Waldorf Astoria New York is expected to reopen its doors later this year following an extensive, multi-year restoration. Managing Director Luigi Romaniello speaks exclusively to Karryon Luxury.
Luigi Romaniello has a career in hospitality that spans more than 30 years. In what he describes as a “career-defining moment”, Romaniello will be responsible for all aspects of operations for both the 375-key hotel, Waldorf Astoria New York; and the new Waldorf Astoria Residences.
Most recently, Romaniello served as Managing Director at The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in New York City. Prior to this, he spent more than 20 years with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
The restoration and redevelopment of Waldorf Astoria New York has taken seven years, as Hilton’s Candice D’Cruz, Vice President, Luxury Brands APAC stated at a recent press briefing during ILTM.
Ahead of its highly anticipated reopening, Romaniello shared more with Karryon as well as his must-do tips for first-time travellers to New York City.
What does it mean to you personally to be leading the reopening of the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York; and how is the opening team/staff coming together?
Being part of the reopening of what Conrad Hilton declared “the greatest of them all” is truly a career-defining moment for not only me, but our incredibly talented team members. As a passionate hotelier who fell in love with NYC, there is so much enthusiasm for the reopening from not only our guests, future residents, team members and owners, but the entire city of New York.
As we prepare to usher in a new chapter in this property’s storied history representing a new era for Waldorf Astoria New York, our team takes immense pride in our property which we know will set a new standard for ultra luxury in Manhattan. As the flagship property for the brand, we look forward to lifting the curtain on our hotel.
For returning guests, what will some of the evident changes or additions be to the hotel?
Waldorf Astoria New York has long remained a fabric of New York City and a beacon within the luxury hospitality industry. As a landmark property, so many of the historical elements have been painstakingly restored to bring back the original grandeur of the hotel from the Grand Ballroom, representing the crown jewel of New York society to the famed Clock Tower Lobby.
Following an extensive restoration spearheaded by our renowned architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior design from Pierre Yves-Rochon, the revived property will respect the scale and beauty of the original and unique Art Deco architecture, bringing it up-to-date through a thoughtful selection of contemporary furnishings and technology, thoughtful finishes and carefully preserved hotel artefacts, including the Spirit of Achievement and Cole Porter’s piano.
For returning guests, new additions will include the property’s updated room count with 375 guest rooms and suites, which will be among the largest in the city. The spacious accommodations are designed with today’s traveller in mind and evoke a luxurious residential experience.
Additionally, guests and visitors will have access to an expansive spa spanning over 30,000 square feet and a state-of-the-art fitness centre, incredible culinary offerings with a standout signature restaurant helmed by acclaimed Chef Michael Anthony and more.
Further, perched above our hotel, Waldorf Astoria New York will feature 375 new private residences, ranging from studios to four bedrooms.
With a meticulous restoration, how has the design team been able to preserve the original essence and history of the hotel with the needs of today’s modern traveller?
Guests will notice that no detail was left behind in the restoration led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Talented craftspeople have spent tens of thousands of hours to make sure that the art-deco design, rich fabrics and materials have been restored anew.
Even the smallest of details from hand-painted gold leaf on the ceiling to restoration of the paintings in the Silver Corridor to the elevator doors have been carefully preserved, breathing new life into their next chapter at Waldorf Astoria New York.
For today’s traveller, we’ve added state-of-the-art technology to all guest rooms along with the 43,000 square feet of modernised meeting and event spaces so that every guest will feel the new era of Waldorf Astoria New York.
What will some of the culinary and dining highlights be at the hotel?
Recently, we announced New York City Chef Michael Anthony as our chef partner. Chef Michael will oversee Waldorf Astoria New York’s signature restaurant, a two-story American Brasserie-style restaurant featuring farm-to-table experiences and elevated seasonal dining that feels both approachable and special.
The signature restaurant will feature a bar on the first floor with dining and private dining space on both floors. The menu will focus on reinterpreting and elevating American classics while redefining luxury dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Our famed Peacock Alley will return and we look forward to sharing more about the future of that experience later this year.
For a first-time guest, what’s your hot tip on the top five moments, spaces or experiences that every guest should try and make time to discover during their stay?
Guests staying at Waldorf Astoria New York are able to have a very tailored experience thanks to our team of talented concierges who can create focused itineraries for foodies, culture-seekers, theatre-lovers and every interest in between. In addition to experiencing all that our hotel will have to offer, I’d recommend first-time guests to New York City to experience the following:
- Enjoy first class shopping along Fifth Avenue
- Take a stroll through Central Park – it’s truly magnificent no matter the season
- See a show (or several) on Broadway
- Discover one of our city’s incredible museums along Museum Mile or one of the city’s iconic attractions such as the Empire State Building (the former home of Waldorf Astoria)
- See the city’s skyline from the water – New York City has the most picturesque skyline and the city offers a variety of yacht and sailing tours which are a great way to see Manhattan from a different vantage point.
For luxury travel advisors looking to book their clients the most premium category of rooms or suites, can you outline what the top level of accommodations will be?
Because of the nature of the building, we will have a variety of room categories and many connecting rooms.
Our 375 guestrooms and suites will represent some of the largest, open-floor accommodations in Manhattan, creating the perfect homebase whether you are in town for a business meeting, or taking in the sights of the city with friends.
For more information, visit waldorfastorianewyork.com
