The Algonquin Hotel Times Square: Literary History & Club Room Guide

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NYC Hotel & Travel Guide Β· 2026 Edition

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square Guide: Round Table History & West 44th St

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square Guide: addresses, subway lines, walking distance and 2026 NYC nightly rates with tax math.

By Matthew S Crawford Β· Updated October 2026 Β· Verified NYC Rates & Tax Math

Quick answer

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square stands at 59 West 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, in Midtown Manhattan. It is one of the city’s best-known literary hotels. Confirm the current brand and amenities before booking, because hotel branding changes over time.

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square at 59 West 44th Street in Midtown Manhattan

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square stands at 59 West 44th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, in Midtown Manhattan. It is one of the city’s best-known literary hotels. Confirm the current brand and amenities before booking, because hotel branding changes over time.

The block is calmer than Times Square itself while remaining within walking distance of Broadway. It suits travelers who want a hotel with character and a strong sense of place, not a glass-tower chain experience. Rooms tend to reflect the building’s age, so expect character alongside compact dimensions in some categories.

Round Table History and the Literary Reputation

The Algonquin is associated with the Round Table, a group of writers and critics who met for lunch in the 1920s. Names such as Dorothy Parker are often linked to that circle. Treat the stories as local lore and confirm details with the hotel.

The hotel is also tied to The New Yorker’s early years in popular memory. Guests can look for memorabilia in the lobby, though displays may change. Ask the front desk where to find historical items before wandering the public areas. Visitors who read about the group beforehand will enjoy the lobby more.

The Algonquin Hotel on West 44th Street
Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Blue Bar, the Lobby Lounge and Classic Cocktail Culture

The Blue Bar is the hotel’s well-known bar. Confirm hours, dress code, reservations and current menus. The lobby is a popular place for afternoon drinks, and it can get busy before and after Broadway shows.

Prices at a hotel bar tend to be higher than neighborhood pubs. Arrive early on weekend evenings, and ask about seating policies. The setting suits a quiet drink after a show more than a loud night out. Small plates and classic cocktails are typical of such rooms, though menus change often and should be checked.

West 44th Street Theater District Location and Broadway Walks

The Algonquin is on West 44th Street, the same block family as Broadway theaters such as the Majestic, Broadhurst, Shubert and St. James. Most Theater District houses are five to fifteen minutes away on foot, an estimate. Check the current production at any theater. Evening performances usually start around seven or eight, and matinees run on selected afternoons.

After a late curtain, the walk home is short. Stay on lit, busy streets, and use a rideshare if the route feels uncertain. TKTS at Father Duffy Square, Broadway at West 47th Street, sells same-day tickets, and its hours should be confirmed. Many travelers also use theater lotteries and rush policies, which vary by show and should be checked directly.

Subway Lines at 42nd Street-Bryant Park and Fifth Avenue

The B, D, F and M stop at 42 St-Bryant Park, and the 7 stops at 5 Av. The 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W and S stop at Times Sq-42 St, a short walk west. Grand Central Terminal is about ten minutes east, an estimate. Metro-North and other rail from there make day trips simple, with schedules to be confirmed.

The fare is $3 per ride with OMNY tap-to-pay, per the MTA. Confirm weekend service changes and elevator availability in the MTA app. The location is among the most connected in the entire city. Pack a compact bag for the subway, since platforms and stairs can be crowded.

Times Square in the Theater District, New York City
Photo: Edgar El, CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Bryant Park, the New York Public Library and Fifth Avenue Within Walking Distance

Bryant Park is about a two-minute walk away, and the main New York Public Library at 476 Fifth Avenue is next to it. Both are within walking distance, and both offer quiet spaces away from Times Square crowds. Benches, lawns and cafe kiosks make it an easy place to rest before an evening show.

Bryant Park hosts seasonal markets and a winter rink. Confirm dates and fees each year. Fifth Avenue shopping starts a block east, and Rockefeller Center is about fifteen minutes away on foot, an estimate. The Empire State Building at 20 West 34th Street is a longer walk but easily reached by train.

Boutique Hotel Rooms and Luxury Hotel Comparisons in Midtown

The Algonquin works as a boutique hotel in feel, with historic character and rooms that can vary in size. Ask for photos of the exact category, bed type and floor. Older buildings often offer less uniform layouts than newer towers.

Travelers seeking a larger luxury hotel can compare Lotte New York Palace at 455 Madison Avenue, the Peninsula at 700 Fifth.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Algonquin Hotel Times Square

This section answers questions travelers ask most about staying at 59 West 44th Street. Brand, bar hours and room details change, so confirm each point with the hotel before relying on it.

The answers describe typical patterns, not guarantees. Hotels adjust policies, and historic features may be renovated.

Is the Algonquin a good hotel for Broadway?

It is within walking distance of most Theater District houses. Check the current production at each theater before planning.

Can non-guests visit the Blue Bar?

Access rules vary by hour and event. Confirm hours, dress code and reservations directly with the venue.

What subway is closest to the Algonquin?

The B, D, F and M at 42 St-Bryant Park and the 7 at 5 Av are closest. Confirm service changes in the MTA app.

Keep reading

Times Square & Broadway Guide Β· Breakfast Near Times Square Β· Hotels Near Times Square NYC Β· Midtown or Times Square Β· Hotels Near Times Square-42nd Street Station Β· Where to stay in NYC Β· NYCHotelss 20 Best Picks Β· Cheap hotels in NYC Β· All NYC guides

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.