HotelChatter - Stories about The Waldorf Astoria

New York: Before the Empire State Building, There Was a Hotel at 5th Avenue and 34th Street

JetSetCD — 2012-02-07T11:25:15-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/6193/WAhotel34.jpg" class="top"> Here's a fun fact for today: Did you know that the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel was in the spot where the Empire State Building now stands? It's true! The first version of the ritzy hotel was a combination of the Waldorf and the Astoria Hotels at 5th Avenue and 33rd/34th Streets, which stood and welcomed the most well-heeled guests from 1893 to 1929, when it was knocked down to begin the skyscraper ESB we now know and love. You won't hear much about that first building of some 1,300 rooms (with bidets) unless you pick a nice documentary from your Netflix queue; we recommend "Modern Marvels: The Empire State Building." Of course, history is history and we all

New York: The Veil Has Been Lifted From Waldorf-Astoria's Presidential Suite. Now What?

ASchechter — 2012-02-07T09:20:01-05:00

Barring the possibility that you're a former President—or that you don't mind spending $10,000/night—then you've likely never caught a glimpse of the Waldorf-Astoria's Presidential Suite. Why? Because until recently, the hotel has never allowed photography inside the suite.

Lucky for us, the NY Daily News has taken on the oppressive task of video touring the entire space—from gleaming top (the crystal chandelier in the master bedroom) to well-polished bottom (the black-and-white tiled bathroom floor).

Now, the goods are out in the open for all to see. So, what do you think?

New York: The Waldorf-Astoria Lights Their Lobby Menorah

JetSetCD — 2011-12-21T17:00:01-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/6193/WAchan1.jpg" class="top"> Although there's still several more days to go until you can rip through the presents underneath the Christmas tree, Hanukkah started last time, meaning gifts are already being opened as the candles of the menorah are lit, day-by-day. And although almost every hotel lobby wouldn't be caught without a massive Christmas tree, it's actually pretty rare to find a hotel menorah. One standby for finding a menorah is the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/The+Waldorf+Astoria/local/188">Waldorf-Astoria</a>the original on Park Avenue in New York City. Enter through the Park Ave doors and head up the stairs, past the Christmas trees and underneath the chandelier. Keep going and just before you hit the main reception area with its classic art deco details, you'll see

New York: As The NBA Lockout Ends, The Waldorf-Astoria Breathes A Big Sigh Of Relief

ASchechter — 2011-12-08T09:30:02-05:00

<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/61268/waldorflobby.jpg" class="top">After an almost four-month-long stand-off, some sort of agreement has been reached between the owners and teams of the NBA. Though not without some damage to the morale of a few New York City hotel staffers. According to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/sports/basketball/constantly-checking-in-without-ever-checking-in.html">this</a> NY Times piece yesterday, most of the talks took place inside various conference rooms of hotels, whose lobbies turned into waiting rooms for the reporters covering the proceedings. While stacking up empty pizza boxes, plugging in countless laptops, and pulling frantic, cookie-bingeing all-nighters, the reporters managed to get a first-hand glimpse of life in the lobbies of the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/The+Waldorf+Astoria/local/188">Waldorf-Astoria</a> and the <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/THE+LOWELL/local/2371">Lowell</a>. And while they weren't technically breaking any rules, we're guessing they won't be getting

New York: 5 NYC Hotel Lounge Acts You Can't Miss

ASchechter — 2011-06-30T10:17:44-05:00

<![CDATA[It's New York. And there's plenty to see and hear. So we've made it a little easier for you with this list of five performances that take place inside hotelsfrom lounge schmaltz to late-night hip hop, you'll never find yourself bored in a Manhattan hotel again! <img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/61268/CARROLL_popup.jpg" class="top"> Barbara Carroll at the Oak Room ($35) You'll have to wait until the fall season starts up, but Barbara Carroll's Sunday brunch series at <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/hotel-reviews/Algonquin/local/950">The Algonquin</a> is some kind of New York rite of passage. Don't worry if you've never heard of the songsjust watch Carroll's 80-year-old hands glide nimbly over the polished black and white keys, and be mesmerized. The scene is complemented by delicious brunch fare like shrimp