Lafayette Hotel - Gun Room Restaurant, Marietta

I can’t tell you how happy we were with our visit to the Lafayette Hotel. It was indeed a historic hotel set in the oldest section of Marietta Ohio. Our rooms were clean and the accommodations were beyond our expectations. I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for lodging in Southern Ohio.

All likes. No dislikes. Charming. Pleasant. Peaceful. Economical. Excellent food. Beautiful restaurant, with riverboat gingerbread architecture. Fabulous Sunday Brunch. Watch the river outside the windows of the Riverview Lounge. Comedy shows Saturday nights in winter. Very funny; hilarious. Beautiful Victorian period (replica) furniture. Fascinating history of hotel. Computer room for guests; check your email back home. Go back in time. See old pictures on wall. Notable group of framed photographs regarding late Captain Way, who piloted Delta Queen back in the day. This group is on steps to 2nd front door off Gun Room Restaurant. Wonderful display of precious baby dolls. See late 19th century color pencil drawings of hotel construction along the Ohio River levee. Chaming.

If we ever return to Marietta, I probably wouldn't consider staying anywhere but the Lafayette. We stayed on a Thursday and the rates were very affordable, in fact, almost crazy affordable. After being on the road for a week, in a different hotel nearly every night (always upgrading to available suites), our night here was one of the best. The hotel is old. It felt like when I used to visit my great grandma in her apt in downtown Milwaukee 30 years ago. All the furnishings in the lovely lobby and in the room were antiques. We upgraded to one of the 3 penthouses for just $140. We heard that 348 was thier favorite. We stayed in 349 and thought it was just great. River views from every window, 4 rooms (1 bth, 1 bed, kitch, lvng/dning), jacuzzi tub, ceiling fans, 3 tv's, easy to use free wireless. We've stayed in more luxurious rooms, but didn't feel at all dissappointed by the restored charm of this historical building. The penthouse room didn't have a balcony, which would have been nice, but smoking was allowed in the room so there wasn't a need to go outside. There is an observation deck on the roof right outside the 3 penthouse rooms, which was empty each time we stepped out, but available to all the hotel guests. No matter which room you stay in, check it out. Just follow the signs to the Penthouses on the 3rd floor. It is a great vantage point to view the downtown area and the river. They have it lined with flowers. Made for the perfect spot for a night cap. We enjoyed the view in the lounge off the lobby. We found the food to be fairly average at the hotel but there are a number of options nearby, several within walking distance. Plan to walk a lot. There are many quaint shops, parks, and food options for several blocks surrounding the hotel. I would highly suggest staying at this hotel. It was a real bargain (especially if upgrading) and the experience of the old hotel was a real treat.

My wife and I love to stay in old clean restored hotels. We were very pleased with the Lafayette Hotel. It was beautiful and clean. The restaurant in the hotel had excellent food. We took advantage of a package deal and had a great experience. We both want to do it again!!