We've been going to the Alqonquin for at least 30 years and are pleased to report that "Matilda" the resident cat continues to reign supreme over the front desk, accepting respectful chin chucks from her adoring public. She used to greet us at the door, but NYC food regulations (and an electronic collar) prevent her from dropping off the counter.
The lobby, with some unfortunately gaudy chairs (many shiny touches throughout whose provenance is unclear but plastic) maintains its elegant bones. The rooms have had an overhaul, with the addition of good showers (but poor design that pitches water into the bathroom thorough poorly fitted glass doors) and nifty sinks and excellent hairdryers. The bed with down comforters are wicked comfortable and they won't change your sheets every day, saving money and water. Great towels!
The Round Table Room is staffed by excellent staff, some of whom have been there almost as long as we've been coming, and the food, while not as adventurous as DB next door, was excellently prepared and presented. The new function room that supercedes the Oak Room spills too much noise out into the restaurant (ask for the other side) and the fiftiies and sixties music is often much too loud. About the BLUE Bar the less said the better, suffice to say it is PAINFULLY BLUE, UGH!
All in all though, we love the Algonquin and its our best romantic getaway. Always a pleasure to be welcomed by the impeccable hotel staff and our quibbles are small. I was especially pleased to see younger families there as well-a whole new generation coming to the Algonquin!

I use the lobby of the Algonguin as a meeting place for business sometimes. The front part has ample tables, chairs, sofas and light for comfortable meetings. The dining room in the back can also be conducive to quiet conversation if they are not piping in Frank too loudly. My colleague and I consider it our home away from home in many respects though the service leaves a lot to be desired these days. It takes SEVERAL tries to flag waitstaff down and often we needed to get up and look for them in the back or in the Blue Bar. Surprising for a high end hotel. Food is pretty good. We had smoked salmon, chicekn quesadila, manhattan clam chowder, sparkling water and also white wine of the day by the glass. 2 large bottles of sparkling water with tax came to $40 plus tip (INSANE). A glass of white wine of the day is $23! (also INSANE).

We stayed at the Algonquin during our first trip to New York. It is such a great location; we walked everywhere (NBC studio/30 Rock, Times Square, Pier 84, Empire State Building, subway to museum/Central Park). Of course the room was small, but well decorated, clean, and cozy. The staff was friendly and helpful. The only negative was the (sporadic) street noise during the night, however the hotel supplies ear plugs or you can just turn on the furnace/ac fan. I would stay there again! Side note: the doorman suggested John's Pizzeria (just a few blocks over) and it is wonderful!

I like the Marriott hotels and Algonquin is part of the chain. It is also listed on our corporate approved hotel. I stayed there 5 nights mainly because my first choice was fully booked. I prefer modern hotels, but Algonquin offers great modern facility inside authentic old building. The rennovation paid attention to the minor details and the rooms are of very high standard. However, most of them are small as one would expect from NYC hotel. Bath room is clean and modern with shower, but everything is dense in a way that works nice. The room and bath are very clean and greatly maintained. They offer La-Occitane bath products, which is very nice. There is also good coffee 24x7 at the lobby, and 24x7 small gym that despite its small size offers reasonable options for work out.

The staff is great. Very polite, willing to help and helpful in the restaurant, reception and bell boy.

I had 2 dinners there. The food is good and the pricing of the fixed manu is also good. However, if you go a-la-cart you will pay significantly more.

I liked the location. 3 minutes from Times square, but still relatively quiet with good sleep quality.

The things I like less are:
1. Most of the rooms are facing back yard. This is good in terms of noise, but there is very little day light in the room (I stayed at 6th floor).
2. Breakfast pricing is exaggerated. Granola parfiat, which is small cupt with granole and about two spoons of yogurt with some berries cost $16; add coffee for additional $7... Don't get confuse the coffee is not included even though they offer it to you as if this is free. wWell NYC is not cheap, but $23++ for cup of coffee and cup of granola....at least they could have put more yogurt so one doesn't eat dry granola. Other products are as much expensive for breakfast.
3. Afternoon and in the evening there was no hot water, but more like warm water.

There is convenient parking across the street for $35 to hotel guests. There are good restaurants nearby.