Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Reopening Set for September after Delays

Get ready, because the iconic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel is set to reopen in September! After being closed for eight years, this historic hotel will finally welcome guests once again, a few months later than initially promised by Hilton. This news comes after four previous delays since the hotel closed its doors in 2017.

Although Hilton’s Instagram post mentioned a September reopening, a spokesperson for the Waldorf-Astoria New York mentioned that they are still finalizing the exact opening date. It seems like caution is warranted, as previous announcements about the reopening did not come to fruition.

For those who love the Waldorf-Astoria, this reopening will be a relief, especially considering Hilton has 90 years left on its 100-year management contract for the hotel. Initially slated to reopen in 2021, then pushed to 2023, 2024, and most recently this spring, this long-awaited reopening will bring back the beloved Art Deco architecture and interior treasures like Peacock Alley with Cole Porter’s piano.

The hotel will feature a new restaurant called Lex Yard, run by Gramercy Tavern chef Michael Anthony, along with staff uniforms designed by the acclaimed British couture designer Nicholas Oakwell. Construction sources hinted that the anticipated spring opening could be delayed until as late as October, which suggests that the hotel may not be ready to receive guests until the fall.

While Hilton operates several Waldorf Astoria Collection hotels worldwide, the delays in reopening the original Waldorf on Park Avenue have frustrated Hilton executives. The property was sold to China’s Anbang Insurance Group in 2015 for $1.95 billion, with plans to convert part of the property into luxury condos.

Despite setbacks, the new Waldorf will present 375 luxury condo units, with some already welcoming residents. The focus on completing the condos quickly has taken precedence, with studio units starting below $2 million and lavish four-bedroom units priced up to $15 million. It seems like the hotel reopening is playing catch-up to the completion of the condo units, but the promise of the Waldorf-Astoria returning to its former glory is exciting for fans of this iconic New York landmark.