One of the largest living history museums in the U.S. will transport eclipse chasers back to the 19th century on April 8 in a once-in-a-century event.
22.02.2024 - 18:07 / travelweekly.com
NEW YORK -- Manhattan's luxury hospitality landscape has evolved dramatically since the Waldorf Astoria New York opened its doors on Park Avenue in 1931.
And it has changed more still since the landmark art deco property shut its doors in 2017 for a massive redevelopment.
But Dino Michael, global category head of Hilton luxury brands, said the revamped Waldorf Astoria New York will be well equipped to appeal to today's modern traveler when it reopens at the end of this year.
Most notable among the changes is that there will be fewer, but larger, hotel rooms. The Waldorf had more than 1,400 guestrooms originally, and the plans call for going down to 375 hotel rooms and 375 condo-residences, Michael said.
"The rooms will double in size, starting at around 600 square feet, and I think that's the most exciting part: We've got a product now that meets current high-net-worth and luxury traveler needs," Michael said.
Guests and residents will also benefit from arrival areas that Michael describes as less "overwhelming," thanks to two porte-cocheres that create what he describes as "a decompression moment."
"Before, you'd stop right on Park Avenue, with someone honking behind you," Michael said. "It was always a rush. So, we've really been thoughtful about [redesigning the] arrival."
Other public spaces are similarly receiving a refresh. The hotel's famed Peacock Alley restaurant will be "reinvented," he said, while its Grand Ballroom will be fully restored but also outfitted with modern tech.
"Beneath this beautiful art deco veneer, you'll have the technology you need to do the events of today," Michael said. "The event space is important, and I think that the Waldorf Astoria will once again be a focal point for the New York event calendar."
And while some New York hotels have leaned into a form of high-end hospitality that puts the emphasis on exclusivity, Michael is hoping the Waldorf Astoria New York will put a more inclusive spin on the concept of luxury.
"I use the word 'exclusive' in terms of being special, but I don't want exclusivity to mean exclusion," Michael said. "Between the restaurants, the bars, the event spaces, there's so many reasons to come here, and we want to be open to all. This is a hotel that belongs to New York."
A rendering of the Waldorf Astoria New York's restored lobby. Photo Credit: Noë & Associates/Courtesy The BoundaryThe Waldorf Astoria New York's highly anticipated reopening is a long time coming. The property, which was acquired by China's Anbang Insurance Group from Hilton for $1.95 billion in 2015, was originally expected to take around two to three years to be redeveloped following its 2017 closure.
Work was delayed by both the pandemic and a high-profile corruption
One of the largest living history museums in the U.S. will transport eclipse chasers back to the 19th century on April 8 in a once-in-a-century event.
American Airlines is introducing a new fleet of planes at its New York hub.The carrier will add the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at John F. Kennedy International Airport, according to a report from The Points Guy. The publication identified the airline’s plans through Cirium schedules, and subsequently confirmed the news with an airline spokespersonThe new 285-seat plans will be serving American’s New York to New Delhi route beginning October 27. The new plan will replace Boeing 777-300ER aircraft currently flying between New York and New Delhi.American Airlines plans to add several Dreamliners to its New York-based fleet in conjunction with expanding the number of pilots it has operating from New York.“This weekend, American Airlines adjusted the aircraft type operating between New York (JFK) and New Delhi (DEL) starting in October. We will continue to offer daily nonstop service on this route as we optimize our network and fleet,” an airline spokesperson told The Points Guy in a statement.About 30 Dreamliners will be added to American Airline’s stable of planes over the coming years, according to The Points Guy. The first Dreamliner anticipated to come online later this year. The planes contain 51 Flagship Business suites, 32 premium economy seats, 18 Main Cabin Extra economy seats and 143 standard economy seats.
American Airlines is bringing a new fleet type to New York.
American photographer Keisha Scarville is the winner of the Saltzman Prize, a new award for the best Emerging Photographer in the world. This annual prize is a $10,000 award and additional funds to support a solo exhibition of the winning photographer’s work at Photofairs New York each September. The Saltzman Prize is presented in cooperation with the Center for Photography Woodstock (CPW) and Photofairs New York. The winner will also be honored on 20 April 2024 at the CPW Vision Awards.
The ever-popular transatlantic corridor between New York City and London-area airports sees millions of yearly passengers and represents one of the busiest routes in the world.
British Airways unveiled its "Club Suite" business-class cabin in March 2019 as part of a nearly $9 billion investment in the customer experience.
Actress Sharon Catherine Brown is currently playing the role of Mrs. Nolan and others in the new Broadway musical, Days of Wine and Roses, now playing at Studio 54 through Sunday, March 31.
On a Tuesday evening last December, the singer-pianist Michael Feinstein was at Café Carlyle on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in a sparkly silver blazer, making his way through the audience to the little stage, wherethe members of his four-piece band were taking their places. The audience erupted into applause. A few people stood and reached out a hand to greet him. As he launched into George and Ira Gershwin’s “Our Love Is Here to Stay,” some sang along, others swayed a little. Written in 1937, the American songbook standard is full of nostalgia, wit and romance. The same might be said for Café Carlyle.
Eataly SoHo, the third and newest Eataly location in New York City, has announced the Italian superstore’s first-ever brunch, beginning March 16, 2024.
Tourists and residents alike can take advantage of the many cruises that depart from New York City, offering easy access to warm weather getaways, family vacations, expeditions, and more. After all, nothing screams adventure like sailing away from the Big Apple with the Statue of Liberty and iconic city skyline in your wake.
Train lovers everywhere wait all year for Hudson River Rail's annual excursions that allow passengers to relive the historic splendor of the 20th Century Limited express passenger train, once billed as the “most famous train in the world.” The popular rail journeys sell out every year—and last year, tickets were snapped up in minutes.
American will launch service between New York (JFK) and Tokyo’s convenient downtown Haneda Airport (HND) June 28.