I honestly can’t even begin to tell you just how incredible my recent stay at the Waldorf Astoria New York was.

I’ve been wanting to stay there since 2016, but with it closing in 2017 for an almost decade-long renovation, it was only February 2026 – just six months after it reopened – that I finally stayed there.

I’m not sure I’ve ever been so nervous to stay at a hotel. I was SO scared it wouldn’t match my expectations, but it far exceeded all of them.

So, let’s get into it and I’ll tell you ALL about my stay and why it was 100% worth every cent.

Personal Concierge at the Waldorf Astoria

About ten days prior to checking-in, my ‘personal concierge’ at the hotel reached out via email to request my estimated time of arrival, any special room preferences, dietary restrictions, or if I was celebrating a special occasion.

He also offered to make any reservations for me. I thought I’d try my luck and request a reservation at my favourite restaurant, Monkey Bar, as it’s become impossible to book since the TikTok crowd discovered it. Sadly the Waldorf weren’t able to do this for me though :'(

Nevermind.

In addition to the Monkey Bar request, I also requested a room close to the elevator. I don’t know about you, but I hate nothing more than traipsing miles along hotel corridors and getting lost. Just put me near the elevator and be done with it! 

Checking in at Waldorf Astoria New York

I’d stayed at one of my usual faves, Moxy Chelsea, for three nights before arriving at the Waldorf Astoria.

I always like to start off at a cheaper hotel, and then end at a luxury one – I find it makes you appreciate the luxury that bit more 😉

The Uber driver dropped me off at the back entrance of the Waldorf Astoria on Lexington Avenue, and I was a little disappointed tbh as I’d wanted to arrive at the main entrance on Park lol. 

Nevermind, despite having to wrestle through the back with my bags, a lovely bellhop came to my aid and took my bags from me.

And that was the moment I fell in love.

You see, it started a delightful 24 hour stay where every single staff member smiled and said hello. 

Every. Single. One.

From the bellhops, to the receptionists, to the cleaners, to the maintenance guys, to the corporate suits.

And it made me realise that weirdly, despite staying in dozens of the world’s best hotels, that’s actually rarely happened before at a hotel? Where every single staff member made the effort to smile and say hello. It was just so lovely and made me feel so welcome.

I arrived at reception and they very kindly had my room ready (it was only 10am – yes, I was keen lol), and they also confirmed my request to be near the elevator. 

Waldorf Astoria Deluxe King Room

Before I had even opened the door to my room, I gasped.

The art deco attention-to-detail on the doorbell, handle, and doorplate outside each room was stunning. I mean LOOK at it!

And then I saw the room, and I gasped again.

I had a Deluxe King Room, and despite being one up from entry level, it was essentially a large junior suite (every room at the Waldorf is now technically a suite).

The hotel now offers 375 guest rooms and full suites (down from 1,416 pre-renovation), featuring some of the largest in Manhattan (starting at 570 sq. ft.), with interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon.

There was a spacious entrance hallway with multiple closets and a full length mirror.

And of course, a small coat closet with cosy gowns.

The hallway then led through to the bathroom to the left, and the main suite straight ahead.

The main suite was beautiful, with a seating area, desk, and a huge king bed. There was a television in the seating area which pulled out and twisted around so you could also watch the television from the bed.

In the entrance hallway was a mini bar area with teas, coffees and everything else you could need.

All of the furniture and decor was just beautiful, it felt very contemporary art deco and again, the attention to detail on everything was just delightful.

And of course, there was turn-down service in the evening, complete with the cutest little chocolate box.

The Bathroom

But the bathroom?! Oh my gosh, was the bathroom incredible.

I walked into the bathroom and assumed there was a toilet and then a shower behind the frosted glass doors…however, I opened one to find almost an entire extra bathroom!

There was a shower AND a huge bath behind the door!!

I also loved that the amenity products were all full-sized Aesop, and they provided a little pouch filled with bath salts for the bath. 

Another touch I love in hotels is when they provide a darker coloured makeup towel!

The Hotel & Dining 

While I didn’t try the restaurants in the hotel (I had to get to Monkey Bar for a walk-in spot in the bar!), I did try room service the following morning.

Sadly I had to work, and I was enjoying the room so much I just couldn’t face going out early in the morning to find breakfast. So I stayed in and ordered room service (this became an ongoing thing during this trip…as I did the same at the next hotel as well).

It cost an obscene amount of money, but it was delicious and it was lovely not having to leave the room.

If you do want to dine at the hotel, dining options include:

• Lex Yard, a brasserie from renowned chef Michael Anthony
• Peacock Alley, a New York institution for refined cuisine and cocktails
• Yoshoku, a Kaiseki focused dining experience with both tasting and à la carte menus

Sadly there is no swimming pool (although a hotel pool is a rarity in NYC), but there is the Guerlain wellness spa offering treatments and a sauna and steam room.

The Renovation

The renovation of the Waldorf Astoria was completed in July 2025 after a whopping eight years, costing $2billion.

Originally opened in 1931, the hotel is iconic and famous for its glamour and luxury! I mean, Frank Sinatra literally kept a suite there for an entire decade, and even Queen Elizabeth II stayed at the Waldorf.

The meticulous restoration of the original Art Deco design, including the iconic 1893 World’s Fair clock, the Wheel of Life mosaic in the lobby, and the silver corridor, is evident as you walk through the hotel.

It feels fresh but still retains the historic details, and it was such a dream to finally stay there!

In addition to the new suites/rooms, the building also now includes 375 residences designed by Jean-Louis Deniot. 

Location of Waldorf Astoria New York

I can’t really write a review of the Waldorf Astoria New York without mentioning the location.

It is perfection.

Situated on an entire block between Lexington and Park, the Waldorf is perfectly positioned for Central Park, Midtown (Times Square, Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, St Andrews Cathedral), the Upper East Side, and Murray Hill.

You have some of the best theatres, restaurants, bars and shops just a short walk away, as well as some of the best viewing platforms like Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Whether you’re visiting New York in Summer, visiting for a long weekend Broadway trip, or taking a Christmas trip to NYC, the Waldorf Astoria is the perfect location.

It’s also an easy Uber or subway ride away from Chelsea, the West Village, and Downtown.

Was it worth the four-figure price tag?

In the words of David Bromstad, the entire experience was delicious!

My entire stay was perfect and in my opinion, it was 100% worth the price tag.

The Waldorf Astoria New York has gone firmly towards the top of my best hotels in New York City list.