NEW YORK, February 16, 2024 – The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection, located on Manhattan’s West 44th Street, is pleased to announce it has been inducted into Historic Hotels of America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States.
The Algonquin Hotel is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.
“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct The Algonquin Hotel, a jewel of historic New York, built in 1902,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We commend The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection, and its leadership team for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination.”
To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
“The Algonquin Hotel is filled with over a century of rich history, remarkable guests, and incredible hospitality. From our inception in 1902, the hotel has played host to iconic literary figures, tastemakers and New Yorkers alike, in addition to our beloved resident cat, Hamlet, who is one of many felines who have graced the halls since 1923 when the first Algonquin cat made the hotel home,” said Willis Loughhead, General Manager of The Algonquin Hotel. “It is a great honor for The Algonquin Hotel to be inducted into Historic Hotels of America, recognized amongst some of the most storied properties across the country.”
Since the opening of its doors, The Algonquin Hotel has been a cultural phenomenon, standing as one of New York City’s greatest sights to see. Known for The Algonquin Round Table during the early 20th century, thought leaders such as Dorothy Parker, Franklin Adams, Robert Benchley, Harold Ross, Robert Sherwood, Alexander Woollcott and other luminaries gathered at the hotel frequently. Life after The Round Table has consisted of outstanding Broadway partnerships, art shows, musical performances, cabarets and more which have carried the legend of The Algonquin Hotel into the present day.
The Algonquin Hotel is also home to The Blue Bar, which debuted after the end of prohibition in 1933 when actor John Barrymore convinced the General Manager to place blue gels over the lights at the bar as people “look more attractive under such lighting”, and continues to serve guests and visitors signature cocktails, wines and spirits to this day.
