The Algonquin Hotel tapped hospitality design firm Intra-Spec to lead its makeover. The renovations are expected to “bring a contemporary ambience while guest rooms, suites and public spaces will maintain décor that is familiar and comfortable”.
Each of the 181 Algonquin guest rooms, including 25 suites, will be updated to reflect a New York residential feel that combines modern design with classic New York City look, the focal point being customized “picture window” headboards, featuring backlit black and white 1920's photographed by Irving Underhill. New silk-screened damask chandeliers and lights show off new tones of gold, black and tan in the rooms. Each room and suite will feature Roman shades and furnishings, 300 thread count sheets, European pillows and custom made noise reducing heating and cooling. Rooms with bay windows will include a built-in reading seat for guests. New furniture, flat screen TVs, technological amenities like makeup mirrors and additional power outlets will also be available.
In addition to the custom designed furnishings, all bathrooms in the hotel are being completely remodeled with newly designed spaces featuring black and white Italian tiled floors, frameless glass shower stalls replacing the original bathtubs, and a back lit vanity mirror.
The Algonquin suites will also have updated furnishings as well as the addition of a new Barrymore Suite, the largest of the suites in the hotel featuring a sunken living area, a bathroom and dressing room, as well as street views out onto Manhattan’s Club Row. The Dorothy Parker Suite has been given the royal treatment with its own art collection featuring specially commissioned pieces that revolve around her life and literary works.
Public spaces, the Blue Bar and New York’s living room (the hotel lobby), will also be renovated. The Blue Bar will be expanded and new lighting and banquette seating installed that sports black, white and navy fabrics, all atop a jewel-toned blue carpet. The lobby area will retain its grouped seating.
In the rear of the Lobby, the Algonquin’s Round Table restaurant will retain its former state with wood paneling and ceiling design.
The hotel is set to re-open late May.