From secret train tracks to iconic recipes, here's what makes the Waldorf Astoria a true hospitality pioneer.
Few hotels have shaped a city quite like the Waldorf Astoria shaped New York. Originally opening in 1893 and relocating to its now-iconic Park Avenue address in 1931, it quickly became a symbol of elegance, power and innovation – hosting everyone from jazz legends and socialites to royalty and presidents, and pioneering the modern luxury hotel experience.
"When it [re-]opened in 1931 it was very much considered a symbol of hope in the future," said David Freeland, historian and author of American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century. "For that reason, President Hoover actually gave the opening in an [on-air] address [for the Waldorf]… because it was seen not just as a symbol of the city [but] as a national symbol of recovery."
Now, after an eight-year renovation, the Waldorf has reopened its doors with restored historic details including many of the original murals and frescoes, as well as luxurious new interiors by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Hotel stays and restaurant reservations are now available, though its glamourous event spaces won't be available to book until September.
Here are six reasons why the Waldorf Astoria still deserves its place in hospitality history.
1. It pioneered modern hospitality
The Waldorf Astoria introduced amenities now considered standard in upscale hotels. It was the first modern hotel to offer room service, in-room telephones and have "celebrity chefs". These features, along with its lavish interiors like its grand lobby, were part of the reason for its popularity with the upper crust of New York society.
"From the very beginning in the 1890s, the Waldorf became known for hosting royalty ambassadors, diplomats, also leading figures in culture and in the arts," Freeland told the BBC. "That reputation continued really throughout its history."
2. It helped redefine fine dining
In an era when New York's elite still mostly dined at home, the Waldorf helped make restaurants fashionable. In fact, it was one of the first locations in the city where it was socially acceptable for women to eat alone in public.
Its kitchens were home to celebrated chefs, most notably Oscar Tschirky – known as "Oscar of the Waldorf" – who led the hotel's culinary offerings for 50 years.Several unique dishes were created or popularised here, including eggs Benedict, red velvet cake and the Waldorf Salad. The hotel's new Lex Yard restaurant pays homage to these culinary classics with a red velvet souffle and chef Michael Anthony'sversion of the hotel's signature salad.
3. Peacock Alley is back
The original Waldorf Astoria, located on what is now the site of the Empire State Building, was actually two hotels: the Waldorf and the Astoria, connected by a 300ft promenade where wealthy hotel guests would show off their fashionable attire. Known as Peacock Alley, it became the place to see and be seen.
That same space has been reimagined and now sports a beautiful new mural behind the bar along with the hotel's original 1893 lobby clock and Cole Porter's grand piano – a nod to the composer who lived at the Waldorf from 1935 until his death in 1964. In keeping with tradition, it's still a perfect place to sip a cocktail and watch stylish guests glide through the lobby.
4. There's a secret train track underneath
Securing an entire city block for a new development was a feat even in 1931. The Waldorf Astoria managed it by taking over the New York Central Railroad's railyard after its steam engines were converted to electricity and relocated underground.
5. It was the official hotel of the United Nations
When the United Nations chose New York City as its permanent headquarters in 1946, the Waldorf Astoria played an important behind-the-scenes role. The hotel had a hand in ensuring that the UN's mission of international cooperation wasn't derailed by the racist segregationist policies that were prominent in the US at the time.
"The UN Secretariat had been very concerned about the question of accommodation for UN delegates, guests and personnel – some of whom were people of colour. This was at a time when certain hotels in New York still practiced some form of unofficial segregation," explained Freeland. "So, the UN made an arrangement with the Waldorf: the Waldorf agreed to welcome all guests regardless of colour, and, in exchange, it would become the UN's preferred hotel for housing and events."
6. It now has some of the largest guest rooms in NYC
The original Waldorf Astoria opened with 450 guest rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the city at the time. Over the years, the number ballooned to 1,400 as both the city and the hotel's reputation grew. The renovation has returned to its roots, cutting the room count down to just 375 while expanding their size dramatically. Averaging more than 570 sq ft,the new rooms are bigger than many New York City apartments.
