The Waldorf-Astoria

Whether you stay in the hotel or not, a visit to The Waldorf-Astoria on Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan is a must for anyone who appreciates New York City history and Art Deco architecture and design. It was one of the first hotels to embrace the Deco style, and became an official New York City landmark in 1993.

Years of modernizing renovations covered much of the building’s original interior details, but the historic décor was uncovered during a massive restoration project begun during the 1980s.

The Park Avenue lobby features the 148,000-piece Wheel of Life mosaic, based on the floor’s original hand-woven carpet designed by French artist Louis Rigal; a series of Rigal murals from 1935; and an ornate crystal chandelier. Relax (and people-watch) for free in the lobby’s comfortable chairs and sofas, or in the mezzanine-level Cocktail Terrace, where a pianist often plays tunes on the Steinway grand piano that belonged to former resident Cole Porter.

Sites in the main lobby include centerpiece is the tall Clock Tower, built for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, above which is an ornate ceiling gilded in gold and silver. Decorative marble, wooden carvings and metal fixtures, along with antique black telephones, can be found throughout the building.

In addition to the imposing Waldorf-Astoria’s granite and limestone structure and period implements, exterior highlights include the grand Deco-style lettering, Spirit of Achievement sculpture and canopy over the Park Avenue entrance.

The world-renowned property, however, is the second site for this New York luxury hotel. The Waldorf, built in 1893 on Fifth Avenue by William Waldorf Astor, and its second tower, The Astoria from 1897, were torn down to make way for what became another Art Deco legend—the Empire State Building.

The new Waldorf-Astoria, which was the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1931, continued to be the entertainment and special events location-of-choice for members of society, celebrities, and international dignitaries, with its popular supper clubs and elegant ballrooms. It even had its own underground railroad for private railcars.

Famous residents of the 47-story hotel and adjoining Waldorf Towers have included Bing Crosby, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and General Douglas MacArthur. And while most luxury hotels have a “presidential suite,” not many can claim that theirs truly is an official residence for the sitting President of the United States, used for his New York City visits.

The property today is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation’s Waldorf Astoria Collection, named for the hotel. High-end shops and services line the main-floor hallways; on the nineteenth floor is the French-based Guerlain Spa. To dine in style, check out the Peacock Alley Restaurant and Lounge off the main lobby. Wall Street wonders, or wannabe wheelers-and-dealers, can sink their teeth into a juicy sirloin at the Bull & Bear Steakhouse.

HelloMetro.com tip: Take the hotel's guided tour for $50, which includes lunch at either Peacock Alley or Oscar’s restaurant, taxes and gratuity. Tours start at 11:30 a.m. every Thursday and Saturday. Call (212) 872-1275 for reservations.

- by Donna M. Airoldi, New York Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Donna M. Airoldi

Donna M. Airoldi is a New York-based freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years experience covering travel, business and lifestyle topics. She's the former Editorial Director for TravelMuse, and has been published in Time Out New York, Travel & Leisure, TravelWorld International, Incentive, Successful Meetings, DNAinfo.com, and numerous other print and online publications.