The Marlene Is Houston’s Charming New Inn

Photo courtesy of Julie Soefer

A place for the design-minded and joy-seekers—where every object has a story and every corner invites you to stay just a little longer. —Lily Barfield

Houston welcomes a stunning new edition to its hospitality scene with the debut of The Marlene, a luxury boutique hotel located in the historic Montrose neighborhood. The inn is a passion project of Lily Barfield, an antiques dealer and the founder of Lily’s Vintage Finds. The Marlene is housed in a neoclassical mansion, where every corner tells a story. Barfield hand-selected each antique and artwork during her travels to France, adding to the space’s soulful, elegant character. Each of The Marlene’s nine individually designed guest rooms is an ode to the influential women in Barfield’s life, beginning with the hotel’s namesake, her beloved grandmother. The property also features an intimate cocktail lounge, Bar Madonna, which is open to both guests and the public. The space, set against a backdrop of soft blues and vintage charm, is led by Tom Hardy, formerly of Hotel Saint Augustine and the Bludorn Group. Hardy brings a delicately crafted beverage program to match the sophisticated spirit of Bar Madonna. Between the heirloom furnishings and art-lined walls, The Marlene captures the soul of old-world charm and the graceful art of living slowly.

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To see more from The Marlene, visit TheMarlene.com and follow @themarlene_htx and @lilysvintagefinds on Instagram.