The beautifully renovated lobby of the Waldorf Astoria hotel showcasing contemporary design paired with its historic charm.
The Waldorf Astoria New York has reopened its doors following an extensive $2 billion renovation that lasted nearly eight years. This historic hotel, which closed for over 3,000 days, has reimagined its space, reducing guest rooms to 375 while modernizing iconic areas like the Grand Ballroom. Enhanced dining options and amenities, including a planned Guerlain Spa, promise an elevated experience for guests. The hotel’s management aims to restore its original majesty, making it a renewed symbol of luxury in Manhattan’s hospitality scene.
New York City – The Waldorf Astoria New York has officially reopened its doors after a significant renovation that spanned nearly eight years and cost $2 billion, marking it as one of the most expensive hotel restorations in U.S. history. This iconic hotel, located in Midtown Manhattan and straddling Park and Lexington Avenues, covers 1.6 million square feet and stands 47 stories tall.
The historic hotel was closed for 3,058 days, a period that coincided with two presidential elections and a global pandemic. Originally opened in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria was relocated from its initial site on Fifth Avenue, where it operated as two separate hotels: the Waldorf and the Astoria. The hotel was first constructed in 1893 as a luxurious estate by the Astor family but had to be moved due to the Empire State Building’s construction in 1929.
The hotel’s renovation, led by Dajia Insurance Group in partnership with Hilton’s management and the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, involved reimagining its space. The number of guest rooms was reduced from over 1,400 to just 375, with the new rooms starting at a generous 570 square feet each. This revitalization also includes the restoration of landmarked areas, like the Grand Ballroom, which is now decorated in rich tones of green, burgundy, and gold, showcasing Waldorf Bronze moldings.
Under the management of Conrad Hilton, starting in 1949, the Waldorf Astoria became synonymous with celebrity and ambition. Many famous figures have graced its halls, including U.S. presidents, Winston Churchill, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe.
The renovation of the Waldorf Astoria has not only restored traditional spaces but has modernized them while retaining their elegance. Signature locations like the Peacock Alley Lounge now feature contemporary updates alongside original details, including a restored Steinway piano that once belonged to composer Cole Porter. The Grand Ballroom has been reimagined to host up to 1,550 guests across its three tiers, and its stunning renovated mural and mosaic floor, constructed from 148,000 pieces of marble, reflect the hotel’s historic grandeur.
The reopened hotel boasts a variety of dining options. Visitors can enjoy meals at Lex Yard, a modern American brasserie curated by chef Michael Anthony, dine at Peacock Alley – the hotel’s signature lounge, or experience Yoshoku, which offers kaiseki-inspired cuisine. The Waldorf Astoria is also known for iconic dishes and cocktails, including the Waldorf salad, eggs benedict, and red velvet cake, which all contribute to its longstanding culinary reputation.
New amenities will continue to enhance guest experiences, with a Guerlain Spa expected to open by late 2025. Accessibility has also been prioritized: the hotel now features 32 ADA compliant guest rooms and nine ADA lifts, aiding guest navigation throughout the property’s expansive layout.
The Waldorf Astoria provides various event spaces, such as the Silver Corridor, the Basildon Room adorned with frescoes inspired by Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” and the Jade Room, which honors the design of a previous ballroom. Rates for a stay start from $1,500 per night, with bookings available through Hilton’s luxury portfolio and an option for Hilton Honors points.
As the Waldorf Astoria New York welcomes guests once more, the management emphasizes restoring and celebrating the hotel’s original majesty and its pivotal role in New York City’s social and political history. The hotel’s reopening ceremony allowed guests to experience a blend of traditional elegance and contemporary sophistication, establishing the Waldorf as a renewed beacon of luxury in Manhattan.
Waldorf Astoria New York Reopens After Extensive Renovation
Waldorf Astoria New York Reopens After Renovation
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