Known as the Algonquin Round Table, some of the most influential literary minds of our time met at the Algonquin Hotel to share stories, opinions and meals, thus shaping the American literary landscape. Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley and Robert E Sherwood were among the regulars (and founders) of the group that called this chic hotel home.

Ideally located in midtown Manhattan, steps from Times Square, theaters, and shopping, the Algonquin Hotel continues to be a classic choice when staying in the city. And now, if you left your favorite book at home or (even worse) on the plane, they have you covered. Staying true to it’s rich literary heritage, and commitment to stay cutting edge, Kindles are offered to all guests loaded with your favorite reads, for you to use during your stay.

Suddenly loosing your book sounds kind of cool. We think Dorothy Parker would approve.

The plummeting Dow. Blundered bailouts. Swine flu. Just when it seems the news can’t get any worse, it thunks us over the head with something new. It’s enough to make you want to hide in a hole somewhere…and wash your hands a lot. In this spirit, we commend the Westin New York at Times Square for their new No News is Good News offer, which illustrates how sometimes the best amenities are the ones you take away. For those who want a real break from the headlines, the hotel will unplug a guest’s television, hide the remote control, and cancel the daily doorstep newspaper delivery. And to top it off? They’ll throw in a complimentary cocktail at the hotel’s laid-back Bar 10. This may be the best news we’ve heard all day. Offer from $299/night including weekends through September 7

For those of us who aren’t great sleepers to begin with, unfamiliar settings (i.e. hotel rooms)—not to mention a time change—can wipe out any chance at a good night’s sleep. So I was interested to note that some hotels have recently started getting a more serious about sleep-related amenities (beyond pillow menus)—I’m guessing in light of our unsettling times keeping a lot of people up at night. Behold Sleep School at four AKA hotels in Manhattan.
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