First look: The Waldorf Astoria's shiny $2 billion renovation

Time Out

3 days ago

After eight years behind scaffolding and a reported $2 billion restoration, the Waldorf Astoria New York is nearly ready for its next curtain call. The Art Deco icon at 301 Park Avenue, which was once the tallest and largest hotel in the world, is reopening this fall with just 375 oversized rooms and suites (down from more than 1,400), a sleek new look and a reverence for its storied past.
During a recent hard-hat tour, I tiptoed past dust sheets and dangling chandeliers for a sneak peek at the reincarnated legend. Even before the final polish, the transformation is jaw-dropping. The soaring lobby has been restored to its original 1931 proportions, with gleaming marble underfoot, hand-restored murals overhead and sightlines that feel grander and more open than ever. The iconic 'Wheel of Life' mosaic shines once again and, just where they belong, guests will spot the gilded Queen Victoria clock and Cole Porter's Steinway piano.
Gone are the office cubicles and corporate carpet vibes of the past. In their place are creamy marble floors, silver-leaf ceilings and custom Pierre-Yves Rochon furnishings—plus thoughtful modern details in every room, from through-closet luggage storage to dedicated bar setups.
The Waldorf's comeback hasn't been quick or linear. Originally opened in 1931 by hotelier Lucius Boomer after the demolition of the original Fifth Avenue location, the property became a hub for galas, diplomats and cultural icons—from Marilyn Monroe and Eartha Kitt to Queen Elizabeth and every U.S. president from Hoover to Obama. In 2017, the hotel closed for its extensive overhaul, converting the top floors into private residences while Hilton retained management. Now under Dajia Insurance Group, the hotel returns with fresh ownership, new vision and its old glamour fully intact.
The culinary program alone makes a strong case for a visit. Later this month, the revitalized Peacock Alley returns as a gilded cocktail bar led by PDT's Jeff Bell. The two-story flagship Lex Yard, from Gramercy Tavern's Michael Anthony, will serve seasonal American fare in a glowing space by AvroKO that nods to the hotel's secret train platform below. A third venue, Yoshoku, helmed by Ry Nitzkowski, offers a playful Japanese twist on brasserie dining.
Room bookings open Monday, September 1. Every category starts at nearly 600 square feet and is decked in subtle hues of mint and mauve, accented with deco-inspired light fixtures and plush, contemporary touches. Other draws include a 30,000-square-foot spa, 43,000 square feet of restored event space and a Library Lounge check-in area that replaces the old front desk with a serene welcome zone.