Why book?
For a historic hotel and trendy restaurant that gives guests access to one of New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods: Greenwich Village.
Set the scene
When I visited on a Thursday afternoon in January, the lobby was buzzing, hosting both guests at the hotel and locals who use the downstairs café as a coworking space. Those checking in seemed to be young couples, families visiting New York University, and a few coworkers on business trips. The energy of nearby Washington Square Park flowed inside the hotel, with business partners and the local university crowd rushing in and out between meetings and classes. Come evening, 20- and 30-somethings rushed towards Chez Nous—the property's French restaurant—in the back.
The backstory
Built in 1900 and designated a Greenwich Village Historic District landmark in 1969, the property served as a hybrid of a hotel and long-term residence for actors, writers, and artists in the early 1900s—writer Neal Cassady and comedian Lenny Bruce, for example, have both called it home. The building later became a dormitory for The New School, until hotelier Sean MacPherson—the creative force behind the Ludlow Hotel and Hotel Chelsea—transformed it into a hotel once again in 2012. Today, The Marlton’s history shines through in every room, from the crown molding behind the beds to the marquee above the entrance.
The rooms
The rooms are tasteful in their simplicity—straightforward design with neutral furniture and gold fixtures, mirrors that maximize the room's south-facing sunlight, and industrial-inspired bathrooms thoughtfully stocked with French toiletries, like Marvis toothpaste and Côté Bastide body care. The windows overlook a sea of low-rise buildings, with the tree branches of Washington Square Park peeking out behind them.
I stayed in a Queen Deluxe room, which felt spacious by New York’s standards, but if you need even more of a retreat from the city, the Penthouse Suite includes a separate living room and private terrace.
Food and drink
The hotel's signature restaurant, Chez Nous, offers an approachable mix of French and American options that are surprisingly affordable, especially for the neighborhood. The wine list and fresh fish specials are worth calling out, as is the lava cake for dessert. Plan to order plates to share: A friend and I split the New York strip, tuna tartare, and a few other sides.
In the mornings, a table-service breakfast comes included with the nightly rate for hotel guests, and options include yogurt and granola, eggs Benedict, and oatmeal topped with fruit, plus a selection of coffee or juice. There's also an all-day coffee bar where you can grab a variety of custom beverages.
The neighborhood/area
Grab coffee at Café Lyria in Noho, take a cycling class at AARMY, stop by Baya Bar for a smoothie, spot your favorite TikToker while enjoying a plate of fries at Fanelli Café in Soho, then see the sunset in Washington Square Park, where people watching is a favorite pastime.
At night, try to catch a show at Comedy Cellar. If you want a light nightcap with jazz, check out Little Branch, or, if theater is more your speed, stop by Marie’s Crisis Café, where Broadway stars—and even servers—sing showtunes on the piano. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Playhouse Bar, Duplex, and Pieces will be your North Stars for drag and community events. If you’re interested in putting historical context to the many bars and parks in the area, check out Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation’s official website.
For families
The Marlton is best suited for adults. I didn't spot any families when I visited, and the downtown location isn't close to many child-centric museums in New York. While the Twin room includes two twin beds, none of the accommodations offer adjoining doors. For more family-friendly stays, you'll want to head further uptown—ideally near Madison Square Park or Central Park. However, The Marlton is just a few blocks away from New York University's admissions office, so this stay could be perfect for parents and high-schoolers visiting the nearby universities.
Eco effort
When the building was remodeled in 2012, The Marlton's design team prioritized lowering energy consumption. In the bathrooms, signs advise guests to preserve their towels.
Accessibility
Ramps and elevators are in place throughout the hotel, and some suites come with wheelchair-accessible showers. However, the buzz of the lobby and tight spaces throughout could make getting around the hotel a bit straining for those who require accessibility assistance.
The Accessible Queen rooms feature roll-in showers, hand showers, handrails in the bathrooms, and accessible routes to get into the rooms from the hotel lobby.
The service
The staff members are hands-off but always accommodating. Despite the heavy foot traffic from the lobby into the restaurant, the staff keeps everything moving smoothly so that guests don't feel overwhelmed. Once I sat down for breakfast, it took all of 10 minutes to have coffee, juice, and a yogurt bowl in front of me.
Anything left to mention?
The Marlton's Greenwich Village location allows guests to avoid tourist hot spots like Midtown and Soho, positioning itself quietly between the two. It's perfect for older families, 20-somethings looking for a chic place to land, and traveling couples who want a vacation full of great food.
5 W 8th St, New York, New York 10011
United States
https://www.villagepreservation.org/campaign/gvhd/
(212) 321-0100