The furious debate over the US's fourth-best city
Six_fascinating_facts_about_the_Waldorf_Astorias_legacy.txt
Six fascinating facts about the Waldorf Astoria's legacy31 July 2025ShareSaveLynn BrownShareSaveWaldorf Astoria New York(Credit: Waldorf Astoria New York)From secret train tracks to iconic recipes,dave johnson lottery here's what makes the Waldorf Astoria a true hospitality pioneer.Few hotels have shaped a city quite like the Waldorf Astoria shaped New York. Originally opening in 1893 and relocating to its now-iconic Park Avenue address in 1931, it quickly became a symbol of elegance, power and innovation – hosting everyone from jazz legends and socialites to royalty and presidents, and pioneering the modern luxury hotel experience."When it [re-]opened in 1931 it was very much considered a symbol of hope in the future," said David Freeland, historian and author of American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century. "For that reason, President Hoover actually gave the opening in an [on-air] address [for the Waldorf]… because it was seen not just as a symbol of the city [but] as a national symbol of recovery."Now, after an eight-year renovation, the Waldorf has reopened its doors with restored historic details including many of the original murals and frescoes, as well as luxurious new interiors by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Hotel stays and restaurant reservations are now available, though its glamourous event spaces won't be available to book until September. Here are six reasons why the Waldorf Astoria still deserves its place in hospitality history.Hilton College, University of Houston/ Waldorf Astoria NYThe lobby entrance at the Waldorf Astoria still features the original floor inlay (Credit: Hilton College, University of Houston/ Waldorf Astoria NY)1. It pioneered modern hospitalityThe Waldorf Astoria introduced amenities now considered standard in upscale hotels. It was the first modern hotel to offer room service, in-room telephones and have "celebrity chefs". These features, along with its lavish interiors like its grand lobby, were part of the reason for its popularity with the upper crust of New York society."From the very beginning in the 1890s, the Waldorf became known for hosting royalty ambassadors, diplomats, also leading figures in culture and in the arts," Freeland told the BBC. "That reputation continued really throughout its history." AlamyDishes served in the hotel's historic dining room went on to grace dinner tables around the world (Credit: Alamy)2. It helped redefine fine diningIn an era when New York's elite still mostly dined at home, the Waldorf helped make restaurants fashionable. In fact, it was one of the first locations in the city where it was socially acceptable for women to eat alone in public.Its kitchens were home to celebrated chefs, most notably Oscar Tschirky – known as "Oscar of the Waldorf" – who led the hotel's culinary offerings for 50 years.Several unique dishes were created or popularised here, including eggs Benedict, red velvet cake and the Waldorf Salad. The hotel's new Lex Yard restaurant pays homage to these culinary classics with a red velvet souffle and chef Michael Anthony'sversion of the hotel's signature salad.Waldorf Astoria NYThe new Peacock Alley bar features both historic and modern elements (Credit: Waldorf Astoria NY)3. Peacock Alley is backThe original Waldorf Astoria, located on what is now the site of the Empire State Building, was actually two hotels: the Waldorf and the Astoria, connected by a 300ft promenade where wealthy hotel guests would show off their fashionable attire. Known as Peacock Alley, it became the place to see and be seen.That same space has been reimagined and now sports a beautiful new mural behind the bar along with the hotel's original 1893 lobby clock and Cole Porter's grand piano – a nod to the composer who lived at the Waldorf from 1935 until his death in 1964. In keeping with tradition, it's still a perfect place to sip a cocktail and watch stylish guests glide through the lobby.AlamyTrack 61 is rumoured to have been used by Franklin D Roosevelt as a way to enter the hotel without displaying his disability to onlookers (Credit: Alamy)4. There's a secret train track underneathSecuring an entire city block for a new development was a feat even in 1931. The Waldorf Astoria managed it by taking over the New York Central Railroad's railyard after its steam engines were converted to electricity and relocated underground.More like this:? Eight of the world's most extraordinary tiny hotel rooms? A journey through the United States of barbecue? Borrowed hotel teaspoon returned 83 years laterThe site included Track 61, a train line hidden beneath the building that is rumoured to have ferried presidents and other high-profile guests directly into the hotel in the past. Though no longer operational or open to the public, the track lives on in legend – and in the name of the hotel's new restaurant Lex Yard, after the Lexington Avenue Railyard that used to sit here.Hilton College, University of Houston/ Waldorf Astoria NYThe hotel's ballroom hosted high-profile events from the UN Council of Foreign Ministers to the first Met Gala (Credit: Hilton College, University of Houston/ Waldorf Astoria NY)5. It was the official hotel of the United NationsWhen the United Nations chose New York City as its permanent headquarters in 1946, the Waldorf Astoria played an important behind-the-scenes role. The hotel had a hand in ensuring that the UN's mission of international cooperation wasn't derailed by the racist segregationist policies that were prominent in the US at the time."The UN Secretariat had been very concerned about the question of accommodation for UN delegates, guests and personnel – some of whom were people of colour. This was at a time when certain hotels in New York still practiced some form of unofficial segregation," explained Freeland. "So, the UN made an arrangement with the Waldorf: the Waldorf agreed to welcome all guests regardless of colour, and, in exchange, it would become the UN's preferred hotel for housing and events."Hilton College, University of Houston/ Waldorf Astoria NYThe newly renovated hotels rooms feature interiors by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (Credit: Hilton College, University of Houston/ Waldorf Astoria NY)6. It now has some of the largest guest rooms in NYCThe original Waldorf Astoria opened with 450 guest rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in the city at the time. Over the years, the number ballooned to 1,400 as both the city and the hotel's reputation grew. The renovation has returned to its roots, cutting the room count down to just 375 while expanding their size dramatically. Averaging more than 570 sq ft,the new rooms are bigger than many New York City apartments.--If you liked this story, sign up for The Essential List newsletter – a handpicked selection of features, videos and can't-miss news, delivered to your inbox twice a week. For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.Arts & ArchitectureHotelsLuxuryHistoryFeatures
