Art Deco Glamour At The Waldorf

The Luxe Chronicles has been camped out this week in New York's legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel in mid-town Manhattan. I know - the trend in luxury hotels right now involves sleek boutique hotels with an interior design courtesy of the hot designer du jour and a hip clientele. Too often however, I find that while the decor and the surroundings of boutique hotels are top notch, the service frequently is not. Room service is too often limited and unfortunately, staff is either under-trained or not trained at all. Haughtiness and haphazard service are not what patrons are looking for in a luxury hotel.

Also, there is something to be said about the comfort of old fashioned luxurious splendour. The Waldorf was opened in 1939, a time when the Tom and Daisy Buchanan's of this world demanded nothing short of palatial surroundings when they travelled. And at the Waldorf, that is precisely what they got. Amidst the exquisite mosaics, the allegorical oil murals, ornate moldings and gold leaf decorations, Art Deco grillwork and other adornments, you're enveloped in a kind of anachronistic splendor the likes of which no boutique hotel could ever reproduce. In this respect, the Waldorf is in the same class as The Claridge's in London or the George V in Paris.

The comforts and luxuries of the Waldorf are never as much appreciated as after a grueling day of meetings (or shopping). The minute you cross the threshold, you're enveloped in a warmth and plushness that immediately soothes your weary self as the noise and grit of Manhattan are left behind. Once ensconced in your plush suite, a long hot shower to wash off the grime of The City, a delicious gourmet meal from room service delivered promptly and without fuss and a glass of fine wine to wash it down makes you feel ready to go out and do it all over again the next day. Jet-lagged and craving a juicy hamburger at 3:00 am local time? "Yes ma'am, it's on its way." Hmmmmm. It's enough to make you want to move in permanently. Is it any wonder Cole Porter kept an apartment here?

Alas, one does sense however that the Waldorf is coasting on its former glory.  While the lobbies are stunning and the public spaces are impeccablely maintained, the hallways leading to the rooms and the bathroom fixtures in some instances are due for refurbishment.  A hotel of the Waldorf's history and stature deserves nothing less than perfection.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[Annie Wilson]

Once again I ask: "How much do I love Helene?"
A Fitzgerald and Cole Porter reference in the same post? Sheesh. Make my day!

Though I've read The Great Gatsby so many times I could memorize it, I have it up next to re-read since it's been awhile. I think I love it so much just for that one line near the end: "They're careless people, Tom & Daisy."

But we all need to be careless now and then. It can be rather refreshing.

Thanks so much for the transporting post! Enjoy your burger...
"I'm just in a way/As the French would say "de trop"/But if baby I'm the bottom, you're the top!"