Waldorf Astoria: The Greatest of Them All
An icon in the world of hospitality, Waldorf Astoria continues to redefine luxury around the world with hotels that embody its trailblazing legacy of elegance, innovation, and unparalleled service.
By Shayla Martin | September 3, 2025
Setting the standard for unforgettable experiences, culinary artistry and innovation, and unmatched hospitality at Waldorf Astoria hotels in iconic destinations around the globe, Waldorf Astoria New York created the blueprint for the sophisticated travel experience — now offered at the more than 34 Waldorf Astoria hotels and resorts worldwide. With each hotel seamlessly blending timeless style with modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria creates unique experiences rooted in impeccable service and design grounded in the destination. From reimagined landmarks to lush island escapes, the following five Waldorf Astoria hotels offer a glimpse into how the brand continues to shape the future of refined travel — one remarkable stay at a time.
Waldorf Astoria New York
A New York legend reborn, Waldorf Astoria New York is the flagship hotel that defines the brand’s storied past and visionary future. Set within an impeccably restored art deco landmark on Park Avenue, the hotel’s rich history echoes through grand corridors and opulent interiors adorned with bespoke furnishings and museum-quality art. Guests enjoy residential-style rooms and suites with curated art and custom craftsmanship, brasserie-inspired cuisine from James-Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Anthony at Lex Yard, and a transformative Japanese kaiseki tasting experience at Yoshoku. Culinary heritage takes center stage at the reimagined Peacock Alley, named after the corridor once used by high society patrons of the original Waldorf Astoria. There you’ll find modern interpretations of classic cocktails by mixologist Jeff Bell, as well as fan-favorite old fashioneds and ice-cold martinis. Every detail, from restored chandeliers to the team’s fashionable new uniform, nods to legacy while ushering in a new era of elegance.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Set within six 17th- and 18th-century canal palaces on the Herengracht Canal, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam brings Dutch sophistication to life with refined intimacy. The hotel's architectural grandeur is balanced by warm, personalized service — from the elegant yet cozy entryway, complimentary Waldorf Astoria bikes to explore the city, and restful moments in the private courtyard garden, one of the largest of its kind in the city. Guests are invited to indulge in serene moments at Guerlain Spa, featuring direct access to a sleek indoor pool and exclusive treatments inspired by Parisian beauty rituals. Dine at two-Michelin-starred Spectrum, where Chef Sidney Schutte transforms each meal — especially the seven-course tasting menu — into an artful experience rooted in seasonality and Dutch heritage. Whether sipping afternoon tea in Peacock Alley or taking in canal views from a historic suite, the hotel offers an extraordinary glimpse into Amsterdam’s golden age, reinterpreted for the modern traveler.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka
As Waldorf Astoria’s first property in Japan, Waldorf Astoria Osaka offers guests a unique blend of hallmark Waldorf Astoria sophistication and Japanese artistry. Rising above the skyline in the Umekita district, the hotel is a serene sanctuary in the heart of the vibrant cultural and culinary capital. Interiors pair subtle Japanese traditional design with Waldorf Astoria’s timeless elegance, and each opulent guestroom is located on the 31st floor or higher to offer sweeping views of sparkling city lights. Dining options range from intimate teppanyaki counters at Tsukimi to authentic French cuisine at Jolie Brasserie. Take in sweeping views of the Kansai region from Peacock Alley or head to Canes & Tales, a glamorous speakeasy bar inspired by the jazz age that was recently recognized by The World’s 50 Best Bars as one of the 10 most exciting bars to visit. With curated cultural experiences, impeccable service, and panoramic views of the city, Waldorf Astoria Osaka offers urban opulence through a uniquely Japanese lens — welcoming guests with grace, calm, and precision.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
Perched on a cliffside between two pristine beaches along the Guanacaste coast, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique is a haven for transformative wellness and laid-back elegance. Designed with nature and privacy in mind, every room and suite features floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials, views of pristine beaches, and indoor-outdoor living spaces that invite connection with the tropical landscape. Waldorf Astoria Spa offers deeply restorative treatments and grounding rituals inspired by ancestral healing techniques, while outdoor yoga pavilions and forest trails support a holistic approach to rejuvenation. La Finca signature restaurant offers elevated dining that spotlights Costa Rican ingredients and local culinary traditions, and is best enjoyed after a day of lounging at the multi-level pool or exploring the secluded beach Playa Penca. Here, a luxurious stay is not just about comfort — it’s about immersion, intention, and reconnection with self and surroundings.
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
Accessible only by private plane, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island is Waldorf Astoria’s most secluded gem — a celebration of untouched nature and ultra-lavish privacy. Surrounded by turquoise waters and verdant coconut groves, the resort offers villa-only accommodations, each with its own private pool, personal concierge, and spacious terraces. Guests can enjoy world-class diving in pristine waters, exploring the on-site nature preserve with sea turtle encounters, catamaran excursions, and more, followed by nature-inspired treatments and Ayurvedic wellness practices through Waldorf Astoria Spa’s Restore Wellness Program. Daily indulgences also come in the form of gourmet dining experiences across six restaurants that highlight Seychellois spices, Creole flavors, and island-grown ingredients. Try a private beach barbecue or in-villa floating breakfast for a special treat. With an escape that marries Waldorf Astoria’s signature service with the natural landscape, every moment on Platte Island is truly once in a lifetime.
Shayla Martin
Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. Find her work in outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Hemispheres, Veranda Magazine, and many more. She specializes in content about Black history and culture, luxury travel, historic preservation, wellness, interior design, and personal narrative topics. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a bi-weekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.
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