In-Depth Review of the Waldorf Astoria New York - AFAR
"After an eight-year closure and a multibillion-dollar restoration that reopened in July 2025, I found the Waldorf Astoria’s legend finally matches the fantasy: the art deco colossus at 301 Park Avenue has been painstakingly restored from its mosaic-floored Park Avenue lobby and chandeliered ballrooms to the reinvigorated Peacock Alley anchored by Cole Porter’s Steinway. The renovation reduced the room count from roughly 1,400 to 375 (with added residences), and French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has turned the accommodations into neutral, residential-feeling sanctuaries—many starting at about 570 sq ft—with automated drapery, spa-like bathrooms (deep soaking tubs and separate showers), oversized marble vanities, oversized beds, and double-glazed windows that hush Park Avenue into a low hum. Dining and drinking span the theatrical Peacock Alley lounge (complete with a four-faced Victorian clock and live music), a Jeff Bell cocktail program (my refreshing Lombardo Spritz was grapefruit, koval rose hip liqueur, and prosecco), the brasserie-style Lex Yard by Michael Anthony (oysters, a bright citrus-honey vinaigrette Waldorf Salad 2.0, Long Island royal red shrimp, and a black bass in yogurt sauce on a generous prix fixe), and Yoshoku—a quieter, evolving Japanese-Western spot by Ry Nitzkowiski where the eel donburi with intentionally crispy rice and a succulent quail katsu stood out. Service felt proudly theatrical and highly attentive—staff like Elvis hustled to greet me, deliver bags, and personally walk me through room features, while back-of-house amenities (a “green room,” full-time tailor, and bespoke uniforms) keep standards polished. The hotel sits on an entire block between East 49th and 50th streets near Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, and MoMA, offers step-free arrival and extensive ADA features (nine public lifts, 32 ADA rooms with roll-in showers and hearing-accessible variants), and markets a Guerlain 20,000-square-foot spa opening later this fall; rates start around $1,500 and the property participates in Hilton Honors." - Jennifer Flowers
