Again within the day, the Waldorf Astoria New York was one of the well-known resorts in New York, and for that matter, in the USA. Nonetheless, so much has modified up to now decade.
In 2015, the resort was bought by a Chinese language agency for $1.95 billion. The resort was a bit previous its prime at this level (it initially opened all the way in which again in 1931), so it closed in 2017, with plans for a $1 billion makeover. This makeover has dragged on approach longer than deliberate, as a consequence of quite a lot of elements, together with corruption, the pandemic, and extra. Fortuitously important progress has been made up to now couple of years.
Whereas we’ll see how this performs out, the resort is meant to as soon as once more welcome company within the coming months, so I wished to recap what we learn about this.
Waldorf Astoria New York to open after renovation
The Waldorf Astoria New York is predicted to reopen as of very late 2024. Nonetheless, the resort isn’t but accepting reservations, so I’m skeptical about this timeline sticking.
Each time the Waldorf Astoria New York does reopen, it’ll be utterly completely different than earlier than. Whereas the resort initially had greater than 1,400 rooms, the reimagined property may have 375 resort rooms and 375 residences. Not solely will the resort be approach smaller than earlier than, however the dimension of the rooms can also be rising drastically, with rooms now beginning at round 600 sq. toes, which could be very generously sized.
With the redesign, the aim is to take care of the preliminary allure of the property, whereas additionally making it really feel contemporary, and vastly bettering expertise. Oddly, actual particulars about what facilities we are able to anticipate within the resort portion of the property are nonetheless restricted, however under are some renderings. If the resort does actually open in late 2024, presumably bookings will turn into accessible quickly.
My tackle the “new” Waldorf Astoria New York
I’m trying ahead to seeing what the Waldorf Astoria New York seems like after its renovation, given how lengthy it has been. Just a few ideas come to thoughts:
- I’ve a tough time getting too enthusiastic about any resort in New York, on condition that service and the general visitor expertise in the USA simply isn’t akin to what you’ll discover in lots of elements of the world
- Whereas the resort may have approach fewer rooms than up to now, the property will nonetheless have 375 key, so it’ll hardly be boutique, and I think about service will replicate that
- It’s cool how rooms right here will begin at 600 sq. toes, as they’ll be among the many largest base rooms within the metropolis (solely a bit smaller than at Aman New York)
- I’m curious what money charges will probably be like right here; regardless, it’s thrilling to have the ability to redeem Hilton Honors factors right here, although I think about award availability on the saver price will probably be very restricted
- The Waldorf Astoria model actually is growing properly with some iconic properties, and I’m maybe much more excited concerning the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, opening in 2025
Backside line
The Waldorf Astoria New York is meant to reopen in late 2024, after a closure of over seven years. The resort will probably be completely completely different than it was pre-2017, and I can’t wait to see the completed product. Specifically, I’m curious to see what charges are like, in each factors and money. Whereas I want a property with fewer rooms, this could nonetheless be an excellent addition to the New York resort scene.
What are you anticipating from the renovated Waldorf Astoria New York?
