The Marlton Hotel — NEW YORK IN HEELS

I recently treated myself to a birthday staycation in the city at the delightful Marlton Hotel!

A beautiful black, lighted awning with the block letters “HOTEL” on the side greets you, a bellman appears as if out of nowhere, taking your bag and leading you up the stairs into a charming lobby.

On your right is a divine sitting area filled with green leather couches and wood paneled walls leading back to the front desk.

On your left, a delightful sitting area by the fire to have a cup of coffee or a drink. The bar extends to the back of the hotel, and opens into a restaurant and “outdoor” dining area complete with trellis, the Margaux.

The vibe is very vintage meets New York chic.

Although the front desk looks like it belongs in an old Hollywood film, they are completely tech savvy and the keys are electronic swipe – reminding us in an elegant way that we are in a digital age.

When I checked in, I was greeted by lovely staff who offered to send up a bottle of sparkling rosé for my birthday! (We know how much I love my sparkling wine!)

I found my way up to the 4th floor, to my room at the end of the hall. I must say that the hallway is beautiful, and so quiet that you forget you’re in the bustling city.

I opted for the “Queen Deluxe” room, as I was concerned about space after reading the reviews but it was the perfect size and absolutely charming!

The deluxe room has a small entryway with a beautiful double door closet. One side for your belongings, and the other with a fully stocked mini fridge and standard hotel necessities. I will say that their price list wasn’t too terrible for hotel concessions. (The scene from Friends of Ross and Rachel staying in Vegas always comes to mind when I see a hotel mini bar price list!) Because of the size of the rooms, the bellman pointed out to me that I could stow my suitcase under the bed, if necessary.

The room was surprisingly spacious with high ceilings trimmed beautifully with a very Calder-esque light fixture. The room’s layout was elegant and understated. I did love the hands holding up the sconces – very reminiscent of the 1940s French version “Beauty and the Beast”. (If you haven’t seen it, you must! A great example of avante-gard cinema!)

The bathroom is also a treat with marble and gold fixtures. Word to the wise, that there is no tub, but the shower stall was beautiful, easy to operate and great water pressure.

As part of my evening away, I indulged in a bite at the Margaux.

The food was great, I ordered (my usual) prosecco, the veal meatballs with ricotta and a side of Brussels sprouts. They were both sides or starters, I felt that the food was more than enough for one person as an entrée. They also sweetly brought me some hummus with veggies to start.

I loved the quaintness of the ambience and the plates (all different) which made me feel like I was in a small town in Italy. Their menu does change – so you should take a look before venturing, though I have no doubt, it will please!

I also had the opportunity of having breakfast at the Margaux the next morning as there is a “continental breakfast” included in the cost of the room. It was a surprisingly generous breakfast with the options of: bread basket, avocado toast with an egg and a side salad or granola with Greek yogurt and dried fruits (coffee and tea included in the price as well). Definitely the best continental breakfast I’ve ever had.

I was able to sleep very comfortably, the bed was great and the rooms were very, very quiet (even though I was facing the street) – something that most hotels don’t succeed at in NYC.

I had such a lovely time, that on a recent rainy, cold evening I suggested the hotel bar for a friend and I to meet for a drink. Their sublime couches facing the fireplace were just what we needed to warm up.

I would wholeheartedly recommend The Marlton Hotel, to anyone looking for a boutique hotel in the city. I will say that the rooms are what you would expect from a hotel of this size, so it’s best for a single person, couple or besties having a birthday sleepover. I would not recommend this hotel to families, since they don’t have rollaway beds.

I hope to get the opportunity to stay there again – I will definitely be back for drinks and nibbles! The atmosphere, the staff and the room were a delight and the perfect oasis in this bustling city.