We stayed at the Algonquin in October 2004, and loved it. The hotel's refurbishment was money well spent, and the service was outstanding. This is a darling old hotel, with a cozy, clubby lobby and small but impeccably appointed rooms. There's an amazingly comfortable pillowtop bed and a flat screen tv. Thick towels in the bathroom, with very nice toiletries. The bathroom was a bit small, and the tub was three quarters size. If you're an older person, heavily pregnant, or arthritic, the elevated tub might be hard to negotiate. The elevators are a bit slow, so be prepared for a wait. The location is excellent and I can't speak highly enough about the staff. The only downsides were beyond the hotel's control: late night construction across the street (1:00 am welding - I suggest ear plugs) and 44th street was the staging point for bands in not one, but two, parades (Latino Day and Columbus Day). When requesting a room at this hotel, I'd recommend asking for a room at the back, and really explain that you need a non-smoking room. Our room was billed as such, but the room had clearly been smoked in by the most recent guest. There's lots of information in the room, including a complimentary copy of the New Yorker (check the drawers). Dorothy Parker, Alexander Wollcott, Robert Benchley, Heywood Broun; the list of New York literary luminaries is very long, and the hotel provides a great deal of information - be sure to read the New Yorker cartoon wallpaper while you're waiting for the elevator. Each room has a quote on the door - go around your floor and read as many as you can. There's also a cabaret club and a fitness room, but we ran out of time to check out either one. Best of all, this hotel has a cat. Matilda is a lovely rag doll who is very gracious about letting perfect strangers say hello. I strongly recommend this hotel for its service, history, location, and ambience.

Recommended: Yes