Gilded Again: The Return of the Waldorf Astoria New York

For over a century, the Waldorf Astoria New York has been a part of New York’s legacy—this summer, after an eight-year, four billion dollar transformation, it reopened its doors to write a new chapter. 

More than just a luxury hotel, the Waldorf Astoria New York has been a stage for presidents, royalty, celebrities, and cultural moments since the 1890s. Now, the storied landmark has reopened its gilded doors to great acclaim with more than just a facelift, but a complete reimagining. This new era breathes fresh life into the Waldorf Astoria, where new tales are set to unfold against a foundation steeped in story.

From Rivalry to Royalty

…a place to see and be seen, where New York’s social elite paraded past journalists and society-watchers sipping whiskey.

For those who really want to dig into its history (calling all The Gilded Age fans), the Waldorf story begins not on Park Avenue, but with a family feud. In 1893, William Waldorf Astor opened the Waldorf Hotel on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street. Just four years later, his cousin, John Jacob Astor IV—never one to be outdone—built the neighboring Astoria Hotel, towering over the Waldorf. Fortuitously, their rivalry ended when a visionary manager suggested joining forces. In 1899, the hotels were linked by a grand corridor known as Peacock Alley—a place to see and be seen, where New York’s social elite paraded past journalists and society-watchers sipping whiskey. Today, the name “Peacock Alley” lives on as a signature of the Waldorf Astoria brand worldwide.

The original Waldorf-Astoria stood until 1929, when it was demolished to make way for the Empire State Building. By 1931, the “new” Waldorf Astoria opened on Park Avenue, with President Herbert Hoover presiding over the inauguration via radio—at the time, it was a symbol of America’s resilience after the stock market crash. Quickly, the hotel became the city’s most glamorous address.

Legends Lived Here

In its gilded ballrooms, history wasn’t just made but choreographed to perfection.

For decades, the Waldorf was both playground and home to the world’s most influential figures. Cole Porter composed at his custom mother-of-pearl–inlaid Steinway in Suite 33A. Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor called the Towers home. President Hoover lived here for thirty years after leaving office; President Franklin D. Roosevelt arrived discreetly via Track 61, the hotel’s hidden private subway platform. The guestbook reads like a roll call of 20th-century royalty—Grace Kelly, Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill. The Met Gala was born here. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was hosted here. In its gilded ballrooms, history wasn’t just made but choreographed to perfection.

Culinary Firsts and Cultural Touchstones

The Waldorf Salad, Eggs Benedict, and even red velvet cake were all born in its kitchens.

The Waldorf has given the world more than memories. The Waldorf Salad, Eggs Benedict, and even red velvet cake were all born in its kitchens. It was the first New York hotel with electricity on every floor, the first with private baths in every room, and the pioneer of 24-hour room service—all now-standard luxuries at hotels around the world.

On our recent scouting visit, our discerning team fell head over heels in love with our dining experience at Lex Yard. Aside from meeting Chef Michael Anthony himself (an absolute delight!), we were all too impressed with his reimaging of the Waldorf Salad—a recipe that reportedly took him months to perfect. But it wasn’t just the classic salad or the spin on the red velvet cake that had us swooning; we were equally impressed with the locally sourced seafood, particularly the Montauk shrimp that Chef had thoughtfully cured to perfection. Long story short, whether you’re a guest, local, or passerby, dine here. You won’t be disappointed.

Eight Years of Remodeling

When the hotel closed in 2017, it wasn’t for a facelift. Every one of the original 1,400 rooms was stripped away, making space for a highly reduced room count of just 375 ultra-luxury accommodations—including some of the largest guest rooms in the city, starting at 600 square feet. Above the 12th floor, private residences now occupy the Towers, with separate amenities ensuring hotel guests and residents experience equal levels of privacy and exclusivity.

…lobby still anchored by the original Queen Victoria-gifted clock and Cole Porter’s original Steinway piano.

Original architectural elements, from the soaring Art Deco lobby to the 1941 ballroom chandeliers, have been painstakingly restored. Elsewhere, modern craftsmanship has brought the hotel into the present without erasing its past—think Nicholas Oakwell-designed staff attire and a lobby still anchored by the original Queen Victoria-gifted clock and Cole Porter’s original Steinway piano.

The New Era of the Waldorf Astoria New York

The reopening reveals a Waldorf designed for a new generation of discerning travelers. Highlights include: 

• Largest Spa in New York City: Spanning 30,000 square feet across an entire floor, the Guerlain Spa offers seventeen treatment rooms, sauna and steam areas, and a menu of bespoke treatments exclusive to the property. 

• Expansive Suites: New suite products range from 2,500 to 5,000 square feet, many with multiple bedrooms and interconnecting configurations. 

• Culinary Excellence: Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern leads the hotel’s restaurants, including Lex Yard, an American brasserie; the revived Peacock Alley; and Yoshoku, a Japanese dining concept blending Kaiseki tradition with New York flair. 

• Event Spaces with Gravitas: The restored Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 1,500 guests and retains its original chandeliers. Once again, it’s poised to host the city’s most prestigious galas.

In A New York Minute 

The Waldorf’s return is not just about reopening a hotel—it’s about reclaiming a piece of New York’s cultural fabric. From its origin story steeped in society drama to its role as a global stage for diplomacy, art, and high style, the Waldorf Astoria New York has shaped the very idea of luxury hospitality. Today, it welcomes travelers to check in to a piece of living history without sacrificing modern comforts, where every detail honors the past while embracing the best of what’s next.