After reading mixed reviews about the Waldorf Astoria prior to our trip, we were delighted with our stay and found many comments to be unfounded.
Staying for two nights (over New Years Eve), we found that the hotel offered bags of character and we thoroughly enjoyed most aspects of our stay. There are nicer and more upmarket hotels to stay in NY, but we found that staying at the Waldorf was more of an experience.
Staying in a King mini-suite, our room felt fresh and clean, with all the charm that you would expect from the Waldorf. The view wasn't amazing, which was a shame, but we spent more time out exploring than gazing out of the window anyway!!
There were negative aspects - it took us 20 minutes to check in for no apparent reason and I would advise most to stay away from Oscar's (restaurant/bar near Eastern entrance). Although the food was good, we waited almost 90 minutes for our main course and the waiters seemed, well, incompetent. Everyone seemed to be complaining and sending food back to the kitchen for various reasons - apparently they were short of kitchen staff. However, I have heard better reviews from others, so maybe it was a one off.
Regarding other staff - most were friendly and helpful but there were the occasional employees who didn't really seem to care what impression they were giving (again, mainly in Oscars).
Generally I would recommend this hotel to anyone going to NY if they are looking for something a bit different. If you're highly strung or short on patience then aspects of the Waldorf might not be for you, but for the easy-going, laid-back amongst you, then I would highly recommend.
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