The Waldorf-Astoria is Beautiful and Elegant
Written: Oct 23 '00 (Updated Apr 16 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Once in a lifetime experience! Great midtown location. Superior service.
Cons: Pretty expensive, but worth it.
The Bottom Line: The Waldorf-Astoria is beautiful, elegant, and charming. From the moment you walk into its spectacular lobby you know you've found a special place. Everyone should stay here once!
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The Waldorf-Astoria was one of those places I'd heard about all my life, but never thought I'd actually have the opportunity to stay in.
Beautiful Lobby
It was 7 degrees below zero the day I arrived at the Waldorf. The rush of cold air swept me into the elegant entryway. I was immediately entranced. Elegant and lovely don't begin to describe the hotel lobby. I felt like I had walked onto the set of a movie.
There were uniform clad bellman scurrying everywhere around the huge, beautifully decorated lobby. There were well-dressed and sophisticated people checking in. And then there was me. I was the glaringly obvious out-of-towner soaking in the atmosphere of the lobby. (Okay, country bumpkin staring like a fool.) I never try to pretend not to be a tourist - I'm much too obvious. So I just reveled at the incredible historic surroundings - large, round velvet settees, the intricately carved clock, and the expansive, beautiful ceiling.
Lovely Room
When I eventually realized the line was moving, I was soon checked into my room and escorted upstairs by a bellman. My room had two queen beds, a marble bathroom, plush towels and bathrobe. It also had a great view of an alley and the rooms directly across from me. Okay, so you can't have everything. It was cozy, but not crowded. Space is, after all, at a premium in New York City.
It was everything I expected the Waldorf-Astoria to be. Beautiful, tastefully decorated, and expensive.
I really loved the marble bathroom... did I mention the big, fluffy towels?
The toiletries were very attractively packaged with the Waldorf-Astoria logo. The shampoo, conditioner, and lotion all smelled great! The lotion was especially nice.
Everything was spotlessly clean and very shiny. Even the bathmat was nice and plush. I did feel sinfully elegant during my stay, even though I came down with the flu while I was there.
Dining Can Be Expensive!
One morning I wandered from the hotel lobby into the Peacock Alley for breakfast. I saw the menu posted, but just as I was about to look at it, someone asked if I had reservations. Jimminy Christmas! Who needs reservations for breakfast?. After apologizing for not having reservations, I humbly accepted the table I was offered.
Since I was dining alone I had plenty of time to look around. I knew I was in trouble when I realized I was the only one not having a "power breakfast" with someone important or engaged in high-level conversation on a cell phone, or both.
A pot of tea, a ration of bacon, and two scrambled eggs later, I was out of there. $35 worse for wear. The food was very tasty and service was good, it was definitely an over-priced meal for me. It was later that I discovered Oscar's, the less expensive restaurant downstairs.
In fact, my traveling companions and I had a very nice dinner there one evening. The steak was excellent, the salad crisp, and service prompt. My entire dinner cost less than my infamous "Peacock" breakfast.
Other restaurants in the hotel:
Bull & Bear Restaurant and Bar
This New York style steakhouse also offers seafood and chops. It always seemed to be packed in here.
In fact, we tried to get in here for dinner one night in December (when I was staying in another hotel). It was standing room only and most everyone was wearing a tuxedo or evening gown. I think a lot of folks were stopping in for cocktails before their Christmas galas.
Inagiku Restaurant
This Japanese restaurant has been at this midtown location for more than 25 years.
You will also find several lounges where you can stop in for cocktails.
The hotel is also renown for hosting gala events, weddings, and receptions.
Room Service - Dependable and Tasty
Since I had the misfortune of falling ill with the flu while staying at the Waldorf-Astoria several of my meals came from room service. The food was good (what I could taste by this time) and service prompt and courteous.
Outstanding Housekeeping Staff
The housekeeping staff was excellent. They came in a couple of times a day to tidy up. In fact, one lady gave me an extra box of Kleenex (yes, real Kleenex - not the fake, cheap stiff kind of tissues) to keep by my bedside. She checked on me a couple of times to see if I needed anything. I must have looked pretty pitiful. I greatly appreciated her kindness.
Beautiful Gift Shops
I did drag myself out of bed long enough to window shop some at some of the exquisite jewelry and furnishings they had in the hotel gift shops. That's about as close as I got to experiencing the glamour of New York City on this trip.
The first day we arrived we make a quick trip to Bloomingdale's (quite close) but it was so cold I couldn't wait to get back to my nice cozy room.
As luck would have it, a snowstorm shut down the airports and I was "forced" to stay in the hotel an extra day. If you've got to have the flu and be stuck in bed, this is certainly an elegant place to do it!
Recommendation
Even if you have to splurge to do it, you will truly enjoy a stay at the famous and fabulous Waldorf-Astoria!
If you're in New York during the Christmas season and can't stay there, at least walk through the lobby. It is beautifully decorated for the season.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
diverpam
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Member: Pam
Location: Collierville, TN
Reviews written: 263
Trusted by: 350 members
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~~~~So many oceans...so little time!~~~~
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