Waldorf Astoria in New York unveils stunning new rooms after eight-year renovation
The hotel still honors one of its most famous, queer residents of yore.
Mark
There are renovations and then there are renovations. Incredibly, the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York, located on Park Avenue, has been closed since 2017 while it undergoes a revamp rumored to cost between $1 billion and $2 billion.
It was initially set to reopen in 2021. However, this was pushed back to 2023, and then to 2024. It was finally unveiled in New York City last week and is now taking bookings starting September 1, 2025.
Thankfully, fans of the Art Deco landmark, which occupies an entire block bounded by Park and Lexington Avenues and East 49th and 50th Streets, will be pleased to know it hasn’t undergone a radical reinvention. Given much of the exterior is protected by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, its owners have stayed faithful to the classic building’s 1931 roots, beautifully restoring its historic murals and mosaics.
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The hotel’s managing director, Luigi Romaniello, said in a press statement: “Waldorf Astoria New York has always been the place to be in New York City, and whether you are a visitor or a New Yorker, we know so many around the globe have their own fond stories with our hotel.
“Visitors returning to the property will notice many of the historical elements, from the Grand Ballroom to the lobby with the famous Waldorf Astoria clock, have been restored to bring back the original grandeur, while thoughtful enhancements were incorporated for today’s traveller.”
Fewer rooms, more space
One significant change is the number of rooms it offers, which has been reduced from 1,400 to 375. This means the new rooms are amongst the biggest in the city. They start at 570 square feet.
The upper levels have been converted into 372 apartments, known as the Waldorf Astoria Residences.
Even if you’re unlikely to splash out on a hotel room, you might be interested the other amenities. This includes its 2-story American brasserie, called Lex Yard, overseen by Chef Michael Anthony.
Cole Porter
The hotel’s signature Peacock Alley Lounge, complete with Cole Porter’s restored Steinway piano and the original Waldorf Astoria clock, has undergone a full refit.
Porter, a queer icon, was a long-standing resident of the hotel. He took up residency in 1935 in a suite on the 41st floor. He later moved to a larger apartment on the 33rd floor, where he lived until he died in 1964. The piano was gifted to him by staff.
There’s also Yoshoku, a Japanese concept restaurant with a kaiseki-inspired menu.
The hotel also offers a dizzying 17 different event spaces, headed by its famous Ballroom and Astor Lounge.
There’s also a 30,000 square foot sprawling Guerlain Wellness Spa, also due to open September 1.
Want to bring a touch of the Waldorf Astoria into your own home? The New York hotel’s interior is infused with its signature scent, 301 Park Avenue, created with fragrance house Fueguia 1833. It’s available as a candle and diffuser.
The Townhouse of New York
The gentleman’s piano bar 236 E 58th St · New York, NY 10022(212) 754-4649
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Location-wise, the Waldorf Astoria couldn’t be more central. It’s a few blocks from the Rockefeller, Grand Central Station, and Central Park in the area known as Midtown East.
If you’re looking for some local gay life nearby, the Adonis Lounge, Uncle Charlie’s Piano Bar, and the Townhouse of New York are all within walking distance.
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