The Markle Evangeline Residence

If you’re new to NYC and don’t have people to roommate with, The Markle is good for a temporary stay. Because the units have no kitchen, it is not ideal if you like to cook.
The 4-​star rating that Unilocal is currently showing is inaccurate, if all negative reviews were factored in. This place could easily be a 4 star place, if the employees were welcoming, kind and helpful, but they are not. To get a true picture of The Markle, be sure to scroll down just below the last review on each page — click on «other reviews that are not currently recommended» ( Unilocal has this line in a faded gray, which is difficult to notice). They are some very informative reviews that Unilocal did not include in the Star Ratings.
Old historic building, wonderful, safer neighborhood than most, convenient location, inspirational artwork hang throughout, private bath, meals included (served during specific hours), Housekeeping included, but they are not very good.
The downside — Expensive. Staff can be very rude and intimidating. Jessica seemed nice when we brought our daughter there. Once moved in, she quickly turned and showed her controlling, unreasonable and rude side. They treat residents (who are paying A LOT to stay there), poorly and disrespectfully. It is hard to ask any question without being treated mean or snarky by the staff. Just picking up a delivered package at the desk can turn into an ordeal and if you need to borrow a cart for a larger box, good luck. You can be walking in the front door with your luggage and struggling with the door and steps — the employees will just watch you struggle and not offer any help. You pay extra for air conditioning, which is necessary in the summer.
Some of the maintenance men are creepy and intrusive. Staff has entered rooms, unannounced. Once, when our daughter said she was sick, and didn’t want anyone in and told them so; they used their master key and entered anyway. Another time, a worker was in her room when she got out of the shower. So scary. Even hanging a «do not disturb until after 9am» posted on the door, did not stop them from waking you up. There was never any respect for the residents varied schedules. For the price paid to occupy a small room, you should be afforded privacy, as requested.
The lobby is beautiful and the only place to have male guests. But don’t be loud, laugh or enjoy yourself with friends/​family, without being scolded. The rules are tough, most of which are livable. No males above the first floor, which is fine; but it’s even tough to even get your dad and brother up to help you move in and out. The overnight guest charge is very high, especially if they are staying in your room. I understand a nominal charge, but they are not taking up any space other than what you’re already paying for.
My advice: Do all you can to make friends with the front desk staff. There are a couple there that are nice and reasonable, but most are not.
Our favorite employee at the time was Cheddy — usually polite and tried to be reasonable and helpful.
For service, I would give 1 star or less, but I gave 2 stars, just because it is a good place start in NYC, if you’re not ready to sign a year lease, are unsure what area you want to live in, or for a temporary stay while at school or doing an internship.
All of this said, my daughter did live there for 2 school years. We were happy it was safe, convenient building, but wish it wasn’t so stressful dealing with the staff over problems (leaks, clogged plumbing, heat not working), needing a little assistance with a package, flexibility in meals (for dietary needs), etc. The overall treatment of residents was as if the residents are sneaky, dishonest, rule-​breaking, and a bad person, just hoping to cause trouble. Management attitudes of expecting the worst from people, causes staff to be so hard-​core strict and unwilling to serve the tenant. Staff should perform and live by the inspirational artwork hanging throughout the building (don’t be fooled by these messages, as we were).
As part of the Salvation Army, this building’s management and staff have a serious problem with being compassionate and serving.

The BEST. A peek into what it was like when residential hotels for women were for the nicer girls in town. This residence indeed has old-​fashioned rules but that’s part of the charm… it’s like living in Europe PLUS it’s on the prettiest block in Greenwich Village. If you’re a well-​manned woman, you’ll dig it here.

More expensive than some of the other women’s residences but it’s a great location close to a few different subway lines, yummy food, internet which I’ve had no problems with, and own bathroom. Staff are generally pretty nice (at least the ones that work in the dining room). Downside is that they charge to have guests stay, no guys, and no organised social activities beyond movie night so you have to be proactive if you want to make friends here (drinking is not allowed although I’ve been told girls do in their rooms).

I haven’t lived here – however, I got a tour of the facilities — so i hope that can help.
pros:
— own bathroom
— singles or doubles available
— small gym (2 thread mils, and one other equipment)
— small salon (reasonable prices)
— rooftop views
— clean facilities
— laundry ($ 5 for the card, $ 1 per load)
— 2 meals a day – which i heard the food is pretty good.
— unlimited ice tea ²⁴⁄₇
cons:
— from residents – scanty internet. best on the 2^nd and 4^th floor
— staff can be a bit rude – esp the one who handle rent/​application/​etc.
— bedrooms look a bit old — bed and desk especially.
— expensive side — $ 1515 for single bedroom, $ 65 for ac unit installed per month, $ 20 refridge installed, etc.
— 3 month min staying (so if you want to live for a month – you are out of luck).
— strict timings on when the meal is served
— girls only
— limited study rooms –there is one floor — but it also has a tv in there.