Full Answer
How did the Waldorf Astoria get its name?
So they connected the two grand hotels with a 300-meter corridor known as Peacock Alley. And so began the iconic history of the Waldorf Astoria name. The union of establishments created New York City’s original Waldorf-Astoria hotel, and subsequently, the ultimate destination for the socially prominent.
How many Waldorf Astoria Hotels are there in the world?
In 2006, Conrad Hilton would brand a collection of hotels after the Waldorf-Astoria to include the most luxurious hotels in the world. The collection began with five properties and would grow to possess 32 more worldwide, known as the Waldorf-Astoria Hotels & Resorts.
What is the Waldorf-Astoria?
The union of establishments created New York City’s original Waldorf-Astoria hotel, and subsequently, the ultimate destination for the socially prominent.
How tall is the Waldorf Astoria New York?
/ 40.75639°N 73.97417°W / 40.75639; -73.97417 The Waldorf Astoria New York is a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The structure, at 301 Park Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, is a 47-story 625 ft (191 m) Art Deco landmark designed by architects Schultze and Weaver, which was completed in 1931.
Why is it called the Waldorf Astoria?
The original hotel (that was torn down to make room for the Empire State Building) was built out of a family feud. In 1893, William Waldorf Astor opened a 13-story hotel at Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street called the Waldorf.
What famous people lived in the Waldorf Astoria?
Many famous people have lived in the Waldorf Astoria. Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor also chose the hotel as to stand in as a (not so) humble abode.
Who owns the Waldorf Astoria?
HiltonThe Hotel Waldorf-Astoria Corporation / Parent organizationHilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., formerly Hilton Hotels Corporation, is an American multinational hospitality company that manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels and resorts. Founded by Conrad Hilton in May 1919, the corporation is now led by Christopher J. Nassetta. Wikipedia
What was invented at the Waldorf Astoria?
The Waldorf Salad was created somewhere around 1896 at the Waldorf hotel in New York by the same blessed soul that made Eggs Benedict an official dish, Oscar of the Waldorf. The original recipe for the salad called for fresh apples, celery and walnuts, dressed up in mayonnaise on a bed of lettuce.
Where do presidents stay in NYC?
the Waldorf Astoria NewEvery president since Herbert Hoover in 1931 has stayed in the Waldorf Astoria New York's presidential suite. A plaque at the suite's entrance lists other famous guests, including Queen Elizabeth II and Emperor Hirohito.
How much does a night at the Waldorf Astoria cost?
“It can range anywhere from $2,000 per night to $10,000 per night depending on the time of the year and day of the week.” Fun fact: “There are over 80 years of fun facts! If I had to name a few…the Waldorf is the birthplace of American staples such as Eggs Benedict and of course, the Waldorf Salad.
Can you live at the Waldorf Astoria?
“For almost 100 years, the Waldorf Astoria has been New York's 'Unofficial Palace' and was famously anointed by Conrad Hilton as 'The Greatest of Them All. ' Now, with residences for sale for the first time, buyers from New York and all over the world can call it home,” says Miller.
How do you pronounce Waldorf?
0:051:00How To Say Waldorf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWaldorf waldorf waldorf waldorf waldorf waldorf.MoreWaldorf waldorf waldorf waldorf waldorf waldorf.
Why was Waldorf Astoria demolished?
Built in 1893 and expanded in 1897, the Waldorf-Astoria was razed in 1929 to make way for construction of the Empire State Building. Its successor, the current Waldorf Astoria New York, was built on Park Avenue in 1931.
How much is a Waldorf salad at the Waldorf Astoria?
NotesDishPagePriceWaldorf Salad30.7Persimmon Salad30.7Chiffonade Salad30.7Lorenzo Dressing30.15139 more rows
Is Waldorf Astoria owned by Hilton?
Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app.
How old is the Waldorf Astoria?
91Waldorf Astoria New York / Age (c. 1931)
Why did they demolish the Waldorf Astoria?
Built in 1893 and expanded in 1897, the Waldorf-Astoria was razed in 1929 to make way for construction of the Empire State Building. Its successor, the current Waldorf Astoria New York, was built on Park Avenue in 1931.
Why is the Waldorf Astoria New York closed?
With the Waldorf Astoria closed in 2017 for a multiyear renovation, the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to protect several of its public spaces as being prominent and culturally significant. It had been an official exterior landmark since 1993.
Why are so many hotels called Astoria?
Astoria is a placename, ultimately named for businessman John Jacob Astor (1763–1848), in the 1840s the wealthiest person in the United States and, as a hotel name, his great-grandson William Waldorf Astor (1848–1919).
Why was the hotel Astor demolished?
The hotel was developed as a successor to the Waldorf-Astoria. Hotel Astor's success triggered the construction of the nearby Knickerbocker Hotel by other members of the Astor family two years later. The building was razed in 1967 to make way for the high-rise office tower One Astor Plaza.
The hotel moved to its current location, on 50th Street and Park Avenue, in 1931. When it first opened, President Herbert Hoover said that it was "an event in the advancement of hotels."
The hotel moved to its current location, on 50th Street and Park Avenue, in 1931. When it first opened, President Herbert Hoover said that it was "an event in the advancement of hotels."
Conrad Hilton bought the hotel in 1949, and Hilton has managed the historic property ever since
Conrad Hilton bought the hotel in 1949, and Hilton has managed the historic property ever since.
Today, the hotel maintains its historic grandeur. Guests entering from Park Avenue face this formidable lobby
Today, the hotel maintains its historic grandeur. Guests entering from Park Avenue face this formidable lobby.
The public areas have luxurious marble floors and classic, elegant furnishings
The public areas have luxurious marble floors and classic, elegant furnishings.
The Towers recently introduced "suite specialists" who cater to the guests of this hotel-within-a-hotel, offering everything from personal butler and concierge service to odd requests like raising the height of the toilets
The Towers recently introduced "suite specialists" who cater to the guests of this hotel-within-a-hotel, offering everything from personal butler and concierge service to odd requests like raising the height of the toilets.
There's a hidden train tunnel that runs from Grand Central to the base of the Waldorf Astoria. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt used this secret tunnel to enter the hotel so that people didn't know he was in a wheelchair
There's a hidden train tunnel that runs from Grand Central to the base of the Waldorf Astoria. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt used this secret tunnel to enter the hotel so that people didn't know he was in a wheelchair.
What is Grand Wailea known for?
Eventually, it would become one of the first hotels to join Hilton’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotels & Resorts in 2006. Today, Grand Wailea is famous for its beauty and amenities such as the first water elevator, the first rotating barrel pipe ride, and the largest spa in Hawaii— Mohalu Spa Grande. The Grand Wailea has hosted celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Steve Carell, and Magic Johnson. It was also the filming location for the 2011 movie Just Go With It starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
Why is the Biltmore called the Jewel of the Desert?
This beautiful title was earned for its pioneering designs by Albert Chase McArthur who studied under designer, Frank Lloyd Wright in 1929. Fast forward to 2021, and the newly renovated Arizona Biltmore further upscales the hotel’s chic allure. Virserius Studio , PHX Architecture, and Jim Smith of Serving the Nation, Inc.–all Frank Lloyd Wright admirers–were purposefully commissioned for this 15-month project to meticulously restore, repair, and celebrate the Arizona Biltmore’s iconic legacy while reimagining the luxurious guest experience for a new era. The beautiful property stretches effortlessly for 39 acres, offering guests seven pools, an award-winning spa, and lush gardens surrounded by mountains. It is impossible to resist this oasis of a hotel, even Marilyn Monroe was known to sunbathe at the edge of the Catalina Pool back in 1930.
What hotel did the union of establishments create?
The union of establishments created New York City’s original Waldorf-Astoria hotel, and subsequently, the ultimate destination for the socially prominent. High-class celebrities like Princess Grace of Monaco and Ella Fitzgerald, world leaders including Queen Elizabeth II, and others from the ‘wealthy upper crust’ quickly fell in love with the Waldorf-Astoria.
Who built the Waldorf Astoria?
In 1893, William Waldorf Astor created the Waldorf Hotel. Then 4 years later, in 1897, his cousin, John Jacob Astor IV, created the Astoria Hotel. John was on a mission to compete with William so he built his hotel several stories higher than the Waldorf. This started a healthy competition between the two to see who could be the best of luxury hotels. Until one day the two men came to a respected armistice and decided together they could really be the best. So they connected the two grand hotels with a 300-meter corridor known as Peacock Alley. And so began the iconic history of the Waldorf Astoria name.
Who built the Casa Marina in Key West?
Henry Flagler promised Key West a luxury resort hotel back in 1912. So, in 1920 he built Casa Marina to serve and host the travelers of his Overseas Railroad. Ever since its inception, the hotel has been a part of great moments of American history. Casa Marina served as an officer’s quarters during World War II, home to the U.S. Army’s Sixth Missile Battalion during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and host to 300 volunteers for the new Peace Corp training. Thomas Hastings and John M. Carrere designed the hotel that became even more legendary when it converted to the iconic Waldorf-Astoria brand in 2009.
What was the role of the Waldorf Astoria in the Cold War?
The hotel played a considerable role in the emerging Cold War and international relations during the postwar years, staging numerous events and conferences. On March 15, 1946, Winston Churchill attended a welcoming dinner at the hotel given by Governor Thomas E. Dewey, 10 days after making his famous Iron Curtain speech, and from November 4 to December 12, 1946, the Big Four Conference was held in Jørgine Boomer 's apartment on the 37th floor of the Towers between the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union to discuss the future of Eastern Europe. On November 24, 1947, 48 prominent figures of the Hollywood film industry, including various film executives such as Louis B. Mayer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures, Spyros Skouras of 20th Century Fox, Albert Warner of Warner Bros., and Eric Johnston, the head of the Association of Motion Picture Producers, met at the Waldorf Astoria and discussed what would become the Waldorf Statement, banning people with Communist beliefs or tendencies from the Hollywood film industry. The statement was a response to the contempt of Congress charges against the so-called " Hollywood Ten ".
How tall is the Waldorf Astoria?
The structure, at 301 Park Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, is a 47-story 625 ft (191 m) Art Deco landmark designed by architects Schultze and Weaver, which was completed in 1931. The building was the world's tallest hotel from 1931 until 1963, ...
What was the idea behind the Waldorf Astoria hotel?
The idea of a new Waldorf-Astoria hotel was based on the concept that a large, opulent hotel should be available in New York for distinguished visitors. Financial backing was not difficult to get in the summer of 1929, as times were prosperous; the stock market had not yet crashed nor had the Depression arrived. However, before ground was broken for the new building, some of the investors became dubious about whether this was the right time to be investing in a luxury hotel. The land for the new hotel was formerly owned by the New York Central Railroad, which had operated a power plant for Grand Central Terminal on the site. New York Central had promised $10 million toward the building of the new Waldorf-Astoria. The railroad and all the other investors decided to honor their commitments and take their chances with the uncertain financial climate.
What does the double hyphen mean?
The double hyphen visually represents "Peacock Alley", the hallway between the two hotels that once stood where the Empire State building now stands today. The use of the double hyphen was discontinued by parent company Hilton in 2009, shortly after the introduction of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts chain.
When was the Waldorf Astoria built?
That original site was situated on Astor family properties along Fifth Avenue, opened in 1893, and designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh.
What does Walldorf mean?
Walldorf is the ancestral home of the prominent German-American Astor family who originated there. In German, "Waldorf" (with one l, like the hotel) means "Whale Village" (Wal = whale, Dorf = village), and "Walldorf" (with two l's, like the town) means "Rampart Village" (Wall = rampart).
How long did Herbert Hoover live in the Waldorf?
Herbert Hoover who lived at the Waldorf for over 30 years from the end of his presidency before he passed away in 1964 while living in the Hotel's Presidential Suite.
Background
Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street (1885). On the right hand side are the residences of John Jacob and William B. Astor. The homes were later razed to build the Waldorf–Astoria Hotel.
Architecture
On the exterior, the two and three lower stories in the respective buildings were of red sandstone, while the balance of the work to the roof-line was red brick and red terracotta. The building rested on solid rock and contained a fireproof steel frame. [34] The first and second floors contained public spaces. [25]
Notable people
William Waldorf Astor (1848–1919) was a wealthy American attorney, politician, businessman, and newspaper publisher of the Astor family. He was the only child of financier/philanthropist John Jacob Astor III (1822–1890) and Charlotte Augusta Gibbes (1825–1887).
Sources
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain: H. M. Biggs' "Preventive Medicine in the City of New York: The Address in Public Medicine Delivered at the 65th Annual Meeting of the British Medical Association, in Montreal, Canada, September, 1897" (1897)
What was the original Waldorf hotel?
Getty ImagesGetty Images. 1. The original hotel (that was torn down to make room for the Empire State Building) was built out of a family feud. In 1893, William Waldorf Astor opened a 13-story hotel at Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street called the Waldorf.
When was the Waldorf Salad invented?
4. In the 1930s, the hotel invented room service.
When did Prince Rainier III arrive in Monaco?
Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier III of Monaco arrive on June 1 , 1956 for the 'Night in Monte Carlo' ball at the Waldorf-Astoria. Photo by Getty. 9.
When did the hotel give amnesty?
10. In 2012, the hotel announced an amnesty period where any stolen item could be returned without penalty. The grace gave way to loads of treasures, from Do Not Disturb signs and ashtrays to complete sets of china and cutlery.
When did Marilyn Monroe move to the Hilton?
In 1955, Marilyn Monroe fled life in Hollywood and moved into the hotel's $1,000-per-week Suite 2728. Decades after her grandfather Conrad purchased the property, Paris Hilton decided to make a nest here. Arthur Miller and his wife Marilyn Monroe at an April in Paris Ball held in 1957 at the Waldorf-Astoria.
Where is Track 61 in Grand Central?
You can order off of a specialty menu until 5am. 5. You're not going to find Track 61 at Grand Central or Penn Station. The secret train track (that's rarely opened for a public viewing) runs underneath Park Avenue and can only be accessed from an entrance within the Waldorf-Astoria.
Who was Arthur Miller's wife?
Arthur Miller and his wife Marilyn Monroe at an April in Paris Ball held in 1957 at the Waldorf-Astoria. Photo by Getty. 8. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco held their engagement party at the hotel in 1956. Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier III of Monaco arrive on June 1, 1956 for the 'Night in Monte Carlo' ball at ...
How many rooms does Waldorf Astoria have?
When the Waldorf Astoria reopens in 2023, it will have 375 hotel rooms, down from 1,400, and 375 condominium units. The for-sale apartments will range from studios starting at $1.8 million to four-bedrooms starting at $18.5 million (plus two penthouses, prices undisclosed). The amenities accessible only to residents will include the skylit 82-foot-long Starlight Pool -- formerly the Starlight Roof where Ella Fitzgerald regularly performed -- as well as the verdant Winter Garden, a bar and lounge turned into a green oasis.
When did the Waldorf Astoria open?
This month marks 90 years since the Waldorf Astoria first opened its doors on New York's Park Avenue in 1931, becoming the tallest and largest luxury hotel in the world during an inauspicious time, as the Great Depression cast its long shadow.
What was Peacock Alley?
Peacock Alley during the 1910s. The corridor, which connected the original two buildings, was a place for fashionable guests to show off their attire for the evening. Credit: FPG/Getty Images
What is Deniot designing?
Deniot is designing the residential spaces with the layouts of a private mansion in mind, he said over the phone, conceptualizing rooms for leisure and entertaining, such as the stately Presidential Library and Bar and modern-looking Monte Carlo Gaming Room.
Is the Waldorf Astoria closed?
But the Waldorf Astoria has also been closed for the past four and a half years, under going a more than $1 billion renovation after it was purchased for $1.95 billion in 2014 by China's Anbang Insurance Group (now Dajia Insurance Group). While parts of the hotel are being restored to its original state -- rooms including the Grand Ballroom are protected by New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission -- much of the building is being entirely reimagined for the future. And, for the first time, the Waldorf Astoria will offer residential apartments to own, rather than lease, within the twin Waldorf Towers.
Who built the Waldorf Astoria?
The hotel was in actuality two buildings -- the results of a proverbial measuring contest between two moneyed cousins of the Astor family. William Waldorf Astor, who became the richest man in America thanks to his father's inheritance, built the Waldorf. Four years later, his cousin, John Jacob Astor IV, doomed to become the wealthiest man to die aboard the Titanic in 1912, built a taller hotel right next door. They eventually dropped the animosity and hyphenated the hotel's name as well as the buildings, connecting the two through a 300-foot marble corridor dubbed "Peacock Alley." Among its perks, the Waldorf-Astoria touted that it was the first to offer en-suite bathrooms as well as room service.
Who designed the Deniot penthouses?
Renderings have been released of many of the new residential spaces, but the crown jewels -- the two penthouses designed by Deniot -- are still in the works. With a focus on designing spaces that feel "more contemporary" but still "timeless," he isn't necessarily looking to the building's long history to guide him.
Overview
Restaurants and cuisine
The Waldorf Astoria was the first hotel to offer room service and was the first major hotel in the world to hire women as chefs, beginning in 1931. An extensive menu is available for guests, with special menus for children and for dieters. The executive chef of the Waldorf for many years was John Doherty, following the Austrian Arno Schmidt who held the position for ten years from 1969 to 197…
Name
The name of the hotel is ultimately derived from the town of Walldorf, which lies in south-west Germany, close to Mannheim and Heidelberg. Walldorf is the ancestral home of the prominent German-American Astor family who originated there. In German, "Waldorf" (with one l, like the hotel) means "Whale Village" (Wal = whale, Dorf = village), and "Walldorf" (with two l's, like the town) means "Rampart Village" (Wall = rampart). The name of the town, however, formed throug…
History
The original hotel started as two hotels on Fifth Avenue built by feuding relatives. The first hotel, the 13-story, 450-room Waldorf Hotel, designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in the German Renaissance style, was opened on March 13, 1893, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street, on the site where millionaire developer William Waldorf Astor had his mansion. The original hotel …
Architecture
The hotel was designed by architects Schultze and Weaver and constructed at 301 Park Avenue, just north of Grand Central Terminal. That area was developed atop the existing railroad tracks leading to the station, as part of the Terminal City complex, wherein buildings like the Waldorf Astoria using "air rights" to the space above the tracks. Travel America stated: "To linger in the sumptuous sal…
Notable residents and guests
On the 100th anniversary of the hotel in 1993, one publication wrote: "It isn't the biggest hotel in New York, nor the most expensive. But when it comes to prestige, the Waldorf-Astoria has no peer. When presidents come to New York, they stay at the Waldorf-Astoria. Kings and queens make it their home away from home, as have people as diverse as Cary Grant, the Dalai Lama and Chris Evert. Some of them liked the hotel so well, they made their home there." From its inceptio…
In popular culture
The Waldorf Astoria has been a filming location for numerous films and TV series. Ginger Rogers headlined an all star ensemble cast in the 1945 film Week-End at the Waldorf, set at the hotel and filmed partially on location there. Other films shot at the hotel include The Out-of-Towners (1970), Broadway Danny Rose (1984), Coming to America (1988), Scent of a Woman (1992), The Cowboy Way (1994), Random Hearts (1999), Analyze This (1999), For Love of the Game (1999), Serendipity (…
See also
• List of hotels in New York City
• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets
• List of tallest buildings in New York City
• The Waldorf–Astoria Orchestra