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BBC News
19 hours ago
- BBC News
Six fascinating facts about the Waldorf Astoria's legacy
From secret train tracks to iconic recipes, 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. 1. It pioneered modern hospitality The 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." 2. It helped redefine fine dining In 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 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. 3. Peacock Alley is back The 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. 4. There's a secret train track underneath Securing 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. 5. It was the official hotel of the United Nations When 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." 6. It now has some of the largest guest rooms in NYC The 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. --
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
11 New Hotels To Visit This Summer
Waldorf Astoria New York leads an impressive list of lavish openings. Waldorf Astoria New York Summer brings steamy days, balmy nights and, with so many exciting hotel openings, the call for a vacation. But with so many possibilities, where to go and perhaps, more importantly, where to stay? Maybe southern Spain, for a round of golf with Gibraltar shining in the background, or Osaka, for a drink at an F. Scott Fitzgerald-inspired speakeasy. No matter your whim, this group of just-opened hotels (and some soon-to-debut stunners) has you covered. So, mark your calendars and compose your away messages because these fresh properties have finally opened up their booking pages. Waldorf Astoria New York's amazing accommodations. Waldorf Astoria New York When Waldorf Astoria New York closed for renovations in 2017, a part of Manhattan shut down with it. Tourists who dreamed of visiting the fabled address for a refined, luxury-filled getaway had to look elsewhere. And locals who frequented Peacock Alley for elevated pours and people-watching were forced to find another bar to do so. But the iconic property finally reopened July 15, flaunting renovated interiors from architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. While exciting new treats highlight the opening — 375 of Manhattan's most spacious accommodations, a reimagined Park Avenue Lobby and kaiseki-inspired restaurant Yoshoku — the inclusion of timeless touches (the restored Waldorf Astoria Clock, the spruced-up Peacock Alley) also help usher in the hotel's new era of quiet grandeur. Rooms at Rosewood Amsterdam retain Old World charm. Rosewood Amsterdam The Rosewood Hotel Group has again excelled at what it does best: offering luxury hospitality that is deeply rooted in place. Take what it's done in the Netherlands, for example. Rosewood, with help from the Dutch design firm Piet Boon, converted a stately, 16th-century building that once served as the Palace of Justice, into a new hotel — all while preserving the originally tiled staircases, crown moldings and other details of Old World charm in the process. The May 1 opening revealed 134 ornate rooms and suites with subtle design accents (the pleated headboards evoke the folds of judicial robes); a 1924 refurbished teak and mahogany saloon boat; and a lobby inspired by Amsterdam's iconic Rijksmuseum, with 10,000 pieces of art curated around the hotel. Fairmont Golden Prague celebrates Czech artistry. Fairmont Golden Prague Fairmont Golden Prague In 1974, Czech architect Karel Filsak designed the former InterContinental Prague in the Brutalist architectural style that dominated the day. Fairmont Golden Prague gave the historic building a careful restoration, while also celebrating Czech artistry within its walls, as seen in the curated art installations, heritage ceiling carvings and locally made glassware displayed throughout the 320 guest rooms and common spaces. The tranquil, steady presence of the Vltava River can be felt everywhere you turn, including the window seats in guest rooms, Prague's only heated outdoor pool and the spa's riverside relaxation garden. Ontario's new Hard Rock Hotel hits all the right notes. Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario, Canada Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario, Canada This new Hard Rock Hotel embraces the bold. A 32-foot metallic guitar sculpture out front reveals as much. Music is the unquestioned focal point here, with the hotel in Canada's largest indoor entertainment complex and in the country's first designated UNESCO City of Music. However, the 164-room hotel centers around much more than a stage for screaming rock stars; instead, music is thoughtfully integrated into every element of a guest's stay. The brand's signature Sound of Your Stay program provides expertly curated playlists, an in-room Victrola record player and the opportunity to have a top-of-the-line guitar delivered to the room for a jam session during your visit. Tunes are also incorporated into the hotel's wellness offerings, from the high-energy tracks played in the underwater pool to the on-demand yoga flows paired to a mellow soundtrack. Waldorf Astoria Osaka includes its own version of the Peacock Alley. Waldorf Astoria Osaka Waldorf Astoria Osaka When this Waldorf Astoria opened in April, it marked the storied hotel brand's debut in Japan. The team wisely tapped Hong Kong-based architect André Fu, whose resumé includes Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Shangri-La Tokyo, to infuse Waldorf Astoria's iconic look with Japanese techniques and materials. The result is stunning and simultaneously subtle. A keen eye will spot clever peacock motifs, the Waldorf's signature calling card, seamlessly woven into geometric designs. This intriguing blend of art deco opulence and Japanese-style minimalism shines in the 252 rooms and suites, some of Osaka's largest, which all come with spa-inspired bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows with automated drapes and linen curtains controlled from the bed. The Osaka rendition of the signature Peacock Alley is stunning, boasting panoramic views. Still, it's the speakeasy-style bar, Canes & Tales, that represents the best fusion of East and West. Step behind an unmarked green door to find yourself transported back to a Jazz Age bar mixing cocktails inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Orient Express finally takes its luxury travel standards to hotels. Orient Express Minerva Orient Express Minerva The Orient Express is often credited with ushering in a new era of luxury train travel, and this reputation carries over to the Accor brand's first venture into stationary accommodations — a 93-room hotel in Rome. Embodying the company's timeless elegance, the history-rich property is next to the Pantheon in a building that dates back to 1620, which later served as a popular destination for high-society travelers embarking on the Grand Tour. Today, visitors will find warm, sumptuous woods and luxurious fabrics in each unique room imagined by Franco-Mexican artist-architect Hugo Toro, who also crafted all the furniture. In a city known for its rooftops, Gigi Rigolatto Roma has an enviable seventh-floor perch with a view of terra-cotta rooftops, the Pantheon's dome and St. Peter's Basilica. A stop by the Bellini Bar offers a picture-perfect toast. Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol brings golf excitement to Andalusia. Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain, where the Mediterranean meets coastal mountains, has remained a well-kept secret until now. At Fairmont La Hacienda, which opened in the spring, Spanish architecture firm Daar Studio used earth tones and landscaping to make the 311-room resort blend seamlessly with the Andalusian terrain. Most of the Studio Ibu-designed rooms have uninterrupted vistas of the sea and all feature abundant natural materials, as well as private terraces. Besides the stunning scenery, the resort also delivers two award-winning golf courses with views of Gibraltar and Africa. The other big draw is internationally renowned Spanish chef Benito Gómez's restaurant, Dalmar, which celebrates the culinary flavors of Andalusia's coast with modern flair. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing is a charming escape. Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing Mandarin Oriental Qianmen gives guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a neighborhood of hutongs , or traditional narrow streets. The luxury hotel group has renovated 42 courtyard houses, modernizing the interiors while maintaining the classic siheyuan (courtyard house) architectural style. The result is an utterly charming escape to another world. The Beijing hotel features elevated food and beverage options, including Cantonese and Chaozhou cuisine at Yan Garden by Chef Fei, all-day Italian dining at VICINI, historically inspired cocktails at the lively two-story TIAO cocktail bar and afternoon tea at Maple Lounge. And if you're in need of some relaxation, spend the day at the hotel's spa, a 10,000-square-foot escape that promises traditionally inspired treatments in a sleek, modern setting. Soon-To-Open Properties Faena New York When Faena New York opens in August, it will bring a touch of the playful, art deco decadence to West Chelsea that has characterized the brand's Five-Star Miami Beach property for the past decade. The Argentina-based hospitality group plans to infuse the new hotel with Latin flair, with help from South American chef Francis Mallmann, known for his work on Chef's Table and Miami's Four-Star Los Fuegos. Mallmann's new open-fire cooking restaurant, La Boca, is named after a vibrant neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Additionally, the 17,000-square-foot South American-inspired wellness sanctuary, Tierra Santa Healing House, promises total rejuvenation through a combination of traditional rituals and advanced treatments. Witness the Great Migration from gorgeous grounds. The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp Imagine waking up in a tented suite with a view of the Sand River and golden savannahs stretching as far as the eye can see and having a front row seat to one of nature's most dramatic phenomena: the Great Migration. When The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp opens in August in the 580-square-mile Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, this dream of seeing millions of wildebeests, zebras and other animals on their annual trek will be a reality. The 'camp' consists of 20 architecturally unique tented suites, each with a private deck, plunge pools and butler service. Days will consist of guided safaris in the open-air Land Cruiser at sunrise, listening to a symphony of more than 500 species of birds and dining by firelight under the expansive night sky. Experience luxury from the world's second-tallest building. Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur This towering Kuala Lumpur property promises to elevate luxury to the highest level, thanks to its positioning on the top 17 floors of the world's second-tallest building (behind the Burj Khalifa), the 118-story Merdeka 118. The 252-room hotel, scheduled to open in August, will be a food and beverage destination with its 75th floor, which will house Merdeka Grill, a sleek, modern grill; Park Lounge, an all-day restaurant; and Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, the city's first chocolate-themed bar and its highest bar. Guests can indulge in ancient Malaysian healing practices at ESSA Spa, a sanctuary on the 99th floor. Inspired by Malaysia's rich cultural traditions, the hotel's interiors from G.A Group (which has done the design for Atlantis The Royal and JW Marriott Hotel Nara) are minimalist and elegant, allowing the breathtaking views from the massive windows to take center stage. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes 27 Hotels With Luxury Car Collaborations By Melinda Sheckells Forbes Forbes Travel Guide's Best Hotel Bars For 2025 By Jennifer Kester Forbes 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways By Forbes Travel Guide Forbes From Anguilla To Australia, Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Award Winners By Jennifer Kester
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Forbes
Opulence Meets History At The St. Regis Rome
St Regis Rome Rome has no shortage of stunning five-star luxury hotels, but only a select few offer the rare combination of opulence and historical significance. The St. Regis Rome is one such gem. Originally opened as The Grand Hotel Rome, the property was designed by the King of Hoteliers, the legendary César Ritz—yes, the Ritz behind Ritz-Carlton. Ritz was instrumental in creating a hotel unlike any other in the city; prized for its modern amenities, it was the first in Rome to have electricity and hot water, and the first to have a public ballroom—luxuries that were revolutionary at the time. Today, The St. Regis Rome continues to impress, offering a seamless blend of modern comfort and timeless elegance. Guests can expect all the hallmarks of contemporary luxury—high-speed Wi-Fi, sumptuous Rubelli fabrics, advanced in-room technology, artful lighting, and soundproof accommodations. But what truly sets this hotel apart is the way its renovation by Pierre-Yves Rochon preserved and elevated its Belle Epoque heritage. The frescoed ballroom at The St Regis Rome Think light-filled, cream-toned interiors that cater to today's discerning traveler, paired with charming historic details: an original antique elevator with a gilded interior and chandelier, and a curated collection of period furnishings—from ornate mirrors to stately grandfather clocks—all lovingly retained during the 2018 restoration. It's this thoughtful blend of past and present that makes a stay at The St. Regis Rome truly unforgettable. Indeed, even the hotel's five-level open staircase is so stunning it makes a good argument for skipping the elevator. An ornate masterpiece that finishes with a ceiling fresco on the top floor—one can see it's blue radiance from the main floor, trimmed by the elaborate carving and detail on each level of the open staircase. Yet, the hotel's crowning glory is the ballroom—which one must make a point to see. Featuring a restored frescoed ceiling, original marble-clad walls, and breathtaking hand-blown chandeliers, the space is a regal gem in the heart of Rome. It even includes a Queen's Balcony, historically reserved for royal appearances. Of course, no stay at The St. Regis Rome would be complete without the brand's signature Butler Service. Available 24 hours a day, the butlers are just a text, call, or email away—whether you need help unpacking, a freshly brewed espresso, they are on hand to manage the details. Dining Looking up from the main floor—to the painting on the ceiling at the top of the staircase The hotel's main restaurant, Lumen offers a tranquil and elegant setting for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. Happy hour brings the relaxed lounge vibes with live piano music and a buzzy cocktail scene. The dining room, adjacent to the lounge, enjoys the piano stylings along with a full menu of modern Italian options. It's hard not to love a restaurant that brings together live piano music and a menu of premium offerings such as flambeed king prawn, salt crusted fish and beef tartare. Be sure to stick around for the 7pm nightly Champagne sabering when guests are treated to an authentic sabering of a bottle of Champagne, and a nice free glass of bubbly. During the summer months the Lumen Garden, located in the heart of the hotel, is a beautifully landscaped al fresco escape from the city's heat. Nosh on a dish of Sea bass carpaccio paired with a refreshing Rose and Gentian spritz. The St. Regis Rome Spa Sisley Paris and fitness center offer a well-appointed retreat from a full day of touring in Rome, including sauna and full gym as well as facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. The reviews of the St. Regis Rome are rife with superlatives: luxurious, exceptional, stunning, memorable, etc., and rightly so. It's a palatial experience from top to bottom and it's located within walking distance to most of the city's treasures. Mr. Ritz was a visionary when he established this property over a century ago and it's no wonder we still marvel in its riches today.
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Inside Le Bristol Paris' Newly Revamped $46,000-A-Night Impériale Suite
Le Bristol Paris' Suite Impériale Le Bristol Paris first flung open its doors on rue du Faubourg‑Saint‑Honoré in April 1925 during the peak of the Roaring Twenties. A hundred years may have passed, but the hotel, one of the first to earn the government‑sanctioned Palace distinction, is still turning heads. To mark its centenary, the Oetker Collection—guardians of the hotel since 1978—is celebrating by revealing a new look to one of its most iconic rooms, Suite Impériale. Revealed last month (May 2025), the newly renovated sprawling sanctuary starts at €40,500 ($46,250) per night. While the price is a far cry from 1920s room rates, this is much more than just a place to bed down for the night. At 3,444 square feet, Suite Impériale is one of the largest suites in the city; plus, it's quite the design triumph and true colloborative effort. Elvira Oetker and Narcisa Oetker oversaw the vision and worked with Pierre‑Yves Rochon, the French interiors architect and designer whose work can be found in hotels all around the world from The Peninsula in Shanghai Ritz to Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. George Condo, the famed contemporary New York artist was also highly involved, adding original pieces to his Paris hotel of choice, as he has been a frequent guest for the last twenty years. Condo custom-created several works for the space, including The Dark Lady in Red, which he counts as his personal favorite. There's also a solid gold door handle, designed by Condo in his Uncle Joe motifs. Other standout design features include a vintage Fornasetti 'Leopardo' marquetry chest; De Gournay hand-painted wallpaper; and a hand-tufted rug by designer Marguerite Le Maire. Other artsworks include pieces from Chagall, Giacometti, and Jean Cocteau, all favored artists of the Oetker family. The suite may be laid out with up to three interconnected bedrooms; plus, there is a formal salon, private dining room, and full kitchen. All stays include VIP arrival experience, transfers, complimentary minibar, in-suite breakfast, a spa treatment for two, and a dedicated maître d'hôtel. In addition to the revamped Suite Impériale, Le Bristol Paris has also renovated The Honeymoon Suite, which was also revealed in May 2025 to mark the hotel's 100th birthday. With a view of the Eiffel Tower, this newly redone suite includes a new fresco by Dimitri Rybaltchenko. Le Bristol Paris' Suite Impériale Le Bristol Paris' Suite Impériale Le Bristol Paris' Suite Impériale Le Bristol Paris' Suite Impériale Le Bristol Paris' Suite Impériale Le Bristol Paris Suite Impériale
