Editorial take
Who should book The Algonquin Hotel Times Square?
If this is your first New York trip, shortlist The Algonquin Hotel Times Square for a practical reason: History, literary interest, calmer Midtown, couples. The name, star rating and lobby photos matter, but the real test is whether the location helps your days feel easier.
It is less compelling if you want large modern rooms, budget rates or times square on the doorstep. Before booking from the UK, compare the final price after taxes and property fees, check the exact room setup and make sure your airport arrival route is not needlessly awkward.
Location and map
Where is The Algonquin Hotel Times Square?
Despite Times Square in its name, the Algonquin stands on West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, closer to Bryant Park and Grand Central than to the bright Times Square blocks. Many travellers prefer it for exactly that reason.
Nearby
Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, Grand Central, Fifth Avenue and Broadway theatres.
Closest subway
42 St-Bryant Park and Times Square-42 St
Hotel facts
What to know before booking.
First-timer context
Why The Algonquin Hotel Times Square might feel special.
What it is known for
- The Algonquin Round Table met for lunch in the hotel's Rose Room between 1919 and 1929, making this one of the most literary addresses in New York.
- The hotel has kept resident cats since the late 1920s. Every female has been named Matilda and every male Hamlet; there have been three Matildas so far.
- It is a New York City designated landmark and a member of Historic Hotels of America.
New York moments
- The Round Table drew the writers, critics and actors who defined 1920s New York wit, meeting daily through the decade.
- The hotel now trades as The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection, part of Marriott, after its 2011 sale to Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors.
On screen
- The hotel's Blue Bar featured in the television series Mad Men.
Review questions
What travellers keep asking.
Is the Algonquin actually in Times Square?
Not really. It is on West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, a few blocks east of the Times Square blocks and closer to Bryant Park. This is a good example of why you should map the exact address rather than trust the hotel name.
Is there still a hotel cat?
The tradition dates to the late 1920s and has continued since, with females named Matilda and males named Hamlet. Guests with allergies should ask about the cat's usual lobby routine before booking.
Booking checklist
Check these before you reserve.
Total price
Look beyond the nightly rate. Check taxes, destination fees, breakfast and cancellation.
Room layout
For New York, room size, bathroom privacy, bed type and storage can matter more than star rating.
Arrival route
Match the hotel to your airport, luggage and arrival time, especially after an overnight UK flight.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.