Originally opened in 1902, this gracious hotel in the heart of Midtown became famous as a gathering spot for writers and theatrical performers. The legendary Algonquin Round Table, which formed after World War I, included such illustrious writers as Dorothy Parker and George S. Kaufman; additional regulars included Booth Tarkington, H. L. Mencken, and Gertrude Stein. That spirit lives on in the Oak Room, the Algonquin's supper club, where guests can catch well-known cabaret acts on Tuesday through Saturday evenings. Having undergone a historical restoration in the late 1990s, the hotel features beautifully detailed ironwork and the original marble staircase, with antique furnishings and rich tones to suit the period. Guest rooms combine historic elegance with 21st-century conveniences.

Algonquin Hotel Amenities:

• 174 rooms, 12 story. Pets accepted; fee. Check-in 3 pm, check-out noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Two restaurants, bar. Fitness room. Airport transportation available. Credit cards accepted.