After nearly a decade behind closed doors, one of the world’s iconic hotels, Waldorf Astoria New York, has finally reopened.
The Park Avenue landmark, which closed in 2017 for extensive restoration, has re-emerged as a modern flagship for the evolving Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand.
Its grand reopening this month sees the return of familiar favourites like Peacock Alley alongside new additions such as Yoshoku, a kaiseki-style dining experience, and American brasserie Lex Yard, with award-winning mixologist Jeff Bell behind the cocktail menus.
With a restoration led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the revamped hotel now features 375 of Manhattan’s most spacious guest rooms and suites, many with sweeping skyline views.
But the reopening isn’t just about this property.
According to Hilton Hotels, which owns the Waldorf Astoria portfolio, the relaunch also reflects how much the brand has changed in recent years.
Since the NYC property’s closure, the brand has grown steadily around the globe, expanding to 36 hotels in 18 countries. That includes recent openings in Japan and Costa Rica, with more to come in Shanghai, Rabat, London and Kuala Lumpur – and yes, the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Sydney is still set to open in 2026.
“Waldorf Astoria New York is a beacon of timeless elegance – ‘The Greatest of Them All,’ as Conrad Hilton once described,” Hilton Luxury Brands senior vice president and global head Dino Michael said.
“We take that north star – ‘The Greatest of Them All’ – and we like to manifest that ambition at every new hotel we open across the globe.
“In every Waldorf Astoria, we have tributes to the original. The intent is they inform our history, they give a guiding nod to the past, but also allow us to reinterpret them for the future.”
The hotel brand’s design, dining and service ethos have also evolved along the way.
While signature spaces like the Grand Ballroom and the Waldorf Astoria Clock live on, newer openings nod to local culture and a more modern luxury aesthetic.
Hilton says culinary experiences, too, are now led by world-class chefs and bolder, globally inspired menus.
“Design is not just aesthetic, it’s storytelling,” Michael said.
“Every detail is chosen to echo the character of the place while evoking the spirit of Waldorf Astoria.”
Earlier this year, the hotel group made its debut in Japan, with the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Osaka. The hotel, located on the top floors of the South Park Tower skyscraper in the heart of the city, boasts four dining and bar venues, a library and a “world-class” wellness centre.
(All images – except below – by Waldorf Astoria New York)
