February 2, 2012
Renovation to retire Algonquin's Oak Room
 When The Algonquin reopens after renovations, its Oak Room will be gone, the hotel announced today on its Facebook page.
“The Oak Room was a launching pad for Harry Connick Jr., Michael Feinstein, Andrea Marcovicci, Diana Krall, Jane Monheit, Peter Cincotti, and Jamie Cullum,” according to the hotel’s website.
The room also has ties to the Round Table, according to Kevin Fitzpatrick, the president of New York City’s Dorothy Parker Society.
“The Round Table first met in June 1919 in what was called the Pergola Room, now called the Oak Room,” Fitzpatrick said today in an email to NewYorkology. “After the group expanded, management moved them to the restaurant, which was named the Round Table room in 1998. So they ate in both rooms.
“I’ve spoken with Intra-Spec and Gary Budge, the Algonquin GM. They are being very respectful,” Fitzpatrick continued. “I think the renovation is important to update the hotel to compete in today’s market; the spirit of Dorothy Parker and the rest are being minded but they can’t be kept under glass. I think the hotel is going about it in a smart way without trying to run a museum.”
The loss of the Oak Room will make way for an expansion of the Blue Bar “which will still serve up its classic Dirty Martinis and Manhattans,” according to the statement from the hotel. “The extensive collection of original Al Hirschfield characters will reline the Blue Bar walls and an additional entrance via the hotel lobby will be added (to the existing separate street entrance).”
Fitzpatrick, the author of “A Journey into Dorothy Parker’s New York” has been leading Algonquin Round Table walking tours for 12 years. The tours resume in May.
The Algonquin aims to reopen “late spring.” And Matilda the cat “will again take permanent residency after returning from a vacation,” according to the statement from the hotel.
Picture source: The Algonquin.
Earlier: NYC hotel renovations include Algonquin, Tuscany
Algonquin’s Matilda the cat gets the VIP birthday bash
Legendary Algonquin to sell for $74 million
February 2, 2012 6:27 PM in Drinkology, History, Hotelology, Midtown
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