The Return of the Iconic Waldorf Astoria New York

Earlier in the month, the Hilton Hotels chain announced the Waldorf Astoria New York will start taking reservations in December for 2025 stays after its grand reopening scheduled for next spring. The iconic New York hotel with an imposing Art Deco design has been closed for renovation since 2017, and naturally, many are anticipating what they hope will be its return to glory.

The original Waldorf Astoria New York (not counting the one on 5th Avenue that was demolished in 1929) was opened in 1931 and has since been one of the most prestigious hotels in Manhattan and a top landmark in New York.

Sitting at the intersection of Park Avenue and E 50th Street, this storied hotel was essentially synonymous with Manhattan. You couldn’t talk about the glamour of New York without mentioning the Waldorf Astoria. In the early years, its guest list included celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and John Wayne. In the mid-fifties, Marylyn Monroe and husband, Arthur Miller, stayed at the hotels for months.

In addition, the prestige of the hotel didn’t escape the attention of movie producers in Hollywood. The Waldorf has featured in many high profile films, including Eddie Murphy’s 1988 comedy Coming to America, Catch Me If You Can starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and Mr and Mrs Smith starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The hotel also featured in many popular TV shows including Law and Order and The Sopranos.

Prior to the start of the renovation project, I stayed at the Waldorf during my first extended stay in New York, but it didn’t live up to my expectations. The chic of being the Waldorf Astoria New York was still present, but it was clear it was living on past glory and needed a "shot of oxygen."

During my last visit to Manhattan last fall, I barely noticed the building as I walked by on my way to Grand Central. It simply didn’t leave any lasting memories I could carry with me.

Clearly, some people at the top felt the hotel needed to reinvent itself and reclaim its past glory. After the multi-year effort led by big names like architects Skidmore, Owings & Merill, and architecture and design studio Pierre Yves Rochon, it’s almost time to see how well it worked out. If the media being released by the hotel chain is anything to go by, guests may be in for a treat.

According to current managing director Luigi Romaniello, the grand ballroom and the famous Waldorf Astoria clock have been restored to what they used to be during the glory days, and that won’t go unnoticed by previous hotel guests.

Other event areas, including the Jade Room, Astor Salon, and Silver Corridor, have also been meticulously restored while maintaining the Art Deco charm that made them endearing in the good old days.

The press release goes on to state that all guest rooms and suites have been redone to showcase luxury accommodations no other New York establishment can match (bold claims) while blending Art Deco styling with modern comforts. Speaking of modern comfort, the hotel will have a 30,000 sq ft spa and fitness center with an outdoor terrace.

The owners understand that a grand opening like this should come with a special fine dining experience, so they’ve enlisted the services of Chef Michael Anthony to lead the effort in the Lex Yad signature restaurant. Chef Anthony is no stranger to the New York fine dining scene. He had a fruitful run at the city’s Michelin-starred Gramercy Tavern, where his innovative approach impressed diners and critics.

The Lex Yad restaurant is a two-level American Brasserie that promises to deliver palate-pleasing cuisine to win over locals and visitors to Manhattan and contribute to rekindling the "Waldorf Charm." On the more casual side, the iconic Peacock Alley lounge and bar will deliver wine and cocktails to delight visitors.

So, it appears there’s a lot to look forward to in Manhattan this spring. We have an event coming up in New York next year and I’m tempted to wait for the reopening of the Waldorf so we can make it a part of the story. Maybe this time, I’ll experience the "Waldorf Charm" I missed during my last stay.