Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Lafayette Hotel takes great pride in our riverboat heritage and we would like to share our passion for this era with you. We offer impeccable service, exquisite food, guest rooms that have been host to many dignitaries, and the largest banquet facilities in the area with a staff to help plan your special event. Let us welcome you - after all, we've been preparing for your visit for over 100 years.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Lafayette Hotel receives commendation for its cleanliness and historical atmosphere, with guests often charmed by its antique furnishings and scenic river views. However, its appeal is slightly tarnished by suggestions that certain areas could use a refresh. The location is a highlight, offering easy access to local attractions.
While some guests find the rooms cozy and full of character, others point out that noise and size can detract from the experience. The service is generally well-regarded, though peak times can see a dip in promptness. Opinions on value vary, with the complimentary breakfast being a consistent plus.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Dated
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Charming
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We thought it would be fun to visit Marietta, as we had never been there. And when we saw the historic Lafayette Hotel right on the river, we decided it would be the perfect base. Rates are low this time of year so we rented a penthouse to enjoy the space and the view.
We did not feel that this hotel lives up to it motto of offering exceptional service and hospitality.
Good Great location on the river, and historic sections are quite walkable.
The room was a nice size - with great views of the rivers and had a large sitting area with couch, table and chairs, a small kitchenette ), a bedroom and a very large bathroom with plenty of towels.
Dinner was good. We ate there two nights. Good burgers, fries, onion soup. quesadillas.
Not so good - Our room wasn't ready at check in time. It was New Year's day and the hotel was almost empty after the parties of the night before, and we saw no one else trying to check in. We pleaded with the front desk clerk to call the housekeeping people to prioritize our room, and we finally checked in, about an hour later. The Front Desk people were friendly but did not offer much service. When we called to request replenishment of the coffee in our room, we were told to come down and get it. When we reported that the room was not clean, no action was taken.
Window sills were filthy including a dead fly and much unidentifiable crud. A few photos attached. We reported it to the GM but no action was taken before we checked out after two nights.
The room has two wall mounted ac/heating units. These were extremely noisy and we turned them off at night so we could sleep. Room is very poorly insulated so it was quite cold by morning.
The huge bedroom window overlooks an Army Corp of Engineers work yard which has extremely bright lights on all night, making our room almost as light as day -- would be nice if a black out curtain was provided for those of us who prefer darkness for sleeping.
Be aware that the kitchenette has no supplies other than two washcloths.
Every hallway we walked through smelled musty.
Breakfast food was mediocre (pancakes, oatmeal, hash browns, toast, bacon, eggs) but service was good. Definitely wouldn't eat here if it wasn't in the hotel.
If we visit Marietta again, we will stay someplace else.
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Date of stay: January 2025
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I love history. This hotel and the town of Marietta gave us just that. It is absolutely beautiful. We were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary and wanted a slow-paced relaxing place to visit. We requested a nice room with a view of the Ohio River. We received a corner room on the 5th floor with plenty of space, a beautiful sparkling clean bathroom, corner windows looking out over the river and a nice view of Marietta! It was extremely hot this summer, so the air conditioner in our room was a welcome sight - it went beyond our hopes with plenty of cool air. Nice ceiling fans kept the air flowing and we were very comfortable! The canopy bed was the stuff dreams are made of....romantic and comfortable. Plenty of pillows! We slept so well every night. (I have to find out what kind of mattress that was!! It was supreme.) The fun thing was we had to "climb into bed" using a two-step, just like in the old days....but it just fit the whole atmosphere of "back-in-time." We loved the free traditional breakfast served in the "Gun Room" - bacon, sausage, eggs made the way you like, and toast. The coffee is awesome! If you want something different, they take $5 off any menu item, with your room coupons. ( We tried the cream cheese stuffed french toast with strawberries --- one word: Yum Yum Yum.) The front desk and the wait staff in the Gun Room are great people. Very nice and helpful. I can't seem to say enough about this place, except that we are already planning our next visit. The town is beautiful - we took the "trolley" tour, but the trolley was broken down - still the tour guide offered to take us in his air-conditioned car, which was a blessing because it was 92 degrees! It was 90 minutes of stepping back in time. Thankful we had this guy all to ourselves - his family has lived in Marietta for 200 years, and I believe that made him an expert tour guide. His stories will made us feel like we were back in the 1800's and you can almost hear the Indian processions to the mound and feel the determination in the people that fought for our country to move forward into history. What an experience! I highly recommend that tour to start your trip...so you can do what we did - go back and visit the things we saw and actually know what happened there. We could not fit all we wanted to see and do into our three days, which was great....because I added those to our list for our next visit. Thanks, LaFayette! We enjoyed our stay.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Get a river view room - and don't miss the free breakfast!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sheila Rhodes, General Manager at Lafayette Hotel
Responded Aug 9, 2023
We're so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and will gladly welcome you back! Cheers to your anniversary!!!
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This is a wonderful hotel with old-world charm and ambience. I stay here every time I visit my parents. I am now a member of"The Captain's Club", which is their rewards program. Breakfast is served daily off the menu in the Gun Room restaurant until 11am. Order the traditional breakfast with eggs any style, potatoes and your choice of meat and bread with coffee and it is on the house with your breakfast coupon. Your breakfast coupon covers $5 off any other menu item (please tip your server generously). Rooms and suites are comfortable, decorated with antique mahogany furniture and large armoires. The mattresses are new and very nice (please tip your room attendant generously). Relax have a drink and socialize in the Riverview bar and enjoy the charm. A grand piano in the grand lobby is available for anyone who plays to provide spontaneous entertainment. This is also a fabulous hotel for wedding parties, out of town family in for a funeral, post funeral lunches or other significant life events. It is price competitive with most chain hotels but offers so much more.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sheila Rhodes, General Manager at Lafayette Hotel
Responded Apr 15, 2024
Thank you for choosing the Lafayette Hotel when visiting Marietta and taking the time to leave your review. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
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This is such a charming hotel! The lobby is decorated with antiques, and the antiques continue up to the rooms. We booked a small room, but probably would get a larger one next time because there was limited space to put our baggage. But the room was decorated prettily and the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was small, as expected because of the age of the hotel, but it was brilliantly done with floor-to-ceiling miniature sparkling tiles, and lighting that shone brightly. If you have mobility issues, you would definitely need to ask about the bathroom because the toilet is squished up against the sink and the toilet paper is difficult to reach. It was a shower stall only with original tiles, which I loved. We had a street-side room so there was noise, especially on Friday night when people love to drive and honk at all hours. We used the ceiling fan one night but it was so loud, we had to shut it off. Perhaps staffing shortages or training is ongoing with staff, but housekeeping missed two basic issues . When these issues are addressed, I would give the hotel an excellent. Our issues were the fact that the standing lamp in the room didn't have a lightbulb. Not just a burned out bulb, but no lightbulb. The shade was also left askew, probably from when the lightbulb was taken out. Also, the alarm clock didn't work. When we arrived, it was blinking 12. When I attempted to set it, the time would not go past 5. Eventually, a miracle happened and the clock was set for 7 p.m., but when it clicked a minute over, it returned to 5 p.m.. Sure, our phones tell time, but if the hotel chooses to have an alarm clock, it should be working. The hotel has a large parking lot attached to it, but if you need a ramp, the ramp is on the opposite side of the building. We will definitely stay here again, but we will book a larger room. Single travelers or traveling light? The small rooms are fine.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Street rooms will have noise. Go higher up.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On 1/23/24 I prepaid Bring Fido $129.45 for a room at the Lafayette Hotel for 3/1/24. Upon arrival the Hotel informed me they had no record of receiving any payment, and I was forced to pay $109.48 if I wanted a room for the night. Now they are saying they are “lounge charges”; however, we made no purchases from the lounge. Any lounge charges are totally untrue.
The $109.48 was the rate I paid for room 308 on 3/1/24 - I need my $129.45 refunded
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked a room here online a week in advance. We arrived in Marietta on Thursday, June 23, 2022 about noon. We were not sure we would be able to check in as check in was supposed to be after 4PM. However, I did inquire at the lobby desk and she said, "yes, your room is ready". I had asked and paid for a room with a river view, so we were given one in the Penthouse. Now there are only 3 rooms in the Penthouse - #s 347, 348, 349. We had #347 with a beautiful view of the river. To get to the penthouse, one has to take the elevator to the 3rd floor, then down a long hallway, around a couple of corners, then down 3 steps into the old addition, then down that long hallway to a door on the right that says "penthouse". Through that door and up a full flight of stairs. So yes, we were actually a 4th floor. Our room was adjacent to the rooftop patio. The room was not that big, but it was filled with gorgeous antique furniture and it had a beautifully tiled bathroom and shower. Sleeping here was very restful and quiet. There are back stairs one can exit the hotel from here, but not to enter from outside. This beautiful hotel harkens back to the riverboat days when patrons would arrive on a paddle wheeler and it was a short walk from the dock. The hotel is filled with memorabilia from those days and wonderfully appointed sitting rooms a fresco ceiling, coffee/ice cream shop, a full service bar & grill and a restaurant that doubles as a ballroom. We had a $5 credit apiece for breakfast which was in the restaurant. But we were allowed to order anything we liked off the menu without paying extra. Free parking in their lot, or free parking overnight in the city lot next to the river. I very highly recommend anyone wanting to visit historic Marietta, to stay here as well and soak up the history while your mind wanders to the past of 150 years ago. We love this place!!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:try the penthouse
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sheila Rhodes, General Manager at Lafayette Hotel
Responded Jul 20, 2022
Thank you for choosing to stay at the Lafayette Hotel and for taking the time to leave your review. We look forward to your next visit to Marietta.
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The Lafayette Hotel excels in location, location, location! I I never stay anywhere but the Lafayette hotel when I visit Marietta. I will concede that there are more recent, more modern places to stay, even better amenities for an old man, but there are none with a better location and a better bar and view.
It’s an easy walk from the Lafayette to all the small businesses, brew pubs and small eateries on both sides of Front Street. Strolling on front Street is not exactly the Champs Élysées but it’s where the action is in Marietta and it’s cheaper. Not too far away is the old Railroad bridge, now converted to a pedestrian bridge, crossing the Muskingum river to the Harmar neighborhood of Marietta where you are literally a couple minutes away from one of my favorite watering holes, the Harmar Tavern. It has the ambience of a welcoming neighborhood bar and a new outdoor patio to boot… and if you stay long enough, everyone knows your name. Enjoy!
If you are a history buff and don’t mind walking further, you can walk back across the pedestrian bridge and go to the Campus Martius Museum at the corner of Second street and Washington Street. Don’t miss that bunch of telephone poles sticking out of the ground like huge tooth picks stuck randomly in the ground. Those poles were the unique idea of the museum to illustrate,in dramatic fashion, the height of the major floods in Marietta. I love the idea. I can look at the pole for the 1936-1937 flood and line it up with the house where I was born on front Street during that same flood. Luckily, my parents rescued me. It’s now time to stroll back to the Lafayette hotel, perhaps returning on the opposite side of the street. If it’s time to eat, the Lafayette hotel is only a stones throw from the best small gourmet restaurant in Marietta, the Levee House Bistro, right on the Ohio River.
Finally, if you are simply tired of walking, gazing and shopping, then relax in the wonderful bar of the Lafayette, with an unparalleled view of the Ohio River. Trust me, you will be mesmerized by the sheer length and volume of the barges that ply the mighty Ohio river. Why would you ever leave… why, oh why oh, would I ever leave….this place.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sheila Rhodes, General Manager at Lafayette Hotel
Responded Nov 14, 2023
Thank you for choosing to stay at the Lafayette Hotel and for taking the time to leaves your review. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Marietta.
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We spent three nights at the Lafayette hotel. We had a second floor king size bed/ room, with balcony, facing the Ohio River. I should note that there was no sign of any ghosts when we were there, although there are many stories of ghosts. Our king size bed was comfortable, the room spacious, and the shower worked well. The old lights did make for poor lighting in the room. We did have a laundry room nearby, which was helpful. There was no fridge in the room. We had a large balcony, although at night, we noticed many spiders under the eaves, and one dead one inside the balcony door, which put a damper on my desire to sit on the balcony at night. The air conditioner worked well although when it cooled down outside, we opened the window which had a screen for fresh air. We did hear the barges on the Ohio River, and a train in the distance, so it was not quiet with the window open but better than the AC. The hotel was conveniently located to shops and restaurants in Marietta, as well as there was a nice walk along the river. We very much enjoyed breakfast in their Gun room on the 1st floor, for which we were given a discount. Overall, the hotel seemed run-down, with some peeling wallpaper in the bathroom, worn rugs, and a musty smell in the lobby. We did enjoy the small gym with stationary bike and treadmill, and the hotel did meet our basic needs. Staff were friendly and helpful.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our stay at the Lafayette was disappointing. We enjoy staying at historic hotels; however, the Lafayette's public areas and our room need some updating. The room felt "tired." For example, the bathtub had stains on it as did the tile floor near the toilet. The in-room coffee maker was old and didn't seem clean. I cleaned it myself before making coffee. The cleanliness of our room was just ok. The front desk attendants were unfriendly. It would have been nice to be welcomed upon arrival and check-in. An exception was a young woman staffing the front desk in the evening. She was very nice and went out of her way to get us creamers for morning coffee. On the plus side, the breakfast server was friendly and efficient, and the breakfast food was quite good. We paid a premium price for our room and do not feel our stay was a good value overall.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:When making a room reservation, make sure to get detailed information about the room itself. The...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveled 8 hours for a weekend with my girlfriends family. Due to COVID wanted to give business to the smaller hotels. On there website the say cable TV that’s a lie 13 Chanel’s and really only 11 channels. One channel voice and no video and the other channel video and no voice. Asked the about the TV and the receptionist was rude and said they could no do anything about it. For the price you pay for a 4 night stay you would think it would be cleaner rooms and more attention to the guest..They need to sell to a major brand that cares about it guest !
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Date of stay: November 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Marietta area.
PRICE RANGE
$121 - $136 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the lafayette hotel marietta, lafayette hotel marietta
LOCATION
United StatesOhioMarietta
NUMBER OF ROOMS
77
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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