My family stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and it was truly like living in a piece of New York's history (from 1893 to be exact.) There are newer hotels in the city that are gorgeous, but if you're a romantic who loves Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, jazz, and the fine nuances of an era that has disappeared except for within the bounds of places like this, there's really no other place for you.
I was in awe the whole time I stayed at the Waldorf. I loved the intricate art deco ceilings, the massive bouquets of pink tiger lilies that filled the entire lobby with with beautiful, delicate perfume, the elegant room my family shared that looked as though it had been conjured up from a black and white movie. The service is equally incredible -- everyone we met greeted us with a smile, true warmth, and consummate professionalism. This is in stark contrast to the treatment we received while having lunch at the Plaza where the waiter who served us treated us rudely and seemed prejudiced (we are multicultural.)
On the lobby floor of the Waldorf are beautiful boutiques selling all manner of fine goods. There are Oscar de la Renta displays right on the ground floor, while the famous and luxururious shopping vistas, museums, and major sites are in walking distance. Walking randomly around you'll see the restaurant where the Waldorf salad was invented, gorgeous crystal chandeliers, and the famous bronze animal statues at their Bull and Bear restaurant.
I don't understand the complaints on this website as we found every aspect of our stay to be excellent.
This an era where luxury hotels are becoming more and more homogenized and many corporations think that Frette linen and sushi are synonymous with style, and there is nothing wrong with these modern trends, but stay at the Waldorf if you want to reside in a place whose glamour has character and history. Stay here if your favorite luxury is uniqueness and you want to live for a while in the splendid past.
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