The website for this hotel includes mini-biographies of Harold Ross, Edna Ferber & Alexander Woollcott

The Final Jeopardy clue for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, came from the category Travel USA and offered a blend of history, travel, and literary trivia. The clue read: “The website for this hotel includes mini-biographies of Harold Ross, Edna Ferber & Alexander Woollcott.”

What is the Algonquin Hotel?

This clue called on contestants to connect notable 20th-century literary figures with a famous American travel destination. Harold Ross, founder of The New Yorker; Edna Ferber, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist; and Alexander Woollcott, critic and member of the famed Algonquin Round Table, were all associated with this iconic New York City hotel. The Algonquin has embraced its literary legacy over the years, highlighting these figures on its official website as part of its storied past.

The Algonquin Hotel’s Cultural Legacy

The Algonquin Hotel, located at 59 West 44th Street in Manhattan, is more than just a place to stay—it’s a cultural landmark. Since the 1920s, it has been recognized as the unofficial headquarters of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of influential writers, critics, and performers who met regularly at the hotel’s restaurant. This gathering gave the hotel its legendary literary reputation.

Names like Dorothy Parker, George S. Kaufman, and the three figures mentioned in the clue—Ross, Ferber, and Woollcott—were central to this era. The hotel’s commitment to honoring this legacy can be seen through its themed suites, historic décor, and website features that include biographies and historical context about its famous guests.

Harold Ross and The New Yorker Connection

Harold Ross is best known as the founding editor of The New Yorker magazine, which debuted in 1925. The magazine quickly became a leading voice in American literature and culture, and its origins are closely tied to the Algonquin Hotel. Ross, a central figure in the Algonquin Round Table, used the vibrant discussions and relationships formed at the hotel as inspiration for the magazine’s editorial style.

The hotel’s website details Ross’s background, contributions to journalism, and his vision for a sophisticated yet humorous publication. This biographical content highlights how the Algonquin was not only a social venue but also a creative incubator.

Edna Ferber and Alexander Woollcott

Edna Ferber, another notable Round Table member, achieved critical and commercial success with novels like Show Boat and Giant, both adapted into major productions. Ferber’s presence at the Algonquin meetings added depth to the literary discourse of the time, and her profile on the hotel’s site celebrates her bold style and enduring influence.

Alexander Woollcott, a critic and radio personality, was known for his wit and flamboyant commentary. He championed many writers and was one of the most colorful voices of the group. Woollcott’s room at the hotel and his personality have become part of its permanent mythology. His mini-biography online reflects the larger-than-life persona that continues to draw interest from visitors and literary fans.

Why This Clue Worked for Final Jeopardy

This clue worked well for a Final Jeopardy round because it required a mix of cultural knowledge, historical understanding, and travel awareness. Contestants needed to identify not just the individuals named, but also the hotel famous for its association with them. It rewarded those familiar with early 20th-century American literature and New York City landmarks.

By featuring three key members of the Algonquin Round Table, the clue also pointed directly to the Algonquin Hotel’s ongoing effort to preserve its heritage. For travelers and literary enthusiasts alike, the hotel remains a must-visit spot—a place where American literary history comes alive with every step through its lobby.