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Few names signal old-school New York glamour quite like the Waldorf Astoria: The historic hotel has been Park Avenue staple since 1931 (after moving from its original Fifth Avenue location, which was demolished to make way for the Empire State Building) and has welcomed such starry guests as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter (all of whom had permanent suites) as well as Queen Elizabeth II and every U.S. president since Herbert Hoover. Arguably, the hotel’s most famous lore is Track 61, a secret underground railway platform linked to Grand Central Terminal, famously used by Franklin D. Roosevelt to get into the property away from prying eyes.
With those decades of history, lead architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon had quite the task in front of them, renovating a beloved landmark and bringing the venue into modern 21st-century luxury while respectfully retaining its Gilded Age grandeur. And after eight long years and a $2 billion refurbishment, the gang managed to do just that: like the wealthy grand dames floating down the avenue with their expensive but tasteful cosmetic procedures, the old girl is looking good.
What are the rooms like at the Waldorf Astoria New York?
One of the biggest changes made to the property is the number and size of the guest rooms: The original Waldorf boasted an astonishing 1,400 rooms, a hefty quantity that has been shaved down to just 375 suites for its new iteration. There’s also 375 private condominium residences located on the upper floors, ranging from million-dollar studios to four-bedroom apartments and grand penthouses.
With fewer than 400 hotel rooms in a property that occupies an entire New York City block, that’s a lot of real estate dedicated to guest comfort and it’s certainly felt (and appreciated). The majority of the Waldorf’s room options average over 570 square feet, making them some of the largest luxury hotel accommodations in Manhattan and lending each option, even an entry-level king room, a palatial feel.
And Rochon’s interior design plays into that tasteful opulence: Like high-quality clothes, the subdued, neutral furnishings may not look too flashy at first, but it all feels rich—think 400-thread-count custom sheets by the Italian linens brand Frette, spa-inspired marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs and full-sized Aesop products, and custom gilded mouldings and bespoke chandeliers throughout.
What is the food like at the Waldorf Astoria New York?
There are three food-and-drink destinations on property, starting with the famous Peacock Alley lobby bar. The legendary lounge is a visual stunner, with black marble columns anchoring the space and, at the center, a mahogany Steinway owned by former resident Cole Porter (you can still make out the martini-glass stains) and that famous nine-foot brass clock commissioned by Queen Victoria. At the back, a gleaming lacquered bar is equally stunning, at which you’ll find drinks priced upwards of $35 each. But hey, they come with some crunchy complimentary bar snacks and live music in the evenings.
For something more substantial, the two-story brasserie Lex Yard specializes in farm-to-table New American fare and historical Waldorf bites (including the eggs Benedict and the Waldorf salad, both believed to have been invented here), while Yoshoku offers classy kaiseki dining from chef Ry Nitzkowski as well as a Japanese afternoon tea.
What are the facilities like at the Waldorf Astoria New York?
A low point for a luxury property like this: The Waldorf doesn’t have a pool. However, it makes up for that oversight with the gorgeous Guerlain spa (the largest in the world, with 22,000 square feet of wellness space, including 16 treatment rooms, two couple’s suites and myriad wet and thermal options). There’s also a 10,000-square-foot 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, and several event spaces including the famous Grand Ballroom, which has hosted everything from the Met Gala to the Tony Awards.
During my stay, the Waldorf staff was prepping the 1,500-person space for a clearly major wedding. But, ever discrete, they wouldn’t give into my prying about whose soon-to-be nuptials I was gawking at.
What is the service like at the Waldorf Astoria New York?
There’s clear pride in both the new renovation and overall reputation of the Waldorf Astoria, which translates into exceptionally attentive service across the board, from the bell boys cheerily ushering baggage across the lobby to the sequin-dressed hostesses showing you to your table for a pre-dinner potable. It’s stellar hospitality wrapped in genuine warmth.
Why should you book a stay at the Waldorf Astoria New York?
A historic property like the Waldorf could certainly rest on its gilded laurels, but with that extensive (and expensive) renovation, the hotel has brought that icon status into a fresh new era. A visit here now doesn’t just mean staying in one of New York’s best-known hotels, but one of New York’s best hotels, full stop.
Address: 301 Park Avenue, New York, NY
Price per night: From around $1,135 per night for a standard King room
Closest airport: LaGuardia Airport (5.6 miles)
Book now: via Booking.com
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