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This is an astonishingly beautiful hotel, gorgeously furnished but I was greatly disappointed with our experience. Perhaps it was a cultural misalignment, but I never felt welcome at The Notary. My husband and I spent 5 nights there, 2 in Moroccan room and 3 days in Ayn Rand suite. Apart from initial check-in, we were never greeted or addressed by name. This felt strange because it is a small hotel, not too many guests. If (front desk) staff passed you in hall or stairways they avoid eye contact, stiffly walk right by you... made us feel like an unwanted house guest. I am someone who avoids confrontation, or complaint but we had constant issue with the high tech iPad screen (Screen Suite?) that controls all the functions of the room. It kept falling off line or not charging (it sits upon these teeny tiny pins that have to perfecty align or it doesn't charge. We could not control temperature or call front desk without it. You have to go to find someone to reset it for you, I was left searching for help (only one person on staff at a time). Never once was there a sentiment of "sorry for the inconvenience". Believe me, I did not want to out of my lavish room in pjs searching for help so that I could turn the heat on or turn up the lights so I could see!! I was always polite and patient but it got very frustrating and they didn't seam to care. I often sat cold or frustrated because I did not want to bother them again about it. Also, sewage smell in our first room was a significant. When I mentioned it, they said house keeping took care of it. The smell returned the next morning (woke me up, eeeew!). It is not a housekeeping thing. Again, no apologies, just abrupt "it's fixed" deflection. I am a "just black coffee" in the morning constitution so the 75Euro/$88 USD per person breakfast was not for us. They kept asking if we wanted to book it. I was left wondering if this explains why we received chilly reception? If you stay in suite you are expected to buy their $170 breakfast...? Housekeeping staff, our initial check-in host and chef were kind and personable. The sound system when I could manage it was fabulous. but otherwise it felt cold and awkward like living with a disapproving mother in law/family.

I have travelled extensively around the world. This is, without doubt the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever stayed at. The lady on the Front Desk is very accommodating and great fun. The garden is a chic sanctuary. I loved it all!

Marnik doesn’t realize it yet. You can tell from his post: You have not visited us, not booked with us, but simply watched the TV show about us — and then wrote this review. Why? Pure arrogance.