hotel Waldorf Astoria

hotel Waldorf Astoria

As a true legend, the Waldorf Astoria has spanned the XXth century without a wrinkle. Classified in the New York City register of historical monuments since 1993, the most emblematic hotel of the American metropolis always offers a luxury environment and amenities in relation to its 5* ranking

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location

At 301 Park Avenue, at the corner of 49th street. In the middle of Midtown East. The hotel is 17 miles away from La Guardia airport, 16 miles away from JFK, and 17 miles away from Newark. Five blocks away from Grand Central Station and lines 4, 5, 6 & 7.

to know

The Waldorf was the biggest hotel in the world in 1931. It has occupied its Park Avenue building since 1931, but has actually been a hotel since 1893. Animals are not accepted. A spa is due to be built in 2002. Children up to and including 18 year-olds stay for free, if they stay in their parents's room.

17.5/20 Hotel Overview

Totally renovated in 1999, the imposing building hosting the Waldorf Astoria occupies an entire city block,between the very elegant Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Here more than anywhere else, space and dimension take on real meaning. With its very high ceiling, the lobby of the hotel is truly palatial, decorated in a magnificent art deco style, with mosaic floors, columns, gilts and chandeliers. It leads to several restaurants, ballrooms, conference rooms and many luxury outlets (jewellery, clothes, rare books). The 1,426 rooms of the hotel are housed on 27 floors with large hallways and thick carpeting. Besides a multitude of conference rooms, the hotel has a large business centre and a beautiful fitness center, located on the 18th floor (19th level) in which a spa will be integrated in 2002. Anyone coming to the Waldorf for its environment and its amenities, will not be disappointed with the quality of the service or the accommodations: both are perfect.

18.5/20 accommodation

Impossible to give details here of the different types of bedrooms offered in the Waldorf because there are about thirty. You should know that the smallest one, the Marilyn's Suite, measures 25 m², but the average is around 30/35 m². All are very comfortable and perfectly equipped. They have excellent bedding, cable television (43 channels), fax machine, Internet, double telephone line, minibar, dressing-room, ironing table and iron and a tea/coffee maker. The classic decoration is flawless. The bathrooms are also impeccable - decorated in marble, they offer bathrobes, a bathtub, many welcome products and a hair dryer. Safes are available for free at the front desk.

18/20 Food and drink

The Waldorf has no less than 4 restaurants, offering different specialities. Located near the lobby, the magnificent Peacock Alley, is famous for its contemporary French cuisine, prepared by the chef Laurent Gras. It is open for breakfast and diners (a tuxedo is required for dinner) as well as for brunches on Sundays (famous in New York). On 49th street and Lexington Avenue, the Bull & Bear Restaurant and Bar is notable not only for its setting that looks like a London gentleman's club with a sumptuous decoration in mahogany, but also for the quality of its seafood and meats. The Bull & Bear, used to be only for men, displays jazz concerts on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (proper attire required in any case). With its American pub setting and casual atmosphere, the Oscar's Restaurant, located at the level of 50th street, offers contemporary American cuisine, a la carte or buffet-style, for all 3 meals of the day. Finally, the award of decoration goes to the Inagiku, whose setting combines Japanese decorative traditions and modern style with a cuisine that still has enthusiasts since its opening, 26 years ago. It is located on the side of 49th Street (at 111 East, lunch during the week only, dinner 7 days a week)