Algonquin Hotel Finishes Phased Guestroom Overhaul

The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection, has completed a multi-year, phased renovation of all guestrooms, elevators, and corridors while remaining fully operational throughout construction [1]. Overseen by design studio CRÈME alongside Highgate Hotels’ LUCID arm, the project revamps room interiors with tailored Al Hirschfeld artworks, Art Deco elements, and upgraded culinary offerings at The Blue Bar Restaurant & Lounge [1].

Who managed the design and execution of the renovation?

Brooklyn-based design studio CRÈME / Jun Aizaki Architecture & Design led the redesign alongside LUCID, the design and development arm of Highgate Hotels [1]. Lodging Magazine reported that the creative direction centered on two priorities: celebrating the historic legacy of the Algonquin while paying homage to New York City [1]. Rather than modifying the physical structure, CRÈME maintained the existing footprint of the building, letting historic room proportions define the interior spaces [1]. Willis Loughhead, who serves as general manager in his sixth year leading the hotel, noted that the objective was honoring the hotel's heritage as a haven for creative minds without being constrained by it [1].

How were the guestrooms and corridors transformed?

Guestrooms received rich finishes including walnut woods, ebonized oak, aged bronze hardware, and charcoal velvet headboards [1]. Lodging Magazine detailed that rooms feature a color palette combining deep and light celadon, peacock green, charcoal, and soft neutral tones [1]. Custom furnishings include marble tops modeled after the Algonquin's original stairwells, paired with layered lighting and brass fixtures [1]. Corridors were upgraded with rhythmic carpeting featuring jazz-inspired patterns and Art Deco architectural references [1]. Outside the rooms, oversized luggage-tag door signs display 181 distinct quotes from cultural personalities tied to the property and New York City, including Dorothy Parker, The Vicious Circle, Maya Angelou, Kermit the Frog, John Leguizamo, and The Notorious B.I.G. [1].

What role does Al Hirschfeld's artwork play across the property?

Artwork by caricaturist Al Hirschfeld serves as the primary visual thread throughout the property via a partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation and its director, David Leopold [1]. Guestrooms and suites feature custom triptych art pieces pairing Hirschfeld illustrations with a gold leaf-accented depiction of Central Park produced exclusively for the Algonquin [1]. Across the guest floor corridors, archival prints selected from Hirschfeld's 80-year New York career are grouped into dedicated, floor-by-floor collections covering literature, music, theater, and popular culture [1]. Leopold explained that placing these works directly into functional spaces creates an immersive narrative environment rather than a detached gallery experience [1].

How did the renovation impact food and beverage operations?

Food and beverage operations were updated in tandem with the physical spaces, focusing on The Blue Bar Restaurant & Lounge [1]. The venue introduced refreshed food and cocktail menus designed in collaboration with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation [1]. According to Lodging Magazine, the printed menus incorporate archival Hirschfeld line drawings, connecting the dining experience to the artists, performers, and writers that historically defined the Algonquin's social circle [1].