Our Story
From 1902 to today: A restoration, a vision, and a very old staircase.
1902: Origins
The townhouse that would become The Marlow was built in 1902 as a private residence, designed with the grand ambitions of the Gilded Age. Its brick facade, arched windows, and intricate details reflected the era's commitment to craftsmanship and beauty.
Over the decades, it served many purposes—a family home, a boarding house, offices. Like all historic buildings, it endured the wear of time, its original character hidden beneath layers of renovation and neglect.
"Twelve rooms, one very old staircase, and the best coffee on the block."
Our tagline says it all. That staircase—with its original railings, its worn wooden steps that tell the stories of a century of footsteps—is the heart of The Marlow. It's why we preserved it as the centerpiece. It's why we built everything around it.
The Vision: Restoration, Not Reconstruction
When we acquired the building, we faced a choice: demolish and rebuild, or restore. We chose to honor the past while creating something for the future.
What We Preserved
- ◆ The original brick exterior and arched windows
- ◆ The iconic wooden staircase and railings
- ◆ Ornamental plasterwork and period details
- ◆ The building's sense of time and place
What We Added
Modern infrastructure, comfort, and clarity. Heating and cooling systems that maintain historic integrity. Bathrooms with rainfall showers and soaking tubs. WiFi and media systems seamlessly hidden. Lighting designed to feel warm and natural. The result: a building that honors its past while offering every comfort of today.
Twelve Rooms, Twelve Stories
Rather than create a generic hotel where every room feels the same, we designed each of our twelve rooms with a distinct identity and story. The Garret. The Conservatory. The Harbor Suite. Each has its own character, color palette, and narrative. When you stay at The Marlow, you're not just renting a room—you're choosing a story.
"Each room reflects both the building's heritage and our vision for what a hotel could be: intimate, curated, never generic. The names matter. The details matter. The atmosphere matters."
Today and Tomorrow
The Marlow exists in service of one primary goal: direct bookings. We've invested in restoration and design because we believe travelers deserve authentic, beautifully designed spaces—not algorithm-driven hotel chains. We're not on every OTA. We're focused on being exceptional at what we do: welcoming guests into a restored piece of history.
The staircase still creaks in places. The brick still holds warmth. The harbor is still close enough to hear the seagulls. Twelve rooms, one very old staircase, and the best coffee on the block. That's The Marlow.
Experience The Marlow
Book directly with us for the best rates and the most authentic experience.
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