Since 1902, the Algonquin has been the destination of literary, entertainment and intellectual names. The famed Round Table group met regularly there in the 1920s thru 1940s. They included John Barrymore, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Marc Connelly, George S. Kaufman and Alexander Woollcott.

Another tradition is the Algonquin cat. Greeting guests there has been a succession of shelter-rescued cats since the 1930s. Males are named Hamlet, and females Matilda. If your travels take you to Manhattan, stop in to meet the current resident cat. Algonquin, 59 West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, now owned by Marriott, offers rooms from $269. www.algonquinhotel.com