Gary Budge has been appointed general manager of the historic 174-room Algonquin Hotel. Budge, a 38-year hospitality veteran, will be responsible for the supervision of the hotel’s employees, all service standards and the management of hotel operations.
“I’m thrilled to join the Algonquin team,” Budge said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of its continued success as one of New York City’s most prominent hotels, especially as we enter a new era with our recently completed renovation.”
Budge joins the Algonquin Hotel at a very exciting time as the literary landmark, which opened in 1902 and was home to the famous Algonquin Round Table and the birthplace of The New Yorker magazine, recently unveiled a $4.5 million renovation. Changes include upgrades of the historic lobby’s furnishings, the famed Oak Room restaurant and cabaret, the Blue Bar, the renowned Round Table Room restaurant and all suites and guestrooms.
“Gary brings a track record of service excellence with a tremendous background at New York-area luxury hotels,” said Ted Darnall, chief operating officer of HEI Hotels & Resorts, the hotel’s owner and operator. “Guests visiting the Algonquin should expect our team to exceed their already high expectations.”
Prior to joining the Algonquin, Budge served as general manager of the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel. Previous positions also include hotel manager of the Sheraton New York and Manhattan Hotel, general manager of the Sheraton Russell Hotel, general manager of the Westin Central Park South Hotel, corporate director of food and beverage at Princess Hotels International, vice president of food and beverage at Medallion Hotels and corporate director of food and beverage at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Budge earned a master’s degree from New York University’s prestigious Tisch Center for Hospitality & Tourism and graduated from Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree.