The Marlton Hotel

Built in 1900, The Marlton Hotel (also known as Marlton House) spent much of its life as a single room occupancy hotel, as well as student housing for The New School. With its stellar Greenwich Village location, writers and artists were drawn to this spot for its proximity to a creative community. Famed writer Jack Kerouac reportedly wrote  The "Subterraneans" and "Tristessa" while living at the hotel. After being bought in 2012, it underwent renovations to receive fresh furnishings with an Old-World style. French-inspired decor is found throughout, from herringbone floors and crown moldings to brass fixtures and antique rugs. 

The highlight of the hotel is its lobby lounge, which is outfitted like a living room with a fireplace, cozy tufted couches and leather chairs, and an array of artwork and books. A staircase to the rooms divides the lobby into two sections, one of which houses the front desk, seating such as a big communal table, and an espresso bar. You'll find business folk and local creatives typing on their laptops here from morning until night, while groups of friends and couples on dates are found on the opposite side by the fireplace. This area leads to a cocktail bar with stool and booth seating, and the French-Mediterranean restaurant. Unfortunately, guests aren't given priority for these very popular first-come, first-served spaces. As rooms are tiny and lack desks, this could be a problem for those needing to work on-site.

Leisure travelers not planning on spending much time in their room will likely be satisfied with the hotel, but the units here are small even by New York standards. For something similar with a bit bigger room options and a gym on-site, both the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village and Washington Square Hotel are suitable picks. 

The Marlton Hotel has a great location for travelers more interested in experiencing the residential area of Greenwich Village than the buzzing touristy areas of Times Square and Midtown. It's just a couple minutes' walk from popular Washington Square Park, which is always abuzz with locals and tourists alike. Several casual eateries, bars, and upscale restaurants are within a 10-minute walk, as are NYU buildings. Although tourist sights such as Central Park and One World Observatory aren't within walking distance, multiple nearby subway stops provide convenient access. By car, it'll take between 15 and 30 minutes to reach most Manhattan sights. 

New York City has three main airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark (in New Jersey). Generally speaking, it should take around an hour to drive to the hotel from JFK, 30 minutes from LaGuardia, and about 60 minutes from Newark, depending on traffic. 

Rooms are tiny here, ranging from 100 to 150 square feet, and they don't have space to fit a desk or chair. Also on the downside, hallway noise reaches rooms and some units have poor building views. Nonetheless, they're attractive, featuring herringbone wood floors, crown moldings, mirrors to give them the illusion of more space, and brass bed frames with blue headboards. Marble nightstands and closets provide limited shelf and storage space. Faux-fur throws atop comfy beds and framed artwork add character. Black-and-white checkered marble tiles in the bathrooms are attractive, as are antique-style brass fixtures, rainfall showers -- or soaking tubs in a few --and accordion wall mirrors. 

Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, well-stocked minibars with alcohol, snacks, and intimacy kits, and ironing equipment. Bathrobes and slippers add comfort, while hairdryers and a range of quality toiletries are convenient. Beds come in twin, full, and queen sizes.

Penthouse Suites measuring 450 square feet, with living spaces, rooftop terraces, and king-sized beds are also available here.

The Marlton's amenities center around dining and imbibing, as there are no fitness or spa facilities here. Just through the hotel's doors, an espresso bar is on the right side with lots of seating and a communal table. Across the way is the living room-style lounge with a fireplace and drink service. Both of these areas are busy from morning until night with locals and guests either working or conversing, but unfortunately guests do not receive preferential seating as it's first-come, first-served. A traditional bar with red-leather sit-up stools and two-person booths is adjacent to this area. 

Passing through the bar leads to Margaux restaurant, a French-mediterranean eatery with a lovely garden-like area. It's open all day, and rates include made-to-order breakfast. Options include oatmeal, yogurt and fruit, and hard-boiled eggs with toast, plus fresh-squeezed juice and coffee or espresso beverages. Overall, the spread is tasty but pricey for what it is. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Pets up to 30 pounds are allowed for a fee.