6 data from the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel, New York symbol and US recovery after the great depression

Image source, Waldorf Astoria New York

Photo foot, The Waldorf Astoria hotel reopened its doors in mid -July, after eight years closed for reforms.

- Author, Lynn Brown
- Author's title, BBC Travel
4 hours

Few hotels have marked a city like Waldorf Astoria to New York.

Inaugurated in 1893 and transferred to his now iconic direction of Park Avenue in 1931, he quickly became a symbol of elegance, power and innovation, he housed from Jazz legends and figures of high society to royalty and presidents, and pioneered modern luxury hotel experience.

“When he reopened in 1931, he considered a symbol of hope in the future,” says David Freeland, historian and author of American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century (“American Hotel: The Waldorf Astoria and the creation of a century”, free translation).

“For that reason, President Hoover inaugurated (to Waldorf) with a speech (transmitted by radio) (…), because not only a symbol of the city was considered, but a national recovery symbol,” he adds.

Now, after eight years of reforms, the Waldorf reopened its doors with restored historical details, including many of the original murals and frescoes, as well as luxurious new interiors of the designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.

The stays at the hotel and reservations in their restaurants are already enabled, but their glamorous spaces for events will not be available until September.

Here we present six reasons why the Waldorf Astoria still deserves its place in the history of the hospitality industry.

1. He pioneered modern hospitality

Old photo and next to the current photo of the hotel lobby. In the old one, which is in black and white, a large spider lamp is seen hanging from the ceiling, a glue piano in the bottom and palm leaves to the sides. In the new photo you can see the same lobby in yellow colors, without the lamp, the plants or the piano. — Photo foot, The entrance of the Waldorf Astoria hall still retains the original floor design.

The Astoria Waldorf introduced comforts that are now considered standard in luxury hotels.

It was the first modern hotel to offer service to the room, telephone in the rooms and have renowned chefs.

These characteristics, along with their luxurious interiors, such as their imposing lobby, were part of the reason for their popularity between the New York high society.

“Since its inception in the 1890s, the Waldorf became famous for housing royalty ambassadors, diplomats and outstanding figures of culture and arts,” Freeland tells the BBC.

“That reputation remained throughout its history,” he adds.

2. helped redefine haute cuisine

A black and white image of the dining room with round tables dressed with white tablecloths and a vase in the center of each table, and palm trees that decorate the room. — Photo foot, The dishes served in the historic dining room of the hotel adorned the tables around the world.

At a time when the New York elite died mostly at home, the Waldorf contributed to popularize restaurants.

In fact, it was one of the first places in the city where it was socially accepted that women ate alone in public.

His kitchens housed famous chefs, including Oscar Tschirky, known as the “Oscar del Waldorf”, who led the hotel culinary offer for 50 years.

In this hotel several unique dishes were created or popularized, such as Benedictine eggs, the red velvet cake and the Waldorf salad.

The Lex Yard, a new hotel restaurant, pays tribute to these culinary classics with a red velvet souffle cake and the version of chef Michael Anthony of the house's flagship salad.

3. The Peacock Alley is back

A brown wooden piano in the center, behind an old gold watch and wooden seats with cream upholstered. — Photo foot, The renewed BAR Peacock Alley presents both historical and modern elements.

The original Astoria Waldorf, located in what is today the Empire State, was actually two hotels: the Waldorf and El Astoria, connected by a 90 -meter ride where wealthy guests wore their elegant attire.

That catwalk, known as Peacock Alley (“Callejón del Turkey”), became the place to see and be seen.

That same space has been redesigned and now wears a beautiful new mural behind the bar, along with the original 1893 lobby watch and the Cole Porter's tail piano, a wink to the composer who lived in the Waldorf from 1935 until his death in 1964.

Faithful to tradition, it is still a perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and observe the elegant guests parade.

4. There is a secret train below

An old train car that looks oxidized on some beams, in a dirty tunnel full of rubble on the floor. The front of a truck is seen in the background. — Photo foot, It is rumored that Franklin D. Roosevelt used Via 61 as a way of entering the hotel without showing his disability to whom they could see it.

Getting an entire apple for a new development was a feat even in 1931.

The Waldorf Astoria achieved it when taking charge of the New York Central Railroad terminal after its steam locomotives became electric and relocated underground.

The land included route 61, a hidden train line under the building that, as rumored, in the past transported presidents and other high -profile guests directly to the hotel.

Although it is no longer operational or open to the public, the road is still alive in the legend, and in the name of the new hotel restaurant, Lex Yard, in honor of the Lexington Avenue rail terminal that used to be there.

5. It was the UN Official Hotel

Two images, one old and a current one, of the dance hall with round tables and chairs around. In the background, a scenario with a large curtain in the old photo, while in the modern version the stage has a curved shape and is decorated with many lights. — Photo foot, The Hotel Bailer Hall housed high profile events, from the UN Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs to the first Met Gala.

When the United Nations chose New York City as its permanent headquarters in 1946, Waldorf Astoria played an important role in the scene.

The Hotel contributed to ensure that the UN International Cooperation Mission was not harmed by racist segregation policies prevailing in the US at that time.

“The UN Secretariat was very concerned about the accommodation of the UN delegates, guests and personnel, some of whom were black. This happened at a time when certain New York hotels still practiced some form of unofficial segregation,” Freeland explained.

“The UN reached an agreement with the Waldorf: it agreed to receive all the guests, regardless of their skin color, and, in return, it would become the UN Hotel for the UN for accommodation and events.”