The Waldorf Astoria is a New York art-deco landmark and icon that has hosted dignitaries, presidents and Hollywood celebs since opening in the 1930s. The world-renown hotel sits two blocks from the tony Fifth Avenue shopping and Rockefeller Center, and quick strolls or taxi and subway rides to all that's Manhattan. Broadway is a four-block walk and Bloomingdale's is only nine blocks away. In other words, this is a place synonymous with New York City. Occupying an entire block on prestigious Park Avenue, the Waldorf is one of the original grand hotels. Guests enter into a large, opulent lobby area restored to its original splendor. Inside, they find a beauty salon, airline office and a host of restaurants, bars and lounges. Speaking 50 languages, concierges help land theater tickets and arrange transportation and babysitting.
The spectacular room service menu offers traditional and inventive new offerings, and the culinary team can arrange romantic candlelit dinners for two. Dining options include the well-known "Bull and Bear" with its popular center bar, steaks, chops, seafood and electronic stock ticker; Oscar's brasserie; and an inventive and ground-breaking New Japanese restaurant, Inagiku. Guests can relax in the Cocktail Terrace for afternoon tea and drinks, with music played on Cole Porter's own Steinway piano. The Waldorf's 3,000-square-foot fitness facility includes state-of- the-art equipment, personal trainers and massage therapists.
Meanwhile, guestrooms and suites symbolize Old World elegance: high ceilings, rich brocades, marble bathrooms, formal window treatments, and crystal-and-brass lamps. Guests can fall fast asleep on triple-sheeted beds covered with comforters. Particularly lavish suites feature entry foyers and living areas.
For travelers seeking that quintessential luxury hotel experience, the Waldorf Astoria wrote the book.
