The Blue Bar

The Algonquin Hotel is a historic hotel located at 59 West 44th Street in Manhattan (New York). The hotel has been designated as a New York City Historic Landmark.

The 181-room hotel, opened in 1902, was designed by architect Goldwin Starret. It was originally conceived as a residential hotel but was quickly converted to a traditional lodging establishment. Its first owner-manager, Frank Case (who bought the hotel in 1927), established many of the hotel’s traditions. Perhaps its best-known tradition is hosting literary and theatrical notables, most prominently the members of the Algonquin Round Table.

Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on 44th Street, the hotel is close to the bustling Times Square and Fifth Avenue precincts.

Check in time is 4pm so the room was not ready after my arrival from Europe. I used this as an opportunity to explore the hotel’s Blue Bar and enjoying a $7 Coke.

The room was average in size for a typical New York hotel. The bathroom however was bigger than expected. The bed was comfortable to sleep in.

There was no minibar or coffee maker in the room; nor did the hotel have a room service offering. I found this below standard for a hotel of the Marriott’s Autograph collection category. Turn-down service was also available on request only. (No information given at check-in)

There was a broken lift (of total 2 lifts available) which lead to long waiting times and lots of people using the small stairs. This caused disturbance from early morning to late night.

Staff were doing their job without making a big effort of being charming or welcoming.

If not for the history and the location I would not recommend this hotel. The choice of hotels in Manhattan is nearly unlimited and there are certainly plenty of other options.

 

http://www.algonquinhotel.com/