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orange cat laying on the bathroom double sink counter top
the legend behindThe Algonquin Cat

The most important resident, hamlet

Almost 40 years have passed since the hotel housed a Hamlet. He is the 8th Hamlet following three Matildas. Hamlet is named after famed resident John Barrymore, in honor of his greatest stage role.

Get social with Hamlet! Email a message or connect below.

  • grayscale photo of cat
    1986
    Matilda sunbathed in front of the hotel or in the planters
  • grayscale photo of cat
    1998
    Won 2006 Cat of The Year at The Westchester Cat Show.
  • grayscale photo of cat beside plants
    2010
    This Matilda loves the front desk.
  • orange cat laying on nightstand in guest room
    2017
    Bidawee Animal Shelter Alum
woman sitting on luggage cart petting cat

A Cat's Life

Daily brushing, birthday parties, fashion show benefits. From Rags to Riches, Hamlet was found in a feral colony on Long Island and now delights fascinated guests of the Algonquin.
Purchase Book

Hamlet: The Algonquin Cat

A street cat is swept up into a glamorous life at the historic Algonquin Hotel in New York City, a well-known gathering place for writers, editors, and artists.

Purchase Book

“When Alice de Almeida first answered a job ad for an executive assistant position at New York City’s iconic Algonquin Hotel, she thought her daily tasks might include answering the phone and keeping up with her boss’s schedule. But de Almeida’s job soon took on one extraordinary task: she became the hotel’s chief cat officer.”

– Condé Nast Traveller