New York City’s Waldorf Astoria Now Open for Overnight Stays - AFAR

"Reopened to guests on July 15 after a multi-year restoration, this iconic 1931 landmark has been reimagined with 375 larger hotel rooms (plus 372 residences) and modernized public spaces that retain art deco glamour. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill led the preservation and adaptive-reuse work across roughly 62,000 square feet designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, while interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon use soft leathers, tailored upholstery, custom furniture, artisanal hardware, and marble bathrooms to deliver restrained, elegant nods to the building’s heritage. Artisans restored metalwork, hand-painted murals, mosaics, and gold-leaf details, and designers introduced more natural light, greater accessibility, integrated lighting systems, and automated curtains to meet contemporary needs. Visual continuity is emphasized in public areas (for example, the reception fireplace uses the same marble as the historic bar columns), and the staff presentation has been updated with chic, tailored uniforms by a British couture designer to match the hotel’s blend of timeless elegance and modern innovation." - Devorah Lev-Tov