Every city has historic hotels—the ones that have become homes for the well-healed, given that’s where they eat, sleep, host meetings, and party. In New York City, where gilded age parties and the city’s rich have inspired novels and TV shows, the Waldorf Astoria New York has been a Park Avenue staple for decades.
The hotel’s history stretches even before its current location by starting out as a Waldorf hotel on the site that is now occupied by the Empire State Building. Next door, the Astoria Hotel opened and soon, the street between the two came to be known as Peacock alley, where the rich would preen and pose. At some point, the two hotels merged and the city’s financial capital saw a grand dame established. In the years since its moved locations, it hosted the first ever Met Gala and Tony Awards before closing in 2017 for renovations. Recently, it reopened with 375 rooms (slashing from 1,400) which are some of the largest in the city, along with a soon-to-open Guerlain spa, which will sprawl across 20,000 sq ft wellness floor.
Globally, each Waldorf Astoria houses a Peacock Alley; and in New York, it’s a sleek all-day meeting spot. The centrepiece of the ground floor is gorgeously moody, with a deep navy blue that harmonises the space, and hosts dressed in gold flapper dresses (designed by Nicholas Oakwell’s NO Uniform, who has also taken care of the hotel’s other uniforms). It’s here that guests are drawn to the Waldorf Astoria clock, which was originally commissioned by Queen Victoria and crafted for the 1893 World’s Fair and Cole Porter’s High Society Steinway Piano. The former was purchased by John Jacob Astor for the hotel’s original Fifth Avenue location, while the latter was gifted to the hotel by long-time hotel resident and famed musician, Cole Porter. One can have an early breakfast here, or stop in for a potent libation at the end of the work day.
Cocktail lovers must try the Rob Roy—now made with Japanese whisky and Bénédictine—which is said to be one of the hotel’s many inventions. I loved the Met Gala, a take on the dirty martini, and are looking forward to sampling a selection of their twists on the Old Fashioned (which like all the cocktails are by Jeff Bell, managing partner of Please Don’t Tell). Other creations credited to the property include the Waldorf salad and in-room dining.
My room, a Deluxe Two Doubles, felt like a home away from home, with lots of space to stretch out and expected comfort such as an espresso machine and personal bar. The interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon are done up in neutral shades with chrome and leather accents. In the bathroom, you’ll find amenities by Aesop. When you’re laying down for the night, you’ll be sleeping on Frette bedding.
The lobby, which opens out to both Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue has been meticulously restored by SOM (who also designed Mumbai’s Terminal 2), to showcase the original mosaics and paintings—the most impressive of which is Louis Rigal’s Wheel of Life, which spans 18 feet high on the lobby floor. The material palette includes dark wood, hints of chrome and chequerboard flooring. The lobby area, where guests check-in, is a more neutral colour scheme.
Once indoors, you’ll notice there’s a warm woodiness in the air. The hotel has a signature scent: the 301 Park Avenue by Argentina’s Fueguia 1833. Also on the ground floor is Yoshoku, a Japanese fine-dine. Lex Yard, a two floor eatery, opens out to Lexington Avenue. It takes its name from the train yard that sits below the hotel, merely a few blocks away from Grand Central Station.
Dishes, all created by chef Michael Anthony (of the one Michelin starred Gramercy Tavern), are seasonal, and the short menu brings together a range of influences. My favourites included the eggplants with pole beans and a white miso glaze, and the fully loaded lobster roll, which is topped with caviar and shaved black truffle for an over-the-top but delicious bite. In the desserts, the hotel's invention—the red velvet cake—is another must-have. It is served as a tart, topped with cream cheese raspberry ice cream.
The hotel is sure to raise the stakes for the city's other luxury addresses. There's an easy informality to the service, where staff are eager for you experience one of the world’s most vibrant cities, while also making the most of your stay. Recommendations abound, and on a hot summer day, the door men are always ready to offer water bottles to those returning after a summer day outdoors. The team also crafts special moments, and I can attest to that! During my stay, a Bangladeshi service staff sent tea (with butler and full service) to my room, after a chance meeting on our floor led to a conversation in Hindi. A reminder that the hotel is located in one of the world’s great melting pots, where it’s setting a new standard for five-star hospitality.
