection has a gorgeous lobby and lots of charm. My room was huge and also packed with fun decor and a comfortable bed. I love that the Reading Terminal Market is just a few blocks away in one direction and the LOVE statue is also nearby.
Booking
I booked a King Guest room, 1 King on a “Member Rate Flexible” rate. It was $289 per night including taxes and fees. This total had a $25 Daily Destination Fee included. Marriott did away with award charts a few years ago, but redemptions can be had for between 40,000 and 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points.
Transportation to/from the Hotel
I took an Uber Comfort from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to the Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection. It cost $46 and took around 18 minutes to drive the approximately 10.2 miles with mild traffic. When I was headed back home, I returned in an Uber Comfort for a similar cost and ride time.
Location
The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection is conveniently located downtown. It’s a great location and near the Liberty Bell, City Hall, Kimmel Center, Reading Terminal Market, LOVE sign, the Convention Center, lots of restaurants and shopping, as well as easy access to just about everything in the city.
The lobby maintains many of the Classical Revival Style elements that were part of its design when it opened.
Check-in
I arrived at the hotel around 3:00 PM and was promptly checked in. There are multiple check-in desks once you pass through the main part of the lobby. The agent checking me in explained the Daily Destination Fee and offered me 1,000 points or breakfast as a welcome amenity. I took the points. I would not be in the hotel long enough to enjoy any of the inclusions in the Daily Destination Fee. She also proactively offered a late checkout (which I did not need). The agent took a moment to see if there was an upgrade available and she found me an Executive Corner King, Suite, 1 King, Sofa bed, Corner room. Keys were quickly printed and I was on my way to the room.
Daily Destination Fee
- Daily $25 food and beverage credit
- Daily tickets to the Museum of the American Revolution for two guests
- Daily Signature Sangria for two guests
- Daily Enhanced Hi-Speed Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
- Bonvoy Elite Amenity (Gold members and above) – Daily 3.5 oz Gourmet desserts by Oven Arts
The area behind the Elite check-in desk had plaques with the names of former city hall employees.
The lobby has lots of seating.
I loved this classic work table and the lamps on it.
A chess seat was ready for players in the corner.
Neon elements added a playful juxtaposition.
These stacks of books featured QR codes to learn more about the hotel’s history.
A long hallway led to the restaurant and included even more seating.
The elevators are located straight ahead when you enter the main entrance.
The elevator lobby and hallways on my floor were nicely designed and well kept.
Executive Corner King, Suite, 1 King, Sofa Bed, Corner Room (1203)
There are 499 rooms and suites at the Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection.
The suite opened with the bathroom to the left. The sink was outside of the bathroom (which I generally hate).
A bar of LEVEL brand soap as well as lotion were on the counter.
The glassed-in shower was a good size with decent water pressure and temperature.
Large bottles of GRAVEL Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash were mounted to the shower wall.
The toilet was spaced far away from the shower.
The bedroom area was straight ahead.
I liked the shelves with notary-themed decorative items.
The king-sized bed was to the left along with a single nightstand.
I liked the lions on the headboard.
The right wall had a TV along with a large dresser/desk with chair.
A Keurig, coffee pods, cups, bottled water, and condiments were on the counter.
An empty refrigerator was found underneath. A safe was found in one of the drawers (my photo was out of focus).
A couch, chair, and a few tables were across from the TV.
A closet held a luggage rack, robe, extra blanket, and garment steamer.
The suite offered a great view of city hall.
Public Areas & Amenities
The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection offers the seating above along with an ATM, mini market (pictured above), restaurant, conference and event space, and a fitness center.
The ATM is near reception.
The fitness center offers a good number of machines and equipment.
I liked that Peloton Bikes are on offer.
Overall Impression:
The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection is a great choice when visiting Philadelphia on business or for a vacation. I love the history and modern amenities. I’m sure that I’ll return.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award every year after my card renewal month that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points. Learn more. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please visit here. Terms apply.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
3 comments
If you had told me this was the LeMeridien Philadelphia after a soft deco update, I would have believed you. Definitely has the same vibe as the LeM which I have always liked as a hotel but hated from an elite benefits perspective since it’s always a fight to get anything there.
It does have that aesthetic.
Anthony thank you for staying with us and for your review of our beautiful hotel. We are very proud of it and glad you enjoyed your stay. Please allow us to be your Host any time your travels bring you to Philly.
Doug Klein
General Manager
The Notary Hotel Philadelphia