Journey Through Time

Waldorf Astoria has been synonymous with unmatched service, bringing together the social elite, and delivering unforgettable experiences for well over a century. The storied global brand has evolved from a single property in New York City to a portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties in the world’s most sought-after destinations.

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Waldorf Hotel

The original Waldorf Hotel was built at 33rd Street and Fifth Avenue in 1893 by William Waldorf Astor. Four years later, John Jacob Astor IV, William’s cousin and familial rival, built an even taller hotel next door in an act of one-upmanship. The cousins finally agreed to a truce and the two buildings were connected through a 300-foot marble corridor known as Peacock Alley. The Waldorf-Astoria was born.

1893

1930

The Grand Ballrooom of the Waldorf, 1920.

1931

The Waldorf Astoria sets a list of global precedents: the first hotel to have electricity on every floor, the first to have en suite baths, and the first to offer 24-hour room service.

1931

The Waldorf Astoria re-opens in its current Park Avenue location, becoming the largest and tallest hotel in the world. Designed in the Art Deco style, it welcomed presidents, royals, movie stars, and cultural luminaries into its grand public spaces and palatial suites.

1933

President Hoover moves to a suite on the 34th floor of the Waldorf Towers, where he lived until his death there in 1964. Since Hoover, every President of the United States through Barack Obama has been hosted by the Waldorf Astoria.

1949

Conrad Hilton acquires management rights to the Waldorf Astoria

1956

Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly host their engagement celebration at the Waldorf Astoria, which was attended by many members of New York high society.

1957

On her first state visit to the US, Queen Elizabeth II is honored with a banquet at the hotel.

1964

Long-time Waldorf Towers resident Cole Porter dies, and his suite is specifically chosen by Frank Sinatra as his New York home.

1972

The Hilton Hotels Corporation purchases the Waldorf Astoria New York.

1986

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame holds its first-ever induction ceremony at The Waldorf Astoria New York. With the exception of 1993 and 1997, this annual event continues to take place at the hotel.

2006

The Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq becomes the first international property in the Waldorf Astoria Collection and represents the brand’s entrance into the Middle East.

2018

The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok opens as the first Waldorf Astoria in South East Asia. The Waldorf Astoria Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa becomes the first hotel to join the Waldorf Astoria Collection after the flagship New York property became a brand.

2021

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