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Waldorf Astoria New York Reopens After Extensive Renovation
The iconic hotel impresses with its restored grandeur, spacious rooms, and top-notch gym, though food and drink prices are sky-high.
Feb. 2, 2026 at 3:31pm
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The 375-key Waldorf Astoria New York has reopened after an eight-year, $1 billion renovation. The author, a Hilton Honors Diamond member, recently stayed at the property and found it to be a beautifully restored historic hotel with a great sense of place, spacious rooms, and friendly service, though the food and beverage outlets were criticized for being exorbitantly priced.
Why it matters
The Waldorf Astoria is an iconic New York City hotel, having operated in its current location since 1931. The extensive renovation was aimed at bringing the property back to its former glory after years of decline prior to the closure. The reopening of this legendary hotel is a significant event for the city's hospitality landscape.
The details
The interior design of the Waldorf Astoria New York was led by Pierre-Yves Rochon, who maintained the hotel's historic charm while making it more luxurious. The majority of the rooms are spacious suites, and even the standard deluxe king rooms measure 575 square feet. The author was impressed by the friendly and attentive service from the staff. However, the food and beverage outlets, including the iconic Peacock Alley lobby bar, were criticized for having exorbitantly high prices without providing a commensurate level of experience.
- The Waldorf Astoria New York closed for an eight-year, $1 billion renovation in 2017.
- The hotel reopened in mid-2025 after the extensive renovation project.
The players
Waldorf Astoria New York
An iconic luxury hotel in New York City that has operated in its current location since 1931. The property recently underwent an extensive $1 billion renovation and restoration project.
Pierre-Yves Rochon
The interior designer who led the renovation and restoration of the Waldorf Astoria New York, maintaining the hotel's historic charm while making it more luxurious.
Ben Schlappig
The author of the article, who recently stayed at the Waldorf Astoria New York as a Hilton Honors Diamond member.
What they’re saying
“I'd like to think that I have realistic expectations when it comes to how much things should cost, and as a result, I rarely have sticker shock. But I found the pricing here to be borderline offensive, with cocktails ranging from $32 to $38, and that's before tax and tip.”
— Ben Schlappig
The takeaway
The Waldorf Astoria New York has been restored to its former grandeur, offering spacious rooms, friendly service, and impressive amenities like a top-notch gym. However, the exorbitantly high prices at the food and beverage outlets may be a deterrent for some guests, despite the hotel's iconic status and historic significance.
