The Algonquin Hotel, located on Manhattan’s Club Row at 44th between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, is revealing details about its resident Cat, Matilda, and her new accommodation package as the property undergoes its renovations and Matilda prepares to come back and reclaim her throne at the check-in desk.
“We’ve certainly missed having Matilda around the hotel as our renovations have been under way, but we know, upon her return, she will certainly love the modern Manhattan look to the property that still retains the artistic heritage of the hotel. She’ll feel right at home again soon taking up her residence as our Algonqueen,” said General Manager Gary Budge.
When the Algonquin ushers in its new era this June, the hotel will launch a new Matilda Package that allows for feline fans and guests to enjoy the best of the hotel that Matilda has to offer including a room for two people with continental breakfast, two cocktails in the legendary Blue Bar, a coloring book and feline focused book entitled Fabulous Felines by Sandy Robbins, a plush, stuffed Matilda, delicious bite-sized pieces of swiss chocolate and last but not least, a CATabulous eye mask that will allow you to have the best cat nap in town, just as Matilda would hope for you. The package will be available from $329.00 per night and includes customary city and state sales taxes.
The tradition of having a feline resident at The Algonquin began in the 1930s when a straggly stray cat wandered in through the hotel’s front door looking for food and shelter. Owner Frank Case, the consummate host most famous for first welcoming Dorothy Parker and her friends to start the legendary Algonquin Round Table in the hotel’s bar, welcomed the cat as he did every other guest, and a tradition was born.
On a regular basis, Matilda maintains her Facebook (“MatildatheAlgonquinCat” ) and Twitter (@Algonqueen) pages, and answers fan mail from all over the world (via her email address matildaalgonquincat@algonquinhotel.com). Her first order of business upon returning to the Algonquin when it re-opens its doors, will be to plan her annual Birthday Party this coming August, which also serves as a fundraiser for New York Save – Save Animals in Veterinary Emergency.