Algonquin Hotel

:For the resort located in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, consult The Algonquin.

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The Algonquin Hotel was built in 1902. It is located between 5th and 6th Avenues on 44th Street in New York City, New York. In the early 20th century, its owner, Frank Case, began its tradition of hosting many literary and theatrical notables. The hotel became the site of the daily meetings of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of wits who gathered to exchange bon mots over lunch in the main dining room of the hotel. This infamous circle, as well as the number of literary greats who lodged there, earned the hotel its status as a New York City Historic Literary Landmark. Famed members of The Algonquin Round Table include Dorothy Parker, George Kaufman and Edna Ferber. Drama critic Brooks Atkinson is quoted on the plaque establishing the landmark, claiming of the Round Table, "By force of character they changed the nature of American comedy and established the tastes of a new period in the arts and theatre." A 1994 film, "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle," gives an entertaining celluloid portrait of the group at the Algonquin and elsewhere. Famed director Preston Sturges died at the hotel in 1959.

Related Topics:
1902 - New York City - New York - 20th century - Frank Case - Algonquin Round Table - Bon mot - Brooks Atkinson - 1994 - Preston Sturges

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The hotel has undergone two renovations in the past century. The first was undertaken the first time the hotel changed hands, and the second was completed in 1998. A recent $8 million renovation was completed in 2004. While these renovations have modernized the hotel, it retains its old-fashioned decor. Currently, each of the 174 rooms is appointed with antique furniture, as well as cable television and complimentary wi-fi internet access in the hotel's public spaces.

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The Algonquin hosts the legendary Oak Room cabaret (celebrating its 25th anniversary in the 2005-06 season), Blue Bar, and Round Table Room restaurant.

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In a recent, highly effective ploy to increase its publicity, it is offering a $10,000 martini, which will contain a diamond in the bottom of the glass, and will have to be ordered three days in advance. This "Martini on the Rock" was first ordered and used in a marriage proposal in December 2004.

Related Topics:
Martini - 2004

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In keeping with its literary history, The Algonquin currently loans guests iPods loaded with audio books.

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