[ARCHIVE to 2015] Waldorf Astoria New York {US-NY}
Aug 9, 2012, 10:36 pm
#1126
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: DL Diamond, HHonors Diamond, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,363
I don't know; I haven't been to The Waldorf=Astoria in a few years. The article you cited is merely a rumor. If Hilton were actually in the process of renovating the hotel right now, I think we'd have heard about, either via an official release or a report here on FlyerTalk.
Aug 10, 2012, 1:42 am
#1127
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, TK Elite, HHonors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 7,691
I know for sure that public areas are being renovated.
Aug 10, 2012, 6:09 am
#1128
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: LH SEN, FB Plat., HH D.
Posts: 5,050
I am sure that a hotel with so many rooms are constantly renovating part of them.
I have stayed 3/4 times in the last 4/5 years and I have never had "tired" rooms, but all have been "W/A style", ie anything but modern look.
I have stayed 3/4 times in the last 4/5 years and I have never had "tired" rooms, but all have been "W/A style", ie anything but modern look.
Aug 10, 2012, 9:05 am
#1129
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
As the flagship iconic property of the flagship iconic Hilton brand, the W-A doesn't really give a hoot about elite status or how many nights someone stayed in Peoria.
You can book high-end rooms, UG to high-end rooms or deal with standard rooms which are still generally very nice. It's not a trendy hotel and it's not meant to be.
The best way to get great rooms at the W-A is to be really nice and pleasant to the FD and make the ask in a polite and informed manner. Don't ask about UG's, but ask if there's anything nicer available. Don't mention status ! (In NY, status means you're in the Social Register).
You can book high-end rooms, UG to high-end rooms or deal with standard rooms which are still generally very nice. It's not a trendy hotel and it's not meant to be.
The best way to get great rooms at the W-A is to be really nice and pleasant to the FD and make the ask in a polite and informed manner. Don't ask about UG's, but ask if there's anything nicer available. Don't mention status ! (In NY, status means you're in the Social Register).
Aug 10, 2012, 9:48 am
#1130
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, Alaska MVPG100K, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 189
Staying here now for 10 days and I can confirm that the hotel does look to be undergoing a massive upgrade. Half of the lobby is now closed off (Park side) and is not accessible. Everything from the Park side Tower elevators to Park is now behind what looks to be an actual wall. For those that haven't stayed there you probably wouldn't even realize it. Sir Harry's, Starbucks, both large meeting rooms, none of it is accessible or even visable at this point. I can't vouch for any of the rooms being updated but defintely the lobby is undergoing a makeover.
Aug 10, 2012, 10:01 am
#1131
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: SFO - UA 2MM 1K, AA Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 417
As the flagship iconic property of the flagship iconic Hilton brand, the W-A doesn't really give a hoot about elite status or how many nights someone stayed in Peoria. Don't ask about UG's, but ask if there's anything nicer available. Don't mention status ! (In NY, status means you're in the Social Register).
Aug 10, 2012, 10:58 am
#1132
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: LH SEN, FB Plat., HH D.
Posts: 5,050
Unless it has changed lately they used to have a dedicated check in for HHD so no need to show you card.
It is true that they close at 8pm or even earlier.
The Astoria lounge is at the W/A Astoria or at the Towers? Thanks
It is true that they close at 8pm or even earlier.
The Astoria lounge is at the W/A Astoria or at the Towers? Thanks
Aug 10, 2012, 2:56 pm
#1133
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,279
If I didn't even mention I am gold, I can't even get a late checkout at 1pm despite average occupancy ! They are very stingy about upgrades and late checkout not unless the person know your status !
Aug 10, 2012, 6:46 pm
#1134
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 542
...Request for late check out, was told 1pm the latest for both gold and diamond, anything later than that is $50 per hour.
I have never heard late check out charge by hour, usually it is a flat rate $50-$100 til 6pm at other hotels like Hilton or even Conrad, after that charge a day rate or half the rate you paid.
Aug 12, 2012, 3:06 am
#1137
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany, Austria
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, ALL Silver,, Miles&More
Posts: 1,122
I am talking about carpets, wallpapers, curtains, maybe really too tired furniture and most import the bathroom. Some photos I have seen from guests on tripadvisor show tired rooms and bathrooms.
However I would not stay on points and book instead a paid stay for 5 or 6 nights with a higher category room. I will reach again Diamond or at least Gold probably till that stay, so maybe they will be so kind to take care that I get a nice room at least in the booked category.
Finally: The new owners of The Plaza mentioned some more luxury hotels they are interested to buy in NYC, they named also the W=A, read here:
http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/...s-plaza-hotel/
"The Sahara group is also said to be interested in other high-end iconic hotel properties in New York, like the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental and the Waldorf-Astoria."
Last edited by submonte; Aug 12, 2012 at 3:16 am
Aug 12, 2012, 11:12 am
#1138
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,072
It will be a sad day in Hilton history if that were to happen. The Waldorf was Conrad Hilton's prized possession, and he was able to buy it outright in the 70's for around $30M. It had great sentimental value to him and the brand. Of course, the current owners (Blackstone) don't care about that and would probably sell it off even if they only profited $1...
Aug 13, 2012, 1:48 am
#1139
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,682
Finally: The new owners of The Plaza mentioned some more luxury hotels they are interested to buy in NYC, they named also the W=A, read here:
http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/...s-plaza-hotel/
"The Sahara group is also said to be interested in other high-end iconic hotel properties in New York, like the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental and the Waldorf-Astoria."
http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/...s-plaza-hotel/
"The Sahara group is also said to be interested in other high-end iconic hotel properties in New York, like the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental and the Waldorf-Astoria."
Sep 10, 2012, 4:41 am
#1140
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,784
I'm confused on lounge access.
I am HHonors Diamond with a reservation for a standard room.
Do Diamond members receive access to any lounge? If so, what are its amenities? Additionally, is full breakfast in the hotel's restaurant complimentary?
I am HHonors Diamond with a reservation for a standard room.
Do Diamond members receive access to any lounge? If so, what are its amenities? Additionally, is full breakfast in the hotel's restaurant complimentary?