The Waldorf Astoria's New Golden Era Under Chinese Ownership

A Historic Reopening

After eight years of extensive renovations costing 1.7 billion euros, the iconic Waldorf Astoria has reopened its doors to guests. The hotel, known for its grandeur and rich history, has retained many of its original features that have made it a symbol of luxury. Among these is the grand dining room, which was adorned with fifteen murals by the renowned artist Josep Maria Sert. These murals, inspired by the Cervantine episode of The Wedding of Camacho from Don Quixote de la Mancha, are now part of the Banco Santander Collection.

The Waldorf Astoria has also been home to some of the most famous dishes in culinary history, including the famous eggs benedict and Waldorf salad, which were created in its kitchens. The hotel's legacy is deeply intertwined with the lives of legendary figures such as Cole Porter and Frank Sinatra, who resided in its most luxurious suites.

Origins of the Waldorf Astoria

The origins of the Waldorf Astoria trace back to two billionaire cousins, William Waldorf Astor and John Jacob Astor IV, who were once rivals. In 1893, William Waldorf Astor built the 13-story Waldorf Hotel, and in 1897, John Jacob Astor IV constructed the 17-story Astoria Hotel on an adjacent plot. After making peace, they connected the two buildings with the Peacock Alley, a space known for being the fashionable place where high society paraded.

Nikola Tesla was one of the most notable guests at the time, and the descendants of both families eventually sold the land where the Empire State Building now stands. In October 1931, President Herbert Hoover inaugurated the new Waldorf Astoria at 301 Park Avenue. At the time, it became a symbol of economic recovery after the 1929 Stock Market Crash, as it was the tallest and largest hotel in the world.

Ownership Changes and Renovations

American hegemony over the hotel ended in 2014 when Hilton Worldwide sold it for 1.95 billion euros to Wu Xiaohui, founder of the Chinese insurer Anbang. However, after Wu was imprisoned for fraud and embezzlement, the hotel was taken over by another Chinese insurer, Dajia Insurance Group. The Waldorf Astoria closed in 2017 for a historic renovation that cost 1.7 billion euros, and after eight years, it has finally reopened, preserving its former glamour.

The hotel now has 375 rooms and 372 luxury apartments, ranging from 1.5 million euros for studios to 16 million euros for a 600-square-meter unit. The property is filled with countless stories and anecdotes that highlight its storied past.

Notable Guests and Cultural Impact

Since its opening in December 1931, the Waldorf Astoria has hosted numerous prominent figures. Winston Churchill spent two weeks recovering after being hit by a car during his lecture tour just two months after the hotel’s opening. The hotel also had a strong Catalan identity, as it paid Josep Maria Sert $150,000 to paint the fifteen murals that now belong to the Banco Santander Collection.

Guests like Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, and John and Jackie Kennedy were captivated by the art and cuisine. The hotel was the first to offer telephones and radios in each room, as well as 24-hour services, setting a new standard for luxury.

Zsa Zsa Gabor claimed she persuaded her husband, Conrad Hilton, to buy the hotel. Hilton took over management in 1949 but did not acquire it until 1972. This connection led Elizabeth Taylor to often stay there, having been married to his son Nicky Hilton, and it was also where his great-granddaughter Paris Hilton took her first steps and spent much of her childhood.

Legendary Residents and Cultural Legacy

Cole Porter lived in the largest suite in the Towers for the last three decades of his life until 1964. The hotel gifted him a Steinway piano named High Society, after the movie for which he composed the soundtrack. The musical instrument can still be seen in the lobby. After his passing, Frank Sinatra and his wife Barbara rented the room for almost a million euros annually until 1987.

Other notable residents included Lucky Luciano, considered the father of organized crime in the United States, and Marilyn Monroe, who sublet a three-bedroom suite from actress Leonora Corbett for 850 euros per week.

Throughout its history, the Waldorf Astoria has welcomed important personalities such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President Truman, General MacArthur, and actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Not all guests were well-behaved—rock band The Who was banned for life for causing considerable damage.