The Algonquin Hotel, located in the heart of New York City’s Midtown Manhattan, has long been a favorite of both locals and tourists alike. Its rich history and charming atmosphere have drawn visitors to the hotel’s famed Round Table restaurant and Blue Bar, as well as its legendary Algonquin Cat hotel mascot. However, news broke in January 2020 that the hotel’s supper club/cabaret, which has been in operation for decades, would be closing its doors. In this blog post, we will explore why the Algonquin Hotel is closing its supper club/cabaret, and what this means for the iconic hotel.
The Algonquin Hotel’s History
The Algonquin Hotel has a storied history that dates back over 100 years. In 1902, Frank Case purchased the hotel and transformed it from a somewhat lackluster establishment into a sought-after destination for writers, actors, and other luminaries of the time. These individuals would often gather at the hotel’s Round Table restaurant for food, drinks, and lively conversation.
The members of this group, which included writers like Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley, came to be known as the Algonquin Round Table. They would meet regularly at the hotel and engage in witty and often caustic banter, which was chronicled by the press of the day.
The Algonquin Hotel’s association with the Round Table has cemented its place in literary and cultural history. In addition to the Round Table restaurant, the hotel is also home to the Blue Bar, which has been frequented by celebrities and political figures over the years.
The Algonquin Hotel Supper Club/Cabaret
One of the Algonquin Hotel’s most beloved features has been its supper club/cabaret. For decades, the hotel has hosted top-notch performers in a cozy, intimate setting. Patrons have enjoyed everything from jazz music to stand-up comedy, often while sipping signature cocktails from the Blue Bar.
However, in January 2020, it was announced that the supper club/cabaret would be closing its doors. Gary J. Budge, the general manager of the Algonquin Hotel, cited declining audiences as the reason for the decision.
While the hotel will continue to operate, the loss of the supper club/cabaret is significant. It represented a unique feature of the Algonquin Hotel, and its closure has left some patrons feeling disappointed.
The Future of the Algonquin Hotel
So what does the future hold for the Algonquin Hotel? The hotel’s management has stated that its other offerings, including the Round Table restaurant and the Blue Bar, will continue to operate. The Algonquin Cat, a beloved fixture of the hotel since the 1930s, will also remain in residence.
However, the closure of the supper club/cabaret raises questions about the hotel’s direction and whether it will remain true to its historic roots. The proliferation of modern amenities and a changing cultural landscape have put pressure on establishments like the Algonquin Hotel to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant.
Some have suggested that the hotel could place greater emphasis on its literary connections and offer programming that would appeal to book lovers and fans of the Round Table. Others have urged the hotel’s owners to preserve its classic charm and focus on attracting visitors who appreciate its storied past.
Conclusion
The Algonquin Hotel’s announcement that it will close its supper club/cabaret marks the end of an era. For decades, the hotel has been a cultural touchstone in New York City, known for its literary history, charming atmosphere, and beloved Cat mascot.
While the loss of the supper club/cabaret is significant, the Algonquin Hotel remains an important part of New York’s cultural landscape. Its management will need to make strategic decisions about the hotel’s future, whether that means adapting to changing times or preserving its classic charm.
As fans of the Algonquin Hotel and its unique offerings, we can only hope that it continues to thrive for another 100 years and beyond.
FAQ
Where was the Algonquin Round Table located?
The Algonquin Round Table, also known as The Round Table, was an informal group of American literary men and women who met daily for lunch on weekdays at a large round table in the Algonquin Hotel in New York City during the 1920s and ’30s. The Algonquin Hotel is located at 59 West 44th Street, New York City. The Round Table was established in 1919, and its members included writers, actors, critics, and other professionals and celebrities. The group’s members were known for their wit, intellectualism, and irreverence, and their lunchtime conversations were often lively and entertaining. Some of the more famous members of the Algonquin Round Table included Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Harpo Marx, Alexander Woollcott, and Edna Ferber. The group disbanded in the late 1930s, but its legacy lives on as a symbol of literary and cultural sophistication in New York City. Today, the Algonquin Hotel remains a popular destination for both tourists and locals, and its legendary Round Table serves as a reminder of the city’s rich literary history.