Dorothy Parker and the Round Table are not the only legends at the Algonquin Hotel in New York. One of the other traditions they have is that there’s always been a cat-in-residence for almost 80 years now.

The Algonquin Hotel in New York and Matilda, Cat in Residence

With the retirement of Matilda II after a 13 year reign, the hotel has now chosen a new “Algonqueen” for the throne – Matilda III, a blue-eyed ragdoll.

The hotel’s new 4-year old mascot divides her time between rubbing up against the plush chairs in the lobby and taking naps on the bellman’s luggage cart. Matilda III has also taken a liking to the hotel’s 13th floor.

The new cat is the hotel’s tenth cat-in-residence in 79 years, starting with a stray named Rusty who sneaked into the hotel in 1932. Rusty started sharing a room with then owner Frank Case, and got so snooty he would only drink milk from a champagne glass.

Rusty was renamed Hamlet by actor John Barrymore. Rusty/Hamlet was followed by a string of Hamlets (II to VII) until 1987. In fact, Hamlet VI vanished during the hotel’s renovation and legend has it that he was accidentally trapped inside the walls.

Matilda I took over the throne in 1987 and the retired Matilda II is now living in a cushy pad in Brooklyn. Matilda III has taken over extensive duties at the hotel, including greeting felines who come to stay at the pet-friendly hotel under the “Algonquin ♥’s Pets” Program.

Guests with paws are greeted with a “purrrsonalized” welcome kit with a welcome letter from Matilda and a list of available services as well as some of Matilda’s favorite hot spots. The pet’s guest room is arranged prior to arrival with amenities such as food and water bowls, a floor mat, a litter box if needed and essentials for owners such as latex gloves and waste bags.

Matilda also has an active online social life managing the hotel’s facebook and twitter (@Algonqueen) pages, and she stays in contact with her many friends and fans via email. In fact, the hotel has even designed a special package for ‘Friends of Matilda.’

The package includes two night accommodation in a queen room, welcome amenity letter from Matilda and  a replica plush of Matilda, a novel about the Algonquin cat, two cocktails in the lobby, and a 10% discount off the hotel’s best available retail rate. Don’t forget to use the promo code MAJ when booking online.

Photos – Algonquin Hotel

Info: 59 West 44th Street (between fifth and sixth ave) New York NY 10036; (212) 840-6800

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The historic Algonquin Hotel, NYC
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Those of us who live in the Bay Area love our pets. A lot. We have many hotels from all price ranges that allow you to bring your pet – or “child” for some – with you during your stay.

However, what about when you need to leave town and head to Boston or the Seattle-Tacoma area? What do you do with your dog or cat then, especially if you cannot bring them along? If you don’t have a pet sitter or trusted kid on the block, you are now in luck.

Wag Hotels has been receiving lots of high marks in San Francisco, Sacramento and Solano County since they opened. They offer doggie day care, obedience training, and grooming in addition to their luxury pet boarding. I stopped by their San Francisco location and they are worlds beyond a kennel [I dislike even writing that word].

Wag Hotel Reception - photo credit: Wag Hotels

This group of hotels is set up to provide your pet – their guest – with the best possible experience that they could have, given that you are not there.

Here are some highlights:

• All rooms are indoors.
• Choose from a variety of pet sitting rooms based on your pet’s size and the level of luxury.
• Playgroups are all indoors in a climate-controlled environment, with dogs grouped together according to size and temperament.
• All guests go to the bathroom at playgroups twice daily.
• Staff members are certified by the Pet Care Services Association [formerly known as the ABKA (American Boarding Kennel Association)]
• They serve at no additional charge, dry Iams or Nutro brand food, unless you prefer your own.

Wag Hotels welcome all breeds – yay for German Shepherds and Huskys! They also offer lots of A La Carte Services – prices start at $25 a night for a 2 Story Condo, and Private Bathroom for your kitty and $38 for a comfortable bed, meals up to 3 times per day (incl. medicine), Playgroups and Classical Music for your smaller size pooch.

Typical Wag Hotel Guest