News Summary
The Waldorf Astoria New York has revealed its grand ballroom and renovated event spaces after a $2 billion restoration. This iconic hotel combines modern technology with Art Deco design, offering a new standard for events in Manhattan. The Grand Ballroom can now host up to 1,500 guests, showcasing advanced sound and lighting capabilities while preserving its original beauty. Alongside the main ballroom, additional event spaces have been updated, enhancing the hotel’s historical significance and luxury experience, including accommodations and the addition of residential units.
New York City – The Waldorf Astoria New York has officially unveiled its restored Grand Ballroom and event spaces, following an extensive $2 billion renovation. This historic hotel, a central fixture of Park Avenue for over a century, showcases a blend of contemporary technology with its classic Art Deco design, setting a new standard for events in the heart of Manhattan.
The centerpiece of the renovation, the Grand Ballroom, now boasts state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and staging capabilities, allowing it to accommodate up to 1,500 guests. The complete restoration preserved the room’s original architectural beauty while integrating modern functionalities suitable for a wide range of events.
Designed by the acclaimed architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and decorated by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the restoration of Waldorf Astoria includes nearly 43,000 square feet of event space across 14 private rooms. This significant revamp not only elevates the hotel’s profile, but also reinforces its historical importance in hosting notable events, such as the very first Tony Awards and early Met Galas.
Restoration Features and Additional Spaces
The Silver Corridor, a key passage connecting the event spaces, is adorned with 16 wall murals dating from 1897, reflecting the hotel’s storied history. Alongside the Grand Ballroom, several additional spaces have been thoughtfully restored. The Basildon Room, now accommodating up to 190 guests, features exquisite ceiling frescoes. The Jade Room, with its double-height ceilings and marble columns, is suitable for up to 420 guests, while the historically significant Astor Room also accommodates 420 guests and has been rejuvenated to enhance its event capabilities. Furthermore, a new 10th-floor terrace has been added for smaller gatherings.
Event planning at the Waldorf Astoria New York is streamlined with the inclusion of an on-site event manager and one of the largest coat check facilities in New York City, ensuring a seamless experience for guests and planners alike.
Guest Accommodations and Amenities
In addition to event spaces, the hotel has undergone significant changes to its guest accommodations. Now featuring 375 guest bedrooms, a substantial reduction from its original 1,400-room capacity, the rooms exceed 570 square feet and offer 11 different categories that mimic the ambiance of private apartments. Five new luxury suites, some stretching over 5,000 square feet, are also set to make their debut, enticing potential guests with opulence and comfort.
The Waldorf Astoria will also introduce the Guerlain Wellness Spa, encompassing 20,000 square feet with 16 treatment rooms and a cutting-edge fitness center. Guests can enjoy refined dining options featuring menus crafted by award-winning chefs, with restaurants like Lex Yard presenting a new American menu that emphasizes seasonal ingredients, while Peacock Alley boasts a redefined approach to mixology.
Residential Offerings
In a unique addition to the hospitality landscape, the Waldorf Astoria now includes 372 condominiums through its Waldorf Astoria Residences, providing residents with separate amenities such as a 25-meter pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and exclusive venues for entertainment.
A Historic Reopening
After a closure spanning over 3,000 days, marked by significant global events, the Waldorf Astoria New York is celebrating its grand reopening while embracing its legacy. The hotel is a part of the Hilton luxury portfolio and offers loyalty program benefits for Hilton Honors members. With immediate occupancy options available for residential units starting at $1.875 million, the Waldorf Astoria aims to attract both guests and residents who appreciate its rich history blended with modern luxury.
This remarkable transformation of the Waldorf Astoria New York exemplifies a unique commitment to preserving and enhancing its historical significance in New York City’s hospitality scene. The careful restoration and upgrades represent a fusion of old-world charm and modern conveniences, redefining the experience of both events and accommodations in one of the city’s most iconic locales.
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