Waldorf Astoria New York: Then & Now
Discover how the legendary history of Waldorf Astoria New York combined with an extensive restoration makes it the ultimate destination for today’s most discerning travelers.
By Alina Dizik | August 28, 2025
One of the world’s most iconic hotels, Waldorf Astoria New York has an extensive history of hosting presidents, royals, music legends, and the Hollywood elite in its storied confines. Following an extensive seven-year restoration, the landmark hotel retains its impeccable reputation with regal public spaces, knowledgeable concierges, exceptional service, and details that reference its Gilded Age roots with a modern twist. Read on to explore the evolution of Waldorf Astoria New York.
A beacon of art deco glamour
With lavish golden accents and a history of famous guests such as Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin, Waldorf Astoria New York has always been a place to see and been seen. The hotel’s unique art deco details continue to capture the attention of today’s most renowned tastemakers. Originally commissioned for the 1893 World’s Fair, the hotel’s famous gilded clock was expertly restored and sits as the lobby’s showstopping centerpiece. Peacock Alley, once the original corridor between the Waldorf and Astoria hotels, is now the reinvented Peacock Alley Bar, boasting a cocktail program by mixologist Jeff Bell, bringing new life to old favorites, such as a Rob Roy, a cocktail invented at Waldorf Astoria New York. Meanwhile, the Silver Corridor makes a stunning backdrop for any event. The glistening mirrored hallway echoes old world elegance with meticulously restored murals and sparkling chandeliers.
Reimagined for the future
The multi-year restoration at Waldorf Astoria New York preserved key historical details — nodding to its prominent heritage — while modernizing to meet the needs of today’s discerning guests. The chandelier-clad Grand Ballroom is an official New York City landmark, joining the hotel's exterior and several other interior spaces’ landmark status, and is complete with intricate details, lush finishes, and state-of-the-art audiovisual technologies. Acclaimed for popularizing now-classic dishes such as red velvet cake, the Waldorf Salad, and eggs Benedict, the hotel’s dining options continue to reinvent gastronomic excellence with restaurants such as Lex Yard, a two-story brasserie helmed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Anthony. And with sophisticatedly updated rooms and suites, carefully restored to pay homage to the original hotel, guests can feel the regal history in every element while enjoying a comfortable and refined stay.
Continuing a legacy
When Waldorf Astoria New York opened, it redefined the image of hospitality as the first hotel to ever offer room service. As a favored stage for entertaining political giants, Hollywood stars, music impresarios, and royalty, the hotel spent decades in the limelight prior to its extensive restoration. Today, it once again opens its doors, now with innovative technologies, contemporary design, award-winning chefs, and legendary hospitality elevating its already stellar reputation. Then and now, Waldorf Astoria New York is a destination worthy of world leaders, but you don’t need a title to walk down its gilded hallways and feel at home.
Inside the restoration of Waldorf Astoria New York
The doors are opening on a new era of luxury hospitality in New York City. An Icon Reborn takes you behind the scenes of the meticulous, multi-year restoration that brought Waldorf Astoria New York - long hailed by Conrad Hilton as “the greatest of them all” - back to center stage among the world’s most legendary luxury hotels. Step inside the process with the passionate team restoring Waldorf Astoria New York’s cultural legacy, honoring over a century of history while redefining modern hospitality. From grand spaces to small details, discover how protected Art Deco interiors, priceless heritage objects, and inspired craftsmanship have been preserved and elevated for a new generation of guests.
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. She lives in Chicago and has previously lived in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Alina has visited more than 50 countries, and her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications.
Waldorf Astoria New York
Reimagined from sidewalk to spire, Waldorf Astoria New York is set to reignite its magnetic allure. This Midtown Manhattan jewel ushers in a new era of luxury with an unmatched reputation for impeccable service. Discover exquisite rooms, suites, and residences alongside sophisticated dining and event venues embodying the dynamic spirit of New York City.
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