The Waldorf Astoria: New York's Crown Jewel (Or at Least Its Very Expensive Hat)
Let’s talk about the Waldorf Astoria, shall we? Not the one your aunt stayed at in Boca Raton (though that’s probably nice too). I’m talking about the original Waldorf Astoria, the one that makes people whisper “wow” and then immediately start saving up for a second mortgage.
A Brief History (Or at Least a Very Long Paragraph)
Imagine a time before Instagram filters and avocado toast. A time when people wore hats and thought a rotary phone was peak technology. That’s when the original Waldorf Astoria opened its gilded doors. It was basically the Buckingham Palace of New York, but with better service (and less corgis).
The original hotel was so fancy, it made the Plaza Hotel look like a Motel 6. But alas, progress (or greed, depending on your perspective) reared its ugly head, and the original Waldorf was demolished to make way for the Empire State Building. A noble sacrifice, you might say.
Fear not, luxury lovers! A new Waldorf Astoria rose from the ashes (or, more accurately, from a pile of construction permits) in 1931. This one was even bigger, badder, and more decked out in gold leaf. It’s the kind of place where you expect to see Gatsby throwing a party in the lobby.
What Makes It So Special?
Okay, so it’s expensive. Like, really expensive. But what do you get for your money? Well, let’s just say the rooms are bigger than some apartments, and the service is so impeccable, you might start to question your own life choices.
There’s also the history. The Waldorf Astoria has hosted everyone from royalty to rock stars. It’s where power deals are made (or at least discussed over overpriced cocktails). It’s a place where dreams are born (or, at the very least, where very expensive dreams are had).
But let’s be real: Staying at the Waldorf Astoria is probably not on your immediate to-do list. But hey, you can always dream, right? And maybe, just maybe, winning the lottery isn’t as impossible as it seems.
How to Waldorf Astoria (Without Actually Staying There)
- How to feel like royalty without leaving your couch: Order room service (from your local restaurant) and watch a classic Hollywood movie.
- How to experience luxury without breaking the bank: Visit the Waldorf Astoria’s website and drool over the pictures.
- How to impress your friends: Tell them you’ve stayed at the Waldorf Astoria (even if you haven’t).
- How to save up for a stay: Start a piggy bank and label it “Waldorf Astoria Fund.”
- How to appreciate the finer things in life: Remember that even if you can’t afford the Waldorf Astoria, there’s still beauty and luxury to be found in everyday life.