Waldorf Astoria New York: The true powerhouse
The iconic hotel, once the largest luxury hotel in the world, is ready to welcome guests again after an extensive restoration that blends history with sophisticated, modern details.
By Alina Dizik | September 4, 2025
For the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York, launching a new chapter means bridging the past with the future, and that delicate balance is in the details. There’s reimagined public spaces, modern wellness amenities, and scene-stealing dining experiences. But what truly makes the hotel shine? The history of the visitors who have entered its grand, marble-clad lobby for nearly 100 years. From presidents to royalty to movie stars, here’s a look at Waldorf Astoria New York’s iconic guests from every era.
A Hollywood home
A-listers always have their pick of places to stay, but the flawless service and elegant suites at Waldorf Astoria New York have been a draw for Hollywood’s elite for decades. At one time, Marilyn Monroe called one of the hotel’s expansive suites home, as well as Elizabeth Taylor, who loved the hotel’s decadent bathtubs. Others who’ve stayed include Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland, and Katharine Hepburn. Today’s celebrities still flock to the storied hotel for its privacy and cinematic history, making it popular for film shoots, press events, and quiet retreats. A VIP must: the hotel's reimagined Lexington Avenue One Bedroom Suite. With a walk-in dressing room and separate living room, it also offers a spa-like bathroom boasting a rain shower and spacious soaking tub a la Elizabeth Taylor.
Music icons
Whether they just stayed the night or became yearslong residents at Waldorf Astoria New York, some of the world’s most legendary musicians called the iconic hotel home. Originally two separate buildings, the Waldorf Hotel and the Astoria Hotel next door, the hotels were connected by Peacock Alley in 1897 to become Waldorf Astoria New York, before relocating to Park Avenue in 1931. For years, songwriter Cole Porter lived in The Towers, now known as the hotel’s Residences, composing iconic songs on his 1907 Steinway grand, which eventually became a fixture in the hotel’s elegant lobby. Later, Frank and Barbara Sinatra moved into Porter’s former suite, paying $1 million a year, with staff discovering that the couple even etched their initials into the shower doors. Today, the newly reimagined hotel still serves as inspiration for the award-winning set, with a location that’s steps away from New York’s top concert venues and recording studios.
Political power players
With top-notch security and a long tradition of hosting global power players from all over the world, Waldorf Astoria New York is an unofficial diplomatic hub. Since Herbert Hoover’s first visit in 1931, the hotel has welcomed nearly every U.S. president to its Presidential Suite. Former Presidents Hoover, Truman, and Eisenhower even lived in The Towers after their terms. A host of meeting spaces, including stately ballrooms and boardrooms, make it easier to stay and conduct government business — or host lavish parties — without leaving the hotel. To this day, Waldorf Astoria New York’s discreet service and exquisitely designed suites and spaces make it the top choice for dignitaries visiting New York.
Room for royalty
For some royals, a stay at Waldorf Astoria New York has long been an integral part of their white-glove lifestyle. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor made The Towers home for 20 years, arriving each fall in time for the city’s social season, while hosting their own private gatherings upstairs. In the 1950s, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco opted for an engagement party at the hotel. Even Queen Elizabeth II spent the night, her one and only New York City hotel stay throughout her reign. Often considered American royalty, Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy kicked off their honeymoon at Waldorf Astoria New York. Today, that sense of regality remains, with the hotel's palatial suites and proximity to Fifth Avenue making it a top choice for any socialite.
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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