Stayed in the Waldorf in July 2008 for one week with my mum and sister as a shopping trip and chance to meet with family who live in NYC.
On arrival our luggage was taken care of quickly and we were taken to reception rahter than just being directed. Check in didnt go according to plan as when we booked we booked two interconnecting rooms (these were promised by travel agent) On check in there were no interconnecting rooms left although it worked out in the end as the single room was offered on the 17th floor (smoking rooms only) which one of our party wanted.
Rooms were big - our room had two double beds, walk in wardrobe (great for the shopping bags) although it did have a small bathroom. We experienced problems with the shower.. you have to run it for over 15 mins before any hot water. My sister complained once and was given breakfast vouchers (which we didnt use) but the water was never fixed properly. Housekeeping okay - turndown service didnt happen every night and when you wanted towels changed they hung up your used ones again so we called down a few times for fresh towels. The room has a/c which you cant turn down lower than 63. Rooms look like they could do with a facelift but hey how long are you spending in your room.
We used the Theatre and Tours desk within the hotel to book a show (Chorus Line) Richard on the desk was very helpful and got us great seats. The Concerige desk was again very helpful especially when it came to plotting all the shops we wanted to go on a map! No problems getting a taxi outside the hotel.. although for those who have not been to NYC before like me.. their taxi drivers always ask for a full address of where you are going!!!
Theres a Starbucks in the ground floor of hotel which is pricey compared to the starbucks out and about but ideal very first thing in the morning.
Hotel has all different types of guests... we saw wedding parties, business persons and tourists.. the hotel does say it has a dress code for lobby areas but we wore shorts etc and noone said anything.
The best thing with this hotel is the location. A pleasant 15min walk to Times Square/Tiffanys/Bloomingdales/Grand Central Station its perfect.
We wanted to have a late checkout as our flight wasnt till late at night.. when we called down to first ask we were told 75 dollars per hour so we werent going to bother. On the day we were going home we called again and were told first hour free then £35 dollars per hour so another warning... always check again! We also had mini bar charges on final account which we had not used so again check your bill before you leave.
All in all a lovely hotel with its amazing lobby and history but personally I prefer a more modern hotel and if I was returning I would find one but ensure it be close to the waldorf as location was great.
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