Back in the day we would put on a jacket and tie, head to the lobby bar at the Algonquin and drink Scotch and soda. We thought that was impossibly sophiscated. Do college students do stuff like that any more?

Turning the Plaza into condos was far worse. The Algonquin had become hopelessly shabby anyway.

One of my first "no WAY" moments as a kid was learning Harpo Marx was a roundtabler. His autobiography was an eye-opener.

It's affiliating with Marriott ("sleep with the Mormons tonight!"), but I don't believe it will be called one. I suppose the conglomerate that owns the hotel wanted to team with a chain for economies of scale, what with the recession being technically over, but not over at all.

Best headline ever, Paul!

So what? It was a Westin for years, and has had several chain affiliations through the decades

You know, I guess I'm cool with this if it means Marriott will honor the dignity and decor of the old gal and doesn't merely look at The Algonquin as another acquisition to buy, sell, or trade. Everybody needs funding. Let see...what happens? Well, it becomes a possible pawn in Corporate America. In go the Books of Mormon into each of the rooms. What else?

I think the Oak Room has just about as much history as the Round Table. It was and is a wonderful place to enjoy a superb cocktail and some great American standards performed by some great American cabaret performers.

Full Discosure - I work for Marriott. The Autograph collection is really not your regular Marriott. You get the points and can book through marriott.com but they kind of let the hotels do their own thing. Look through the other properties online... they don't look like your regular airport Marriott propety. If it saves an iconic property, so what?