Contact:
Vanessa Amador, Quinn & Co.
212.868.1900 x226
vamador@quinnandco.com

John Frazier, Quinn & Co.
212.868.1900 x230
jfrazier@quinnandco.com

$10,000 Cocktail Sparkles Among Favorite Old Gems
on the Algonquin Hotel's New Martini Menu

New York - 10/18/04 - Whether you're looking for the perfect proposal or just enjoy a little bauble with your cocktail, The Algonquin's new "Martini on the Rock" is just the drink for you! The only beverage on the menu to require a 72-hour advance reservation, "Martini on the Rock" carries a $10,000* price tag and includes a private meeting with the hotel's preferred jeweler to select the perfect diamond to suit your fancy. Once your stone has been selected, purchased and appraised, your martini will be poured and the "rock" dropped in - much to the delight of its intended recipient - on the date and time of your choice.** Of course, the sky's the limit and the cocktail can be customized beginning with minor details such as your preferred gin to arranging for the purchase of a stone that begins at $1,000 to one that will rival the Hope Diamond in beauty, size and price!

Other new additions to the martini menu include:

The Slush Pile Martini
This fruity rum drink was created as a nod to the hotel's literary past and a toast to its future. A "slush pile" by definition in publishing circles is the daunting stack of unsolicited manuscripts received in droves by agents and editors. If your 5 lb. labor of love rests in this stack, your future as a published author might be grim but if you find yourself at the bottom of a Slush Pile at The Algonquin, it's simply time for another drink!

Coconuts Martini
Created to commemorate the Marx Brothers movie "Coconuts," which was written by Round Table member George S. Kaufman. "Coconuts" also starred honorary Round Table member Harpo Marx. As a film star, Harpo never uttered a word but, when seated at the Round Table, he was a real talker! Perhaps a Coconuts martini or two will turn the shyest person into a flirt?

The martini menu will continue to include the old favorites such as the "Parker," "Matilda," "Vanity Fair," "Fair Lady," "Vicious Circle," and more - all served on cocktail napkins bearing the following Dorothy Parker quote: "I love a martini - but two at the most. Three I'm under the table; Four, I'm under the host."

Interested patrons should call Gloria Sherman, director of sales and marketing, at 212-419-9325 to inquire about "Martini on the Rock." Additionally, The Algonquin's sales and catering staff will be delighted to help you plan special events such as an intimate wedding should you decide to continue your love affair at this grand hotel.

For hotel reservations and information, please call 1-866-363-9011 or visit www.algonquinhotel.com.

A New York City landmark, the Algonquin Hotel is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, just steps from the Broadway's Theatres and world-class shopping. Home to Dorothy Parker's famous Round Table and birthplace of the New Yorker magazine, the Algonquin Hotel is highly regarded by travelers the world over.

The recent $3 million renovation effort focused on restoring the hotel lobby, upgrading the meeting rooms, increasing bathroom shelf space, laying new carpet, hanging new window treatments, and introducing new beds and bedding to the 174-guestroom hotel. Flat screen or plasma cable televisions were also installed in many of the guestrooms.

The hotel's popular Oak Room, which has showcased musical talents such as Harry Connick, Jr., Andrea Marcovicci, Diana Krall and Peter Cincotti, serves dinner and offers cabaret acts Tuesday through Saturday. The legendary Algonquin Round Table of the 1920s is the inspiration for the current Round Table Room serving traditional American cuisine breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Blue Bar and Lobby also serve cocktails and other beverages throughout the day. The hotel features a fully equipped fitness center and five meeting and function rooms, which accommodate groups from 10 to 175.

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* Price includes consultation with jeweler, the stone of your choice, appraisal and the martini itself. Price will vary according to value of the stone selected.

** Date, time and hotel location where the "Martini on the Rock" will be poured must be mutually agreed upon by the hotel and patron.