"The Algonquin Hotel's Round Table" New York City Off The Beaten Path Tip 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.

othercontact: 4reservations@algonquinhotel.com
Phone: 212-840-6800
Website: http://www.algonquinhotel.com