The Grand Dame of New York City is back, and “better than ever” is an understatement. If one-bedrooms starting a little south of $3 mil are any indication, the Golden Age of the Waldorf has just begun.
What Once Was
While New York City had its fair share of financial obstacles and strife in the 1930s, architectural marvels were also on the rise, and one such monument made a lasting impression—the Waldorf Astoria. The Park Avenue Hotel opened in 1931 as the first skyscraper hotel. Not only did it soar past conventional heights, but it also took up an entire block.
The Waldorf Astoria New York hosted the most extravagant galas, hosting the U.S. Presidents in the iconic suite 31A and acting as the film site for movies like The Godfather and Catch Me If You Can. We can’t forget the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s ceremonies, with legends like Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen gracing the grand ballroom.
Evidently, The Waldorf Astoria New York made an impression, but is it a lasting one? The Hilton group sold the property to China’s Anbang Insurance Group in 2017 for $1.95 Billion and closed its doors for the restoration that has taken nearly eight years. In 2018, a scandal led to the insurance group seizure, and the Chinese government took over ownership of the property with the management help of Hilton. Despite the dramatic back and forth of ownership rights, restorations continued. Now, the landmarked property is back.
Accommodation
If you’re wondering what exactly these nearly decade-long restorations are, let’s just say there’s a hefty list. Renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill worked alongside interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon to brush the dust off the iconic hotel. They revamped the exterior, added modern technologies, and restored beloved original aspects like the lobby’s grand clock.
The biggest update was the downsizing of hotel rooms. The former interiors offered 1,400 hotel rooms. Now, they have split the space into 375 rooms and suites for a more “boutique” style experience, and 375 residential properties on the top tower floors. Another larger project was the swapping of windows. The architecture group replaced 900 windows with larger versions for more natural light.
The guestrooms and suites follow the same color palette, focusing on elegant neutrals and pastels. The rooms, now bigger, offer writing desks, oversized marble vanities, soaking tubs, and rain showers. The suites have the addition of walk-in dressing spaces, custom finishes, and views of Lexington and Park Avenue.
If you’re looking to go all in and splurge on a residential property, you’ll have a choice of studio to four-bedroom apartments, starting at a mere $1.8 million.
Food & Drink
The Waldorf Astoria New York is the hotel royalty of firsts: the first to popularize Eggs Benedict, Red Velvet Cake, and everyone’s favorite for lazy days — room service. The newest addition to the hotel’s food repertoire is Lex Yard. James-Beard-Award-winning Chef Michael Anthony offers modern farm-to-table American dishes. This room celebrates the grandeur of the past with nods to Art Deco in parquet floors, columns, and deep jewel-toned turquoise accents. Peacock Alley serves food and acts as your go-to bar during your stay. An a la carte menu of Japanese and Wagashi tea services is also available. And of course, we can’t forget the room service; everything from your main daily meals to treats and late-hour snacking is at your disposal. They set the room service bar and are now raising it (order in for the ultimate staycation).
Wellness & Leisure
In a city crammed full of people, buildings, and businesses, space is a luxury. If “only the best of the best” is your life’s motto (and we know it is, or you wouldn’t be here), then The Waldorf Astoria New York fits the bill. The renovated spa is one of the largest in NYC, with 30,000 sq. ft. and a new state-of-the-art gym.
For the residents who live up in the towers, an exclusive 50,000 square feet of amenities are concealed away for private use. These amenities include a wellness center overlooking Park Avenue and a bespoke art collection by Simon de Pury. The expansive wellness center also includes a cinema and Starlight Pool with 16-foot ceilings, a lounge, and a garden terrace.
FAQs
Q: When will The Waldorf Astoria New York reopen?
A: The Waldorf Astoria is opening in the spring of 2025, and reservations for stays and events are open for September 2025.
Q: What was the Starlight Pool room used for before renovations?
A: The Starlight Pool room was the Starlight Roof in the 30s. It was a nightclub with a retractable roof, and notable guests like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.
Q: Is The Waldorf Astoria New York Kid-friendly?
A: Yes, kids of all ages are welcome at The Waldorf Astoria, and the hotel provides cribs upon request.
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