Waldorf Astoria New York: Luxury from Another Time

New York is the city of superlatives, a dream destination for thousands of tourists and home to some of the world's most luxurious and impressive hotels. This includes the Waldorf Astoria. Since 1931, the 42-story building has attracted politicians, celebrities, and businesspeople into its venerable halls. Once almost exclusively reserved for wealthy and famous individuals, there are now also more affordable rooms at the luxury accommodation Waldorf Astoria. About 101 of the 2,200 suites and rooms are still booked by presidents and VIPs. Two nights in the Waldorf Towers can cost around $10,000. A more budget-friendly option is dining at the restaurant. We present the luxury hotel in the heart of New York and its rich history.

The history of the hotel dates back a long way. In 1893, German immigrant Johann Jakob Astor built the original Waldorf Hotel, the predecessor of today's flagship grand hotel, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street in Manhattan. Four years later, it merged with the neighboring Astoria Hotel, also owned by the Astor clan. The Waldorf-Astoria was born. Later, the hotel complex had to make way for the construction of the Empire State Building but was reconstructed even larger and more luxuriously just a few blocks away. The luxury hotel, which occupies an entire block, quickly became the best address in the city, especially popular with New York's high society on Park Avenue. The Presidential Suite has always been the standard accommodation for American leaders. Barack Obama frequently stays here, and both Herbert Hoover and Eisenhower spent their final days in the luxury suite. In the 1970s, the Hilton hotel chain took over the impressive hotel.

Amidst the restless city, the pompous halls appear as if from another time. It's no wonder that only high-quality materials were used for the interior design. The ubiquitous Art Deco style is accentuated by mahogany-paneled elevators, wall tapestries, mosaic floors, and antique furniture. Notable guests have included the Shah of Persia, Khrushchev, and mob boss Lucky Luciano. Suite 2728 was Marilyn Monroe's refuge when she was in the Big Apple, and in 1945 the entire hotel was transformed into a film set, serving as the backdrop for the Ginger Rogers film 'Weekend at the Waldorf.' Today, visitors browse through original editions of great writers in the impressive antiquarian or admire the famous Goldsmith Clock from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. A weekend in these historic walls can cost up to $10,000. However, there are cheaper ways to see New York's flagship hotel from the inside. For just under $200 a night, you can book one of the more modest double rooms without having to stay in the famous Towers. Additionally, the restaurant and bar are also open to non-hotel guests. For about $60, you can experience one of the most lavish brunch buffets in the city, and the Bull and Bear Bar is no longer a hidden gem.

By the way: The famous Waldorf Salad is named for good reason. In fact, Oscar Tschirky, the first chef of the old Waldorf, created the famous salad made from apples, celery, mayonnaise, and tender lettuce leaves. You can still get the best Waldorf Salad at the restaurant of the New York luxury hotel.

Images and more information can be found on the luxury hotel's page.