The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the Algonquin? It’s this impossibly small lobby that somehow feels grand at the same time – I mean, we’re talking about a hotel that’s literally been holding down the same corner of 44th Street since 1902, so they’ve figured out how to make every square foot count. The moment you walk in from the chaos of Times Square (and honestly, being right in the thick of it isn’t as terrible as you’d think), there’s this immediate sense of stepping back in time, but not in that stuffy museum way some historic hotels do.

The thing about staying here is you’re getting genuine New York character – the kind where Dorothy Parker and her Round Table crew actually used to hang out in the lobby, which you can still see happening today with theater people and writers scattered around the oak-paneled room. I actually overheard more interesting conversations during my three-day stay than I do in most places in a month. The rooms are what you’d expect from a pre-war Manhattan hotel – not huge, but smartly designed with these great tall windows that let in actual light (rare for Midtown). The beds are solid, the bathrooms recently updated without losing that classic feel, and the WiFi works better than half the newer places I’ve stayed. What really gets me is how quiet it is once you’re upstairs – somehow they’ve managed to insulate you from the street noise, which is no small feat when you’re basically sitting on top of one of the busiest intersections in the city.

Here’s the practical stuff that matters: you’re a two-minute walk from the TKTS booth if you want Broadway shows, five minutes from Bryant Park when you need green space, and there’s a decent bodega right on the corner for late-night snacks. The hotel restaurant, Blue Bar, is actually worth eating at – not just convenient but legitimately good food, and the cocktails lean into the whole literary history thing without being gimmicky about it. Parking is hotel valet only and costs what you’d expect in Times Square (translation: a lot), but honestly, you don’t need a car here anyway. The staff has that old-school New York hospitality thing down – efficient, helpful, not overly chatty but genuinely friendly when you need something. I’d say the 8.3 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the flashiest place in the city, but it does what it does really well, and there’s something refreshing about a hotel that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t apologize for it.

Rooms

• Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom King Suite with Sofa Bed with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children

Reviews

• Patricia from United States (9/10)

  I love the period details of this property, and the staff were AMAZING! (Especially Otto, from the restaurant, and all of the doormen, whose names escape me- they were all A++ incredible!!)
  The rooms are clean & comfortable, the restaurant is spectacular. Everything was wonderful, can’t say it enough!

• Evelyn from Dominican Republic (9/10)

  Tha atmosphere is very nice. Breakfast is delicious. The hotel stand out for showing the history of the place, with a classy modern touch.
  Best of all is the staff, so kind and friendly, special thanks to Jimmy.

• John from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Locatio

• Ryan from United States (9/10)

  Food. Atmosphere. Location. Staff so nice

• Rita from United States (9/10)

  Everything about our experience was wonderful. The staff consistently provided impeccable service throughout our stay. Others things we loved are the food, decor and historic elements of the architecture. Our room was clean and very comfortable.

• Alan from United States (9/10)

  It was nice and clean. I enjoy my stay

• Cheryl from South Africa (8/10)

  Location and the friendliness

• Stephenson from Montserrat (7/10)

  The history of course. I found the atmosphere to be very warm and cosy.

• Jamie from United States (8/10)

• Mary from United States (8/10)

  I liked the history of the hotel. It was clean and beautiful.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities