The Waldorf Astoria has been a hallmark of glamour and luxury since 1931. This Park Avenue landmark is now stepping into a new era of glamour and, by doing so, will open a whole new world to exclusive and personalised experiences.
Upon arrival, residents take the elevator, which leads them into an opulent world which extends to 50,000 square feet of private amenities, encompassed by the world-renowned and possibly unrivalled Waldorf service.
Four exceptional private bars and restaurants are at the heart of this exclusive lifestyle space. Each of these venues provides diverse, intimate and opulent settings that even the most discerning of New York and the world’s elite will be taken aback by.
The private clubs and restaurants within the property are not merely another amenity; each one is a landmark in its own right, offering the height of sophistication never before seen in private social venues, and most importantly, they are only available to those residing at the Waldorf and their esteemed guests.
Starlight Lounge
Perched above the iconic Park Avenue and connected to the Starlight Terrace, the Starlight Lounge is a crowning jewel in New York’s skyscape. The space showcases an intimate atmosphere against the city’s dramatic skyline, where classic cocktails meet contemporary flair.
The stunning 25-meter Starlight Pool will overlook Park Avenue in a dramatic double height-space, illuminated by a restored skylight that allows the architects’ original intent to be observed again for the first time in 70 years. With a meticulously crafted drinks menu and an unprecedented level of bespoke service, this lounge doesn’t just offer nightlife — it redefines it.
Winter Garden
Overlooking Park Avenue, the Winter Garden is where nature and urban sophistication merge. Designed as an indoor Eden, the space is a lavish interplay of greenery and glamour, offering residents a verdant retreat in the heart of Manhattan.
More than just a beautiful space, the Winter Garden stands as an oasis amidst the concrete jungle, serving as an idyllic setting for private soirees or a tranquil hideaway for those seeking a moment of serenity.
The Grand Salon
Nestled within the Residences and augmented with a fully equipped adjacent catering kitchen, The Grand Salon is the epitome of elegance and grandiosity. The expansive ballroom layout pays homage to the classic New York glamour, wrapped in a modern, sophisticated aura.
Far more than a mere venue, the Grand Salon sets the stage for the city’s most high-profile events, providing an experience that is as opulent as it is intimate.
The Chrysler Room
Boasting unparalleled views of the iconic Chrysler Building, The Chrysler Room is a masterclass in architectural symmetry and culinary excellence. The room’s design incorporates nuanced architectural elements that complement its awe-inspiring vistas, providing a holistic dining experience that delights both the eyes and the palate.
What truly sets The Chrysler Room apart is its commitment to gastronomy. Here, every meal is a journey, skilfully pairing captivating views with a culinary experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Things You Never Knew About the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Written by Frances Dodds
1. The original Waldorf Astoria Hotel started as a family feud between two cousins—William Waldorf Astor and John Jacob Astor IV.
In 1893, William built the original Waldorf Hotel on 5th Avenue and 33rd, which just happened to be the block where John’s mother lived. John found this breach of territory annoying, so four years later, he built an even bigger hotel (using the same architect his cousin William had commissioned) on the other end of the block.
Eventually, the two made peace and decided to connect the hotels by way of a long hallway (the famous Peacock Alley corridor), making the Waldorf Astoria the biggest hotel in the world.
2. The Empire State Building now stands where the original Waldorf Astoria was.
Tragically, John Jacob Astor died on the sinking of the Titanic. His cousin William Waldorf Astor died of a heart attack a few years later, and then in 1928, the hotel was sold to a developer, who demolished the old hotel to make room for the Empire State Building.
3. The Waldorf Astoria’s name was purchased for $1.
Just before the hotel was demolished, a savvy hotelier named Lucius Boomer offered to buy the hotel’s name, which no one thought would have any monetary worth at that point. But in 1931, Boomer opened the new Waldorf Astoria Hotel in its current location on Park Avenue—which, at 47 stories and 2,200 rooms, was once again the world’s biggest hotel.
4. Starting with Herbert Hoover, the Waldorf Astoria’s Presidential Suite became the unofficial home away from home for every U.S. president thereafter.
Herbert Hoover actually lived in the Waldorf for the last thirty years of his life, and every president since has followed suit—at least when they’re in New York. Presidents over the years have left memorabilia in the Presidential Suite: JFK’s favourite rocking chair, Jimmy Carter’s eagle desk set, Ronald Reagan’s mirror and eagle-base table, Lyndon Johnson’s eagle wall sconces.
5. Many famous people have lived in the Waldorf Astoria.
Cole Porter lived in the hotel for the last three decades of his life and immortalised the hotel’s namesake, Waldorf Salad, in his song “You’re the Top.” But he wasn’t the only notable person to call the hotel home. Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor also chose the hotel as their (not so) humble abode.
6. There’s an abandoned train station under the hotel: Track 61.
Originally used to carry freight from Grand Central Terminal a few blocks away, Track 61 was found to have a plethora of unexpected uses over the years. FDR used it when he was in office so people wouldn’t see him arriving in a wheelchair; Elsa Maxwell used it to bring up the elephants on which she made her grand entrance to the 1935 Circus Ball, and Andy Warhol threw his famous Underground Party on the train platform itself in 1965.
7. The Waldorf Astoria was the first hotel in the world to provide room service for guests.
Before the hotel began this service in the 1930s, it was unheard of. Since 2010, when it became legal to tend bees in the city, the Waldorf Astoria has also had six beehives and a full-time beekeeper on one of its roof decks—so if you’d like a little honey with afternoon tea service, rest assured it’s fresh from the comb.
We’re sure that the above facts provided by Frances Dodds will have surprised many; however, when we are writing about a property with such a storied history, we couldn’t leave it at seven; probably the OCD within us, therefore, we have added three more facts to round it out to ten.
The Birth of Eggs Benedict
Breakfast: Buttered toast, crisp bacon, two poached eggs, and a pitcher of hollandaise sauce. Until that day, hollandaise sauce was typically served with beef or shellfish. Benedict believed the creamy texture and deep flavour of the sauce would perfectly complement the poached eggs and salty bacon.
When Oscar Tschirky, famed maître d’hôtel at Waldorf Astoria New York for 50 years, heard about the order, he made a note of it. Trusting his culinary instincts, he substituted ham ( or Canadian bacon) for bacon and English muffins for buttered toast and placed the dish on the menu under the name “eggs Benedict.”
The Story Behind the Red Velvet Cake
Red Velvet Cake – In the 1940s, red velvet cake was rumoured to have been born in the kitchen of the Waldorf-Astoria. Legend has it that the chef who created this iconic red cake did so with beets as the colouring agent, and upon bringing it up to the VIP guest, he also handed them a $350 invoice. As you can imagine, that guest was quite unhappy with that price and decided to spread the recipe like wildfire and voilà; now we get to enjoy red velvet cake without the hefty price.
10. The Introduction of the Rob Roy Cocktail
The Rob Roy cocktail was created at the Waldorf Astoria New York, to celebrate the opening of the “Rob Roy” musical in 1894.
The images used in this feature are courtesy of Noë & Associates/The Boundary.
For more information on the iconic hotel, visit https://www.waldorftowers.nyc/.
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