After eight years and a reported $2 billion painstaking restoration, the Waldorf Astoria New York has reopened its door with fewer rooms and a big legacy to uphold.
NEW YORK CITY – The Waldorf Astoria New York, the hotel
where so many legendary hoteliers cut their teeth and for years the home to the
first noteworthy hotel investment conference, has reopened after an eight-year
and reportedly $2 billion restoration.
The property acquired by China's Anbang Insurance Group from
Hilton for $1.95 billion in 2015 and today owned by China's Dajia Insurance
Group has trimmed its room count to 375 rooms and 372 condos from 1,400 rooms. Most guestrooms are much bigger and exceed 570
square feet, which make them some of the largest in Manhattan, according to Hilton.
Guests can now book a room, enjoy a dining experience in the
hotel’s signature restaurant, Lex Yard, have a cocktail in the fully restored
Peacock Alley or have a Japanese dining experience at Yoshoku in Park Avenue
Lobby.
On September 1, the hotel’s 43,000-square-feet of meetings
and events spaces will make their return, including the Grand Ballroom and
Basildon, Jade and Astor Rooms. The Guerlain Wellness Spa will open later this
year.
“In many ways, Waldorf Astoria New York is the most
important hotel in the world. It is the original luxury property and the place
where luxury service was perfected. It not only holds a special place in
Hilton’s history, but also in modern history,” said Hilton President and CEO Chris
Nassetta. “Today, we build on this legacy as we mark the start of a new chapter
for this iconic property. We look forward to once again welcoming guests to
experience its timeless charm and modern enhancements, as this hotel and
Waldorf Astoria properties around the world set the standard for luxury stays.”
The transformation of Waldorf Astoria New York was led by
architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), with hotel interiors by
Pierre-Yves Rochon and residential interiors and amenities designed by
Jean-Louis Deniot. The reimagined property recaptures the grandeur of the
hotel’s original Art Deco architecture and rich history, while integrating
contemporary furnishings, cutting-edge technology, and high-end finishes.
SOM’s work is a blend of preservation, restoration, and
adaptive reuse, and the interplay between all three approaches informed
thousands of decisions over the course of design and construction.
Through in-depth archival research and a close collaboration
with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, SOM preserved the integrity of the
original 1931 design of Waldorf Astoria New York while positioning the building
for its future. The tower is both an exterior and interior landmark, with
62,000 square feet inside designated by the commission—making the
transformation of the historic property one of the largest preservation and
adaptive reuse projects in New York City’s history.
Throughout all of the building's landmark interior, the
restoration celebrates the hotel's legacy, while improving access, creating
more space, and introducing new pathways for natural light. Guests will also
notice the careful preservation of the hotel’s murals, with some of these artworks
dating to the 19th century, restored by ArtCare Conservation.
Guests can now arrive at the hotel via three entrances,
including a porte-cochère on 49th Street between Lexington Avenue and Park
Avenue – the only hotel porte-cochère available in Manhattan – or via Park
Avenue or Lexington Avenue between 49th and 50th streets.
Returning atop the exterior of the Park Avenue entrance is
the iconic and restored “Spirit of Achievement” statue from Icelandic artist
Nina Saemundsson, serving as a symbol of perseverance, ambition and innovation.
The art installation has been perched on the entryway since the hotel opened in
1931.