A Luxe New York City Hotel Called 'Greatest Of Them All' Is Reopening After Nearly A Decade

It's difficult to fathom that the iconic New York City that stood at the center of elite society for the better part of the 20th century has been closed for almost a decade, but it's true. The storied Waldorf Astoria, a longstanding symbol of refined elegance — and a premier example of 20th-century Art Deco design — hosted its last guest in 2017. At the time, the plan was to complete an extensive renovation and reopen within three years, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans. They have a tendency to go awry. A series of events, including the global pandemic and a high-profile corruption scandal involving then-owner Anbang Insurance Group of China significantly delayed the project, but it's back with a new owner and a plan to begin welcoming guests to its hallowed — and meticulously restored — halls in 2025.

"Waldorf Astoria New York has always been the place to be in New York City and whether you are a visitor or a New Yorker, we know so many around the globe have their own fond stories with our hotel," said Luigi Romaniello, managing director, Waldorf Astoria New York, in a statement. Longtime fans returning to the Waldorf Astoria for the first time since its closure will see familiar elements at every twist turn, including the beloved Waldorf Astoria clock, a stately timepiece at the center of NYC milestones for generations.

"We're meticulously restoring all of those spaces, but then bringing elements of modernity into the mix," Jasmin Howanietz, executive director of sales, Waldorf Astoria New York, said in a company video. "The goal is that you don't notice what's old and new because it blends in so nicely."

The Waldorf Astoria New York is currently accepting reservations for dates beginning in September 2025, a slight delay from the previously announced target of April 2025, but will the much-anticipated reopening be worth the wait? Only time will tell, but as Howanietz mentioned, the extensive renovations were conducted with painstaking attention to detail according to a design created by internationally known architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.The interior design was done by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the same firm responsible for decor at the recently renovated Hotel Georges V (with a very impressive presidential suite) in Paris and London's iconic Dorchester Hotel. 

One major change longtime Waldorf Astoria New York aficionados will notice right off the bat — the redesign reduces the total number of guest rooms from 1,400 to 375. The change, a result of converting the top floors to private residences ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, also means hotel guest rooms will offer a minimum of 570 square feet. In addition to select services and amenities, including the hotel spa and wellness center, private residents will have access to an exclusive 50,000-square-foot common space featuring an art collection curated by well-known Swiss collector and auctioneer Simon de Pury.

The new décor for each guest room gives a nod to the hotel's heritage with Art Deco elements inspired by the original design combined with the amenities 21st-century guests expect in a hotel room. The redesigned hotel also incorporates a 30,000-square-foot spa, a well-equipped fitness center, and Lex Yard, a signature restaurant helmed by acclaimed Chef Michael Anthony of The Gramercy, a Michelin-rated tavern in New York's Gramercy neighborhood — arguably one of the best attractions in New York City. Anthony, who's known for creating an approachable yet personalized dining experience, expects to focus on elevated American food in an atmosphere appropriate for both social and business gatherings.

The extensive renovation includes the hotel's iconic Grand Ballroom. For generations of New Yorkers, the opulent space was the dream setting for everything from debutante balls to society weddings. In 1956, Prince Rainier III of Monaco and actress Grace Kelly hosted their engagement party at the hotel. "The Waldorf in those days was like Hollywood," longtime Waldorf Astoria employee Hughie Weir told Town & Country in 2021. Weir, who rose through ranks from trainee in 1958 to event director in 1994, shared fond memories of days spent hobnobbing with 20th-century icons. These included the likes of Cole Porter, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt whose dog, Fala, is rumored to haunt a long-closed "secret" train station under the building.

In 1993, New York's Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the building's façade at 301 Park Ave. a protected landmark. In 2017, the same year the hotel closed for renovations, the Landmarks Preservation Commission added some of the structure's most opulent public spaces — including the Silver Gallery, a mirrored hallway with black-and-white mosaic tile flooring — to the protected-status list ensuring the property's essence will remain intact for future generations. At the time, Meenakshi Srinivasan, chair of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, observed, "Today's action not only protects the rich and beautifully detailed art-deco features of the hotel's interior public spaces, it also preserves the unique experience of moving through the hotel's varied interiors, which countless New Yorkers and visitors have enjoyed for more than eight decades."

Although the official unveiling is still month's away, Grand Ballroom plans approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2023 include replacement of non-historic balcony railings with polished steel railings and frameless glass panels, an updated main stage, and new light fixtures including a chandelier above each balcony.