The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection

The hotel has a lot of history and character, and its old-fashioned charm gives every corner a story. What really made the stay special, though, was how attentive and thoughtful the staff were. A wonderful experience.

I’d wanted to stay at this legendary hotel for ages, so I was excited when we booked in October. Instead, the room was 82 degrees, and despite several calls or conversations with the desk and concierge, the temperature was never fixed. Sleeping was difficult even with the window wide open. We were told the destination fee could be used at the hotel bar, but the bar was closed that night. The main entrance was closed too, so we had to come in through a humid service hallway. I was incredibly disappointed to pay extra for a place with such a reputation and have such a miserable stay.

We liked being near Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, and Times Square, and the food and drinks at The Blue Bar were good. We put the daily $45 resort fee toward our bill there. Staff were friendly and the hospitality was great. The rooms are small, as you’d expect in NYC, and there’s no fridge or microwave, though ice is available. There was a lot of street noise, but running the room fan covered it pretty well. The Hamlet has retired, which was a shame since we’d hoped to meet him. We’d stay again once the new concierge cat is there.

I spent 20 minutes standing at the bar in December without anyone serving me, then left without ordering. The room didn’t help: the desk was badly marked, the shower glass was dirty, and it smelled like old carpet. Little things made the corner cutting obvious, from rough single-ply toilet paper to plastic-wrapped paper cups in the bathroom. The soap was bolted to the wall like at a Holiday Inn Express, which doesn’t feel acceptable at this price. I’m a Hyatt Globalist and spend over 60 nights a year in hotels. I wanted to give Marriott a fair chance, but this made me glad I chose Hyatt. If you’re loyal to Marriott, I’d suggest trying other options.