This morning we learned that the Algonquin Hotel, home of Dorothy Parker’s infamous “Round Table,” will be purchased and then operated by the Marriott hotel chain. It’ll be part of the company’s “Autograph Collection,” a “new brand within the company’s global portfolio comprised of upper upscale and luxury, independent, hotels with distinctive personalities in major cities and desired destinations worldwide.” The Observer wanted to know just how distinctive the Algonquin would be allowed to remain, so called up Marriott to ask a very important question: Will the hotel be permitted to keep its pet cat, Matilda, who has stalked (in one iteration or another) the halls of the Alqonquin since the thirties? “She stays, of course!” said Algonquin spokeswoman Marissa Mastellone. “Matilda is imperative!”
Matilda the Cat’s Position Secure at the Algonquin, New Ownership Notwithstanding [NYO]
