The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection

Rooms and decor

Picture a boutique hotel tucked inside an old government building directly across from City Hall: open the door and it feels like stepping back into 1920s Philadelphia. That is the first draw of The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection, a Marriott Autograph Collection property set in the former City Hall Annex, built in 1926 in stately Classical Revival style and listed as a National Historic Landmark. The building went through a major restoration costing around $75 million to bring back as much of the original beauty as possible. Step into the lobby and you find long marble floors, the original brass beams, finely detailed coffered plaster ceilings, and grand chandeliers throwing warm light, mixed with curated art and modern touches. The name "Notary" has a story too: this was once a civic office where notary stamps sealed marriages, business filings, and countless life milestones. Walking through it, you feel history that is still alive. If you like a hotel with a story and a well-kept classic feel rather than a brand-new box, you will likely fall for this place at the first step.

Food and amenities

The thing real guests mention most is the spaciousness of the rooms. Because this was a government building with high ceilings and big floor plates, the rooms here are noticeably larger than the average downtown hotel. Reviews agree they are big, clean, and freshly updated — you walk in and it feels open, not cramped like the usual tight city room, with real space to set down bags and sit. That makes it good for anyone with a lot of luggage or a longer stay. The decor plays on the 1920s theme to match the building but adds full modern conveniences, with the comfortable beds you expect from Marriott. Downstairs you will find the Spanish restaurant Sabroso+Sorbo, serving tapas and cocktails in an inviting setting — a handy spot to eat and drink after a day out or a game. There is also a 24-hour gym to work off the aches, a cafe for morning coffee, and a small convenience store on-site. And as a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, you book and earn Marriott Bonvoy points with the predictable service standards of a major chain.

Location and getting there

Location is another strong card here, no question. The hotel sits in the heart of Center City, right next to City Hall, the landmark civic building in the middle of town, so you step out the door into the spot where everything converges. It is a short walk to Reading Terminal Market, the famous indoor food market that gathers food from across the city, plus Love Park, the theater-lined Avenue of the Arts, and the central shopping district — so you can explore Philadelphia on foot all day and skip the car. The best part for fans: City Hall is home to the City Hall subway station on the SEPTA Broad Street Line, just a few steps from the hotel. On game day you walk down, board the train, and ride one line straight south to NRG Station outside Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles — no transfer, no driving, no fighting for parking on a packed game day. After the game you take the same line back into the city and you are near your bed without much fuss. If the core of your trip is staying downtown, soaking up Philadelphia on foot, and riding the train to the game without a car, this location nails it.

Things to know before booking

Straight talk to help you decide. The first thing reviews echo often: the building and common areas are beautifully restored, but the bathrooms and showers in some rooms look dated and feel less polished than the building's grandeur. Some guests feel the fixtures show their age and a few details were done on a budget. If a brand-new bathroom matters to you, ask clearly about the room type when booking. The second common point is lighting: many reviews say the rooms run dim and darker than expected, even though they are spacious. If you like bright, open rooms, you may want extra light or to request a room facing natural light on a higher floor. The third is parking: this is the city center where parking is expensive and scarce, so if you drive, budget for daily parking. The good news is the subway is already walkable, so the train is the cheaper and easier way to get around. Finally, on big game days and during major concerts or events, rates climb well above normal and sell out fast, so book far ahead to lock in price and availability. As for the in-house restaurant, some reviews rate it fine but not a wow — if you want a serious meal, plenty of spots around town are within walking distance.

Our take

After reading through plenty of real reviews, The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection sells "1920s historic-building charm, famously spacious rooms, and a spot next to City Hall with a one-line subway ride to the stadium" with real character. It suits couples and culture-minded travelers who love an old building with a story, who want to wake up and explore the city center, see Reading Terminal Market and the Avenue of the Arts — as well as fans who want to base downtown and ride the train to the game without a car or a parking gamble, and business travelers who want a spacious Marriott room in the heart of Center City. If your mental picture is a stay in a handsome classic building, big comfortable rooms, walking Philadelphia all day, and just stepping over to the subway on game day to ride straight to the stadium, this place fits well. But if you expect a flawless new bathroom and a bright, airy room in every corner, a few spots here may feel unfinished. Overall we give it 8.6/10, best for travelers who value the charm of an old building with a story, spacious rooms, and a walkable downtown location with a single-line ride to the stadium over flawless, brand-new polish in every corner.