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Waldorf-Astoria Reopens in NYC With Star Power and Gilded Age Glamour
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The Waldorf-Astoria New York — the legendary Art Deco landmark and one of the world’s most famous luxury hotels — officially reopened on Nov. 6 with a star-studded, high-glam celebration filled with caviar, champagne, martinis and surprise performances.
A-List Guests, NYC Icons, and Major Moments
The reopening drew a mix of A-List New Yorkers, Hamptonites, tastemakers and boldface names including Paris Hilton, Russell Wilson, Aaron Paul, Olivia Palermo, Gayle King, Katie Couric, Fran Drescher, Jean Shafiroff, Arianna Huffington, Cynthia Rowley, Fern Mallis, Ben Ahlers, Mira Sorvino, Daniel Boulud, and Vera Wang.
Guests ascended the grand staircase to live music from the Saint Trapped Choir and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band before exploring the redesigned speakeasy-style Jazz Club. Halie Loren performed, while Aaron Paul and his brand, The Only Caviar, offered caviar bumps, champagne and martinis.
Chris Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, delivered opening remarks, followed by a powerhouse surprise set from Judith Hill. The night wrapped with nightcaps in Peacock Alley to DJ Mad Marj.
The Astor Family Rivalry That Started It All
The Waldorf-Astoria’s origins go back to an infamous Gilded Age family feud. In 1893, William Waldorf Astor built the Waldorf Hotel on the site of his Fifth Avenue mansion — right next door to the residence of his aunt, Caroline “Mrs. Astor,” the reigning queen of New York society.
The tension between the two households helped spark one of the most dramatic architectural one-ups in city history. In 1897, Mrs. Astor’s son, John Jacob Astor IV, built the much larger Astoria Hotel immediately adjacent. The hotels were eventually connected by the famed Peacock Alley corridor and operated jointly as the Waldorf-Astoria, becoming a global symbol of luxury and power.
The original complex was demolished in 1929 to clear the site for the Empire State Building. The Waldorf-Astoria reopened at its current Park Avenue home in 1931.
Yes, the Waldorf Salad Was Invented Here
The famous Waldorf salad debuted at the hotel in 1896, created by maître d’hôtel Oscar Tschirky — originally a simple mix of apples, celery and mayonnaise on a bed of lettuce. Grapes and walnuts came later, inspiring today’s many variations.
The Waldorf-Astoria New York is located at 303 Park Avenue, NYC. (waldorftowers.nyc)