Waldorf-Astoria (NYC)
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The Waldorf-Astoria
301 Park Ave
New York, New York 10022
Tel: 800-WALDORF
http://www.waldorf.com
Published standard room rates: $280 Suites:$725
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[edit] Overview
The Waldorf-Astoria, a grand old hotel with a tremendous legacy, is at risk of losing its fine reputation. The hotel is a landmark and its décor and common areas are sightseeing points of interest all to themselves. The main lobby is historic, rivaling the reception areas of other great NYC hotels. There are comfortable sitting areas accented by the enormous floral arrangement that never ceases to impress. The Art Deco detailing of the hotel from its lobby to the ballroom to the elevators continues to amaze visitors, and is no doubt responsible for the property managing to maintain its reputation in the face of the sorry state of some indeterminate percentage of its rooms.
[edit] The Rooms
Because the very name of the hotel speaks to grandeur, many are pleased to learn how affordable rooms can be by way of comparison with other well-known NYC properties. In point of fact, however, the difficulty in writing a review on the Waldorf-Astoria is the rather uneven condition of the rooms. Some are newly renovated, while others show worse than average signs of aging: peeling paint, bad plumbing, dirty windows and non-existent air conditioning. So, while the hotel ranks as a five star in its four $$$$ category, the Waldorf-Astoria can easily disappoint if a client gets the wrong room. It is simply is not acceptable for one’s satisfaction with a hotel to be a matter of randomly drawing a good room. Standard rooms vary in the square footage and décor. Standard amenities prevail: coffee makers, hair dryers, bathrobes and comfortable bedding with turn-down service. The more recently refurbished suites are more dependable and have the better views of the city, and an upgrade to a mini-suite or larger increases greatly the odds of getting a suitable room and a resultingly happy stay.
[edit] The Staff
The staff is professional, but like the rooms, uneven: at times prompt and courteous but too frequently indifferent, as though the less remarkable staff has been far too long at their job. The hotel provides twice-daily maid service with nightly turndown. The Theatre & Sightseeing Desk provides very good sightseeing information and concierge services.
[edit] Extras
The Waldorf-Astoria sports a very good gym, spa and health center for guests, with a new spa facility planned for opening November of 2007. Like many hotels in the area, parking will set a guest back $45 a day, with no “in and outs” permitted. The Bull and Bear, the longstanding steak restaurant that makes its home in the hotel, continues to do everything right. Peacock Alley, newly made-over, is available as a dining option as is the mixed cuisine Oscar’s. There is a business center open 7 days a week, and the concierge level on the 26th floor provides a number of business class amenities. Alongside some of the prestigious shops in the hotel, there is a Starbucks in the lobby, in the event you can not find one elsewhere in the city.
[edit] Recommended
The Waldorf-Astoria is highly recommended for its legacy, the elegance and history of its decor and the affordability of the landmark property.
A plea to management, both locally and at Hilton corporate… bring the Waldorf-Astoria back to the standard that the name implies.
