The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection by Marriott

The people working here made this a great first stay for me. Sonia handled my check-in and checkout and was welcoming and easy to work with, even though the hotel was full and the weekend looked hectic. Dorian helped too. It was raining when I was heading out after dropping my bags, and the front desk had just given away its last umbrella. He took the time to help me find a shop where I could get one. The next morning, when the hotel restaurant was packed, he also pointed me to a great brunch spot. I was in town for the PCMA convening leaders conference, and the hotel was a short walk from the convention center. There were plenty of good restaurants and bars nearby for after conference hours. I really enjoyed the stay, and the staff made it feel top tier. They’re clearly a winning team.

I’ve stayed at Marriott properties all over, and this one really takes the cheesesteak. The staff at the front desk, the a/c guy, and the restaurant team were all responsive and welcoming. There were so many extras: tickets to the American Revolution museum, Uber credit, two glasses of house wine, and credit toward the breakfast shop or restaurant. I’ve never had that many bonuses at a hotel. The gym was clean, had a great view, and even had Peloton bikes. The lobby is gorgeous, with tasteful decor and those unique book murals, and the downstairs restaurant was delicious with wonderful service. Where luxury meets the American Revolution. WOW, I can’t say enough good things. Highly recommend this hotel 1776x!

Reading Terminal Market was close enough that I could pick up breakfast there every morning, which was a real highlight. The hotel is right across from City Hall, and during my Thanksgiving stay I could walk to Love Park and the Christmas parade, just two blocks away. There was also a German festival with a carousel, a little Ferris wheel for kids, and lots of good food. The interior was stylish and beautifully designed. The location and atmosphere made the stay really enjoyable.

Trying to arrange a month-long stay while my house is repaired after a flood has been a struggle. I couldn’t get anyone at the actual hotel on the phone to answer basic questions, like whether the room has a microwave or a safe. The website says safes can be rented for a fee, but nobody on site could clarify. Calling the hotel’s local number meant fighting through an automated system just to reach a person. The reservations agent couldn’t answer simple questions about the property and told me to call the hotel directly, even though I’d already said I had. When I asked for a supervisor, I was left on hold indefinitely.