Even though The Algonquin Hotel is owned by Marriott, the atmosphere and decor is one of a high-end independent hotel. The interior decoration and design of the room I stayed in was elegantly imaginative, more like a guest room than a hotel room. First class furniture and fixtures, which reminded me of a very good European hotel. The bathroom, again, very well appointed with a creative use of space, however, it would have been a challenge for even a slightly over-sized adult. Complimentary L'Occitane toiletries were a deluxe touch as was a very comfortable bathrobe. Marriott beds are the best and the queen-size bed in this room was no exception. Very nice sheets and pillows. Interesting and well-written reading materials on the history of the Algonquin, which allowed me to further appreciate its fame and popularity in former times. A complimentary copy of the New Yorker connected the past and the present.
I wasn't enamored with the service. The front desk was friendly and accommodating at arrival and I was pleased to be able to check in at 11:00am. Other interaction with the front desk and the doormen were less hospitable. Room service, which I used for breakfast, again, was aloof.
Not a hotel for young children was my impression. However adults can basked in the history, exceptional decor and enjoy staying in truly unique accommodations.

We stayed here last weekend for a post-holiday NYC weekend, and our stay was pleasant for the most part. If you are interested in staying here you probably know that this is a vintage 1920s hotel that played an important role in NYC literary history at that time. The hotel does not disappoint on vintage charm, though of course cramped, creaky, slow elevators and smaller rooms go along with that kind of charm; rooms here are completely refurbished however, and are very stylish, modern, and comfortable while still paying tribute to the past. Amenities include a really nice business center, free coffee all day, and a small fitness room on the second floor, and Starbuck coffee in the lobby during business hours. If you are in town to see a show, the pre-show $39 three-course dinner at the restaurant is a pretty good deal--decent food in a cozy environment, though nothing too astounding. I really wanted to see Matilda, the hotel cat, but I missed her--maybe some other time.

The most unpleasant feature of the hotel is unfortunately its staff. While the Concierge was extremely friendly and welcoming when we arrived, the bell staff and the clerk were distant, unhelpful, and uncommunicative in a manner and to a degree that I've never experienced before in a hotel at any star level. After we checked in, we went up to our room to take a short nap before dinner, but not twenty minutes later, there was a strange tentative knock on the door, which we first tried to ignore, but it was insistent. Finally we answered it--it was a hotel maid, and we asked her what we could do for her. She said "just checking, just checking" and walked off with no further explanation, leaving us baffled! The next morning, we received a phone call from a person who identified herself as the operator and who knew my name; she asked me if the Engineer happened to be in my room? When I said no, she simply said thank you and hung up, leaving me to wonder why she thought an Engineer WOULD be in my room, and if we could expect one at any time in the near future (no Engineer showed). These experiences made us a bit suspicious, since I have never had any similar experiences at a hotel before. Were they checking to see if we were out so they could use their passkey and rifle through our belongings? Or was something else going on with our room that they didn't want to explain to us (there was a strange wet spot on the floor the whole time we were there, so maybe there were plumbing problems?)? We didn't lose anything, but the rooms have safes so I would definitely use them if I stayed here again, just to be sure.

All in all I would recommend this hotel for Algonquin Round Table and New Yorker fans--it was very charming and the location was great. Just be a bit wary of the staff!

Historic, yet elegantly updated. This hotel has absolutely the friendliest most accomodating staff of any I've ever visited. Our suite was lovely, beds ultra comfy, and extremely soft sheets. The lobby and bar are chic and relaxing. Vodka martini with blue cheese olives was one of the best I'd ever had. Worth the $22. Great location. We highly recommend it, and would definitely stay again.

I had orginially booked a suite at Loews Regency on 61st but saw they were closing on Jan 1 for a complete renovation. I panicked when I saw their Trip Advisor reviews going downhill quickly and I certainly didn't want to be one of their last guests before they closed so I quickly grabbed a suite at Algonquin for similar price during Dec 27-30 (average $620 per night, which is good that time of year).

The Algonquin was perfect- except for the street noise. I took the advice of past travelers and asked for a high floor, away from the street. The street noise was DEFINITELY still apparent on the very top floor (12th floor, it's a small old hotel) but they provided ear plugs. By the second night I was used to it. The kids didnt' seem to mind but it you are a light sleeper this is not the hotel for you.

Other than that, the hotel was perfectly situated just one block away from Toys R Us on Times Square and one block away from Bryant Park and 5th Ave. Our kids loved the suite. Plenty of room for all of us. Nicely updated bath. Very comfy bed. And an incredible hotel staff. Very friendly and helpful.

We came back to the beautiful lobby every evening after dinner to enjoy a nightcap and hot chocolate. My kids were over the moon at their very own little pot of hot chocolate with extra plates of whipped cream. They also loved checking in on the hotel cat, Matilda, who resides behind the front desk.

Great history to building. Very grown-up and cozy without being stuffy. Will def go back.
Keep up the great service!