Al Hirschfed Exhibit at Algonquin Hotel Nov. 22-Jan 9

New York -- November 22, 2014, is the 112th anniversary of the Algonquin Hotel throwing open its doors to guests. To coincide with the date, a celebration of iconic artist Al Hirschfeld illustrations will be on display in the lobby through January 9, 2015. There will be 25 images of the Vicious Circle and their friends hanging in the lobby. Stop in and have a cocktail, or lunch at the Round Table.

Did I Die and Go to Heaven? Not Yet. But I Did Stay at...

Did I die and go to Heaven? Not yet. But I did stay at the legendary Algonquin Hotel for several days just last week, mere moments before its most recent sale at 82 million smackeroos.

For a writer, member of the Robert Benchley Society, and a humorist, visiting the home of The Algonquin Round Table is akin to a holy event.

The Oak Room. The mural. Me. This is my pilgrimage to the altar of wit, brilliant repartee, sophisticated quips, and cherished literary history.

Barb Best "A Vicious Circle" by Natalie Ascencios

A display case adjacent to the elevators displays a historical collection of cultural keepsakes from The Algonquin Round Table. Included are photographs of Robert Benchley and vintage copies of some of his books.

Let us not forget Matilda, the celebrity cat whose chaise longue adorns the front lobby. She has a popular book (a biography), a Facebook page, an active Twitter account, and (I suspect) a lucrative merchandising deal. Eat your heart out, Eloise and Taco Bell Chihuahua.

I had the pleasure of meeting Matilda in The Oak Room when I was luxuriating over a lengthy, late breakfast with a writer friend. She's quite sociable (Matilda, that is).

The wallpaper upstairs in the hallways is custom made from classic New Yorker cartoons. Thurber, Arno, Steig, Addams. I never thought I'd say this, but I am in love with wallpaper.

Seeking inspiration within The Algonquin?

There is a "Writer's Block" rate at The Algonquin. Simply show a manuscript or published work to qualify.

BARB BEST is a new member of the Robert Benchley Society and in the Top Ten in the RBS Humor Writing Competition.

She is also the 2010 Erma Bombeck Global Humor Winner. Her blog is Barb's Blast.

The Algonquin Hotel Sells for $82 Million

Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors has acquired the Algonquin Hotel for $82 million, according Real Estate Weekly.

Algonquin Hotel May be Sold

The Algonquin Hotel, the landmark, 174-room property that's been bought and sold four times in the last 15 years, may be about to change hands once again, according to a story on The Real Deal Online.

A Mention in Australian Dispatches.

The newspaper, "The Weekend Australian" had an article on the 9th April, about best travel experiences.
The traveller, Kaye Fallick, author and publisher of a website for mature travellers, was asked various questions,
Stand out bar experience?
The Round Table Room bar at the Algonquin Hotel, on West 44th Street, New York for the the best whisky sour.
I'll put it on my bucket list.