More about Algonquin Hotel
The Algonquin Hotel's Round Table
by Jefie
For 10 years, from 1919 to 1929, a group of New York writers, critics and actors got together every day to have lunch at the Rose Room of the Algonquin Hotel, located at 59 West 44th Street (between 5th and 6th Ave). They sort of recreated the atmosphere of English and French literary salons, adding a good deal of wit and wisecracks to the tradition. Members included the likes of Dorothy Parker, Alexander Woolcott, Robert Benchley, Franklin P. Adams and Harold Ross, then editor of the New Yorker magazine.
The Algonquin Hotel was built in 1902 and is now a New York City Historic Landmark. Famous guests include Laurence Olivier, Jeremy Irons, Graham Greene, Anthony Hopkins, Orson Wells, Gertrude Stein and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Among the many traditions associated with the hotel, my favorite has to be that for the past 70 years or so, a cat has been running the hotel. Matilda, a 12-year-old ragdoll cat, is currently in charge of the Algonquin and may be reached at the following e-mail address: matildaalgonquincat@algonquinhotel.com.
Literary New York- the Algonquin Vicious Circle
by lynnehamman
The Algonquin Hotel is a historic hotel located at 59 West 44th Street in Manhattan . The hotel has been designated as a New York City Historic Landmark.Perhaps its best-known tradition is hosting literary and theatrical notables, most prominently the members of the Algonquin Round Table.
I have always been a huge fan of Dorothy Parker. Her wit, charm and incredibly complex life
has fascinated me since I was a young girl.Her writing has never dated, and is still popular today. There are many fan-sites on the internet. READ ABOUT DOROTHY PARKER
Her quotes are legendary-
Among the many-one that is particuarly pertinent even today:
"If you want to know what God thinks of money- just look at the people he gave it to"
A Dorothy Parker poem about suicide:
"Razors pain you- rivers are damp
Acids stain you;and drugs cause cramp
Guns aren't lawful-Nooses give
Gas smells awful- you might as well live
The Algonquin Round Table was a celebrated group of New York City writers, critics, actors and wits. Gathering initially as part of a practical joke, members of "The Vicious Circle," as they dubbed themselves, gathered for lunch each day at the Algonquin Hotel from 1919 until roughly 1929. At these luncheons they engaged in wisecracks, wordplay and witticisms that, through the newspaper columns that they all contibuted to, were disseminated across the country.Daily association with each other, both at the luncheons and outside of them, inspired members of the Circle to collaborate creatively.
Dorothy Parker- the most celebrated and quoted member of the 'Vicious Circle' was known to have said;
"These were no giants. Think who was writing in those days--Lardner, Fitzgerald, Faulkner and Hemingway. Those were the real giants. The Round Table was just a lot of people telling jokes and telling each other how good they were. Just a bunch of loudmouths showing off, saving their gags for days, waiting for a chance to spring them.... There was no truth in anything they said. It was the terrible day of the wisecrack, so there didn't have to be any truth...."
Today-the Algonquin still holds a special place in literary circles. We wanted to just feel the atmosphere. We sat in the lobby lounge, sipping coffee , watching a parade of New Yorkers passing by. Maybe some were on their way to the Blue Room, for a pre-theatre cocktail.Maybe some were guests. I could not help wondering what Dorothy and her circle of friends would have made of their favourite haunt circa 2009. She certainly would have had some biting but witty quip ready. This place is a must visit for any literature lovers
For more on Dorothy and Algonquin see Dorothy Parker
Love the Algonquin!!
by A TripAdvisor Member
The 100 year old Algonquin is a treasure of old world elegance with an excellent restaurant and a warm and friendly accommodating staff in a prize location between Times Square and Fifth Avenue!We loved every minute of our stay!!!
Elegant and warm
by A TripAdvisor Member
When I first walked into the Algonquin, I felt like I walked back in time. The setting and atmosphere was so rich and warm. The lounge area was filled with different people from all over. My wife and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary and she thought that it was the perfect setting and adored the hotel (and the cat).
Our only complaint, was the room. It looked the age the hotel is. The rooms are in great need of renovation. Despite this, the service more than made up for things. The bellstaff, to the room attendants and particularly, a young gentleman by the name of Jeremy who provided us with the type of service attention that you would not receive in other big name hotels.
Anyone looking to get away from the big chain hotels and want to try a unique personalized experience, should definitely try the Algonquin.
Wonderful stay at the Algonquin!
by A TripAdvisor Member
We had the pleasure of staying at the Algonquin May 14 - 16, 2004. We were in the Playbill Suite, which was decorated with framed playbills from old shows. The room was beautiful, and since it included a sofa bed the room could easily have been shared with family, another couple, etc. The famous Algonquin Cat, Matilda, was there to greet us nearly every time we went in and out of the hotel, and the staff was wonderful. Every request was met promptly by a courteous and professional staff member. We'd gladly return!
One of NY's best
by TripAdvisor Member JRWNy
Really this is one of the best hotels I've stayed at in NY. Great lobby, excellent staff, great bar. Location couldn't be better, well, it could be but for the location, its great. Will always return if they keep up the service and quality.
Atmosphere & Location - Terrific!
by A TripAdvisor Member
Just returned from a 5-day stay in NYC; lodging at the Algonquin. Thoroughly enjoyed the grace of the hotel and reveled in the choice location. So close to Times Square, shopping, theaters and other key attractions (Grand Central)...even close to subways for those longer excursions (Ground Zero).
Staff at Algonquin were wonderful--friendly, helpful, professional without being stiff...and Mathilda; she made missing my own kitties just a bit less difficult.
So enjoyed the ambiance of the lobby for a late afternoon drink on a drizzly day or a wonderful meal with other hotel guests. I'll be back for another visit one day!
Photos
Algonquin Hotel, in New York City
Forum Posts
Some non 20-something places?
by garridogal
My best friend is taking me to NYC in a few weeks to help celebrate my forty-fifth birthday. Now....he's a bit of pre-planner (read: control freak) and unless I wanna spend every night at a piano bar (he's a gay man), I think I'll need some suggestions for bars that I'd enjoy. Not that I don't enjoy the sing-alongs and NEVER fail to make more friends than him at a gay bar, it should be at least a little about me, right?
So any suggestions where the crowd isn't too young and the music's up so high that we can't hear ourselves think, would be really nice!
Can anyone help out? THANKS!
RE: Some non 20-something places?
by nyc10025
Go to the lobby bar of the Algonquin hotel, it's more like a living room than a bar.
http://www.algonquinhotel.com/
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