Iconic Algonquin Hotel Reveals Renovation Details & Design

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. March 19, 2012

March 16, 2012 - The Algonquin Hotel, on Manhattan's Club Row at 44th between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, has tapped hospitality design firm Intra-Spec to lead its makeover. Charged with staying true to the look and feel of the legendary gem, renovations will bring a contemporary ambiance while guest rooms, suites and public spaces will maintain decor that is familiar and comfortable. The property's renovation will honor the artistic heritage of the hotel, while highlighting a new sense of freshness and modern Manhattan and continue the caring service for all guests.

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Rooms and Suites

Each of the 181 Algonquin guest rooms, including 25 suites, will be updated to reflect a New York residential feel that masterfully combines modern design with classic New York City elegance, the focal point being customized “picture window” headboards, featuring backlit black and white 1920's photographed by Irving Underhill. New silk screened damask chandeliers and lights brighten the space, showing off new tones of gold, black and tan in the rooms. Each room and suite will feature Roman shades, stylish furnishings, 300 thread count sheets, European pillows and custom made noise reducing heating and cooling. Rooms with bay windows will include a built-in reading seat for guests to curl up in. New furniture, larger flat screen TVs, technological amenities like makeup mirrors and additional power outlets for the growing number of devices travelers carry with them will all be part of the new elegant design.

In addition to the custom designed furnishings, all bathrooms in the hotel are being completely remodeled with newly designed spaces featuring luxury black and white Italian tiled floors, frameless glass shower stalls replacing the original bathtubs, contemporary lighting and a back lit vanity mirror - a welcome addition to travelers seeking to prepare for an evening out in the big city.

“It was paramount that the refreshed rooms, bathrooms and suites maintain a timeless New York hotel room ambiance, a place for visitors to relax while visiting one of the busiest cities in the world,” said Susan Caruso from Intra-Spec. “Our favorite addition is the New York street scene photography on the headboards that showcases street scenes of 'old' Manhattan.”

The Algonquin suites will also have updated furnishings as well as the addition of a new Barrymore Suite, the largest of the suites in the hotel featuring a sunken living area, an expansive bathroom and dressing room as well as street views out onto Manhattan's Club Row. The famed Dorothy Parker Suite, once home to Dorothy Parker herself, has been given the royal treatment with its own art collection features some specially commissioned pieces that revolve around her life and literary works.

New York's Living Room and Cocktail Hot Spot
Public spaces, the Blue Bar and New York's living room (the hotel lobby), will once again be the place to gather. Hotel guests and visitors alike will enjoy the expansions and contemporary design. The historic Blue Bar will be expanded and don new lighting and banquette seating that sports sparkling black, white and navy fabrics, all atop a jewel-toned blue carpet. The beloved lobby area will retain its grouped seating, updated in luxurious patterns and fabrics, where people will continue to gather for cocktails and conversation or simply settle in and read.

In the rear of the Lobby, the Algonquin's iconic Round Table restaurant will retain its former state with the dramatic wood paneling and ceiling design while groups dine, exchange conversation over a few cocktails and sit under a mural of the renowned Vicious Circle.

“Renovations are well underway and on schedule. We are excited to welcome back customers to once again experience all the charm and details about our property that they have come to know and love over the years,” said Gary Budge, General Manager of The Algonquin Hotel. “These renovations will bring guests a warm and comforting stay and the authentic Manhattan experience they crave at The Algonquin.”

When it re-opens, this New York City and Literary Landmark will usher in a new era as one of the city's oldest hotels unveils its new chapter in Manhattan. The hotel is set to re-open late May and updates will be provided ongoing on the property website www.algonquinhotel.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AlgonquinHotel and Twitter page @algonquinNYC.

About The Algonquin Hotel
The Algonquin Hotel is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan on Club Row at 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, just steps from Broadway's Theatres and world-class shopping. Home to Dorothy Parker's famous Round Table and birthplace of the New Yorker magazine, the Algonquin Hotel is highly regarded by travelers the world over.

About Autograph Collection
The Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent luxury hotels. Each destination has been selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is an array of properties that is nothing less than completely unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com

About Intra-Spec
Intra-Spec, Inc. is a small design firm located in Marina Del Rey, California and has more than 20 years of hospitality design experience creating exciting hotel and restaurant interiors in many parts of the world. Company founder and Principal Designer Susan Caruso provides personalized involvement in every project, bringing a sense of sophistication and vitality to each design. Some notable projects include the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco, the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, CA (formerly the Ritz Carlton), the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MA, and the Sheraton Universal in Universal City, CA.