Algonquin Hotel

"It has felt like 5:30 P.M. in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel for nearly 90 years now. While the city changes around it, the Algonquin just goes on and on in chronic, romantic twilight, haunted by some lost souls who ate es at a certain a long time ago. But even the Algonquin changes hands every 40 years or so. In 1987, the , a Tokyo-based hotel group that also owns , bought the Algonquin for $30 million. The sale prompted relatively little of the usual xenophobic hand-wringing. What little there was seemed to occur in the Algonquin lobby. ... Each room is stocked with recent issues of '."

"The Algonquin Hotel, located on West 44th Street in New York City, is a turn-of-the-century structure. Both the exterior and the interior of the building reflect this era. The physical appearance of the large lobby, elegant dining rooms, and the intimate private rooms provided the stimulus for this study. ... Sensual reds, browns, and golds enhance the dimly lit lobby. Every aspect of the decor, from the sculpted ivory ceiling to the dark wooden wall panels and pillars is appealing. Lighting fixtures with brass designs adorn the pillars with similar chandeliers hanging throughout, and antique lamps with painted bases spot the tables in the lobby. Much of the furniture is upholstered in brocade and velvet with interesting patterns and weaves. The glass on the entry doors and the dividing panel are incised with design. Large brass ashtrays, fresh flowers, and bells on the tables all ornament the lobby appropriately. The private rooms, even with their visual signs of aging, retain the charm of the lobby. They do not seem to have changed drastically since the 1920's. Instead of plastic or cheap veneer, all of the appointments are brass, solid wood and leather. The drapes, wall coverings and bathrooms are all preserved quite well. Rather than cardboard reproductions in plastic frames, only original s and prints dating from 1920-1940 adorn the walls."

"was a group of literary figures, mostly writers and press agents, who met regularly for lunch at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City during the 1920s. The members became a cultural institution, famous mostly for being famous, enjoying humorous conversation and games, and furthering each other’s careers and reputations. ... Besides , some of the other regular Algonquinites over the years were Woollcott’s assistant, ; of the ' and a playwright; Arthur Samuels, editor of '; , a staff writer at '; , editor of Vanity Fair, later a drama critic for ', and a sometime actor; and , short story writer, poet, and Vanity Fair drama critic. As the group grew in reputation and social connections, it drew in new members, such as the well-known actor , and the cost of annual membership was raised to $1,000, further strengthening the group’s exclusivity. ... by the early 1930s, the Algonquin Round Table had officially disbanded."