Waldorf Astoria New York Nears Reopening—and Reclaims Its Role as a Global Flagship

Days away from unveiling one of the most anticipated hotel reopenings in the world, Waldorf Astoria New York is buzzing with final touches—and history. I recently took a hardhat tour of the iconic property, and while the scaffolding and polish rags are still out, what’s already clear is this: “The Greatest of Them All,” as Conrad Hilton once called it, is ready to reclaim its title.

Closed since 2017 for a top-to-bottom restoration, the landmark Park Avenue hotel is accepting reservations starting Sept. 1. With just 375 rooms and suites (down from 1,400), each has been reimagined by Pierre-Yves Rochon for today’s luxury traveler. Even entry-level accommodations begin at nearly 600 square feet, with thoughtful details like through-closet luggage storage and dedicated in-room bar setups. In the Park Avenue One-Bedroom Suite, a wide window—cleverly flanked by mirrors, a subtle nod to the building’s original Art Deco glamour—catches sweeping uptown views of the iconic thoroughfare.

The hotel’s heritage spaces have been masterfully preserved in a way that makes it feel fresh, new, and fun, rather than a time capsule. The Versailles-inspired Silver Corridor, mural-lined and hand-restored, leads to a Grand Ballroom returned to its original splendor. The Basildon Room, named for the 18th-century Basildon Park estate in England, has been repainted in its historic palette, precisely matched from a vintage postcard. And yes, Cole Porter’s piano is back in place.

While the hotel’s past remains intact, its influence extends far beyond New York. “Waldorf Astoria New York is a beacon of timeless elegance, ‘the greatest of them all,’” says Dino Michael, Hilton’s global head of luxury. “We take that north star and we like to manifest that ambition at every new hotel we open across the globe.” That legacy lives on in the rebirth of Peacock Alley, the hotel’s signature cocktail bar, now reimagined with mixologist Jeff Bell at the helm.

Just steps away, Chef Michael Anthony’s new two-story brasserie, Lex Yard, nods to the hotel’s secret railway platform below and will serve refined, regionally sourced fare in a setting designed by AvroKO. (Some iconic dishes that made their name at the hotel—Waldorf salad, red velvet cake, and eggs Benedict, to name a few—are almost sure to make an appearance.)

Waldorf Astoria New York will also debut a 30,000-square-foot Guerlain spa, as well as more than 40,000 square feet of restored event space. As the curtain rises once again on this storied address, its role as the heartbeat of the brand—and the city—is unmistakably intact.