The Waldorf Towers

With a private entrance hidden away from the bustling New York streets, a small, elegant lobby with its own front desk and concierge services, and a separate set of express elevators taking directly to the Tower Rooms, the Waldorf Towers is a favorite among dignitaries and celebrities. Cole Porter, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and many politicians -- both domestic and foreign -- have all stayed here. The hotel is also the place the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations calls home when in New York.

One of the highlights of this hotel is its location atop The Waldorf Astoria, one of the most iconic hotels in New York. It is actually part of the Waldorf, as its name suggests, but the atmosphere here is more subdued and exclusive. Guests have access to all the features at the Waldorf Astoria, including the restaurants and the spa, but the Towers have a separate set of services, such as a smaller ratio of guests per concierge, free access to the 19th-floor fitness center, and twice-daily housekeeping with turndown service.

The Waldorf Towers' entrance is located on the corner of 50th Street and bustling Park Avenue, in Midtown East. The neighborhood consists mainly of tall office buildings and other hotels (the New York Palace is a block away on Madison), but there are plenty of restaurants -- ranging from takeaway to Michelin-starred -- within blocks of the hotel. Museums and other major attractions, including Times Square and Rockefeller Center, are also within easy walking distance.

• Around the corner from the 6 station on 51st Street
• 5-minute walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• 7-minute walk to Grand Central and its accompanying 4, 5, 6, 7 and S subway lines
• 7-minute walk to Rockefeller Center and the B, D, F, and M subway lines
• 10-minute walk to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• 11-minute walk to Bryant Park
• 15-minute walk to Times Square
• 15-minute walk to Central Park
• 8-minute drive to the Lincoln Center

The rooms at the Waldorf Towers are bigger and more luxurious than those at the Waldorf Astoria. For those who want more space and don’t mind paying extra, Standard Rooms at the Towers start at 600 square feet -- though every other room type is 1,200 square feet or more. The Waldorf Astoria’s units, at 250 square feet and up, are small for the price.

Each room has been individually decorated, with antiques, golden wall moldings, and other elegant touches. Some guests feel the furniture is dated rather than old-fashioned, however, and it's true that the decor in some rooms is underwhelming. Also, most kitchens could use an update.

• Large windows and superb city views from most rooms
• Marble bathrooms with shower/tub combos or a separate shower and soaking tub
• All rooms have spacious living areas, high ceilings, and wall moldings
• Suites feature Hilton Suite Dreams mattress, Super Topper mattress pad, and Touch of Down pillows
• Some rooms have kitchens with full-sized appliances.
• Flat-screen TVs with premium channels and Lodgenet video
• iPod docks
• Triple sheeting bedding
• Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries
• Some rooms have (non-working) fireplaces.
• All rooms have a few snacks and a bottle of wine, but few have minibars.

The antiques, fancy lobby and expensive restaurants don’t make the Waldorf seem very kid-friendly --but the hotel offers a lot of convenient room configurations, from the Waldorf Accommodations (which can feature several connected rooms) to the large suites with extra space for rollaway beds and cribs.

• The hotel’s location in Midtown East is reasonably convenient for exploring the kid-friendly attractions in Midtown West and the Upper West Side, but there is little in the immediate area.
• Dedicated concierges can recommend activities to do with kids.
• Every Friday, a man who bills himself as the Millionaires' Magician puts on a special magic show at the Waldorf Towers (for a fee).

• Peacock Alley is located off the main lobby. It features a bar, a lounge and a private dining space, and serves all three meals as well as a solid Sunday brunch.
• Bull & Bear is a renowned steakhouse home to a historic bar; open for dinner only.
• Oscar’s Brasserie is open for breakfast and lunch; located off the main lobby
• Free continental breakfast at the Astoria Lounge

Guests staying at the Waldorf Towers and Concierge Level guests of the Waldorf Astoria are the only ones who enjoy free access to the 19th-floor gym, which is located adjacent to the spa.

• High-end machines with individual TVs
• Free use of towels and changing areas
• Free bottled water
• Personal trainers available upon request (for a fee)
• Several windows, but views are a little lackluster

The Waldorf is home to the world-class (and very expensive) Guerlain Spa, with 15 treatment rooms and an extensive therapies menu. Both guests of the Waldorf Astoria and of the Waldorf Towers have access to the spa.

• Every treatment begins with a skin diagnosis and is tailored to each guest.
• Make-up services, facials, and bridal treatments available
• Men’s treatments available

• Dedicated Les Clefs d’Or Concierges
• Fee for Wi-Fi (except for Waldorf Accommodation guests)
• Fee for valet parking
• Free weekday newspaper delivery
• Twice daily maid service with nightly turndown
• In-room or express checkout available
• Dry cleaning and pressing services
• Hotel historic tours; offered exclusively with lunch
• Pets under 25 pounds welcome for a one-time fee
• Limousine reservations desk in the main lobby

Waldorf Towers guests have access to the Waldorf Astoria’s gorgeous, historic ballrooms, as well as to the third-, fourth- and 18th-floor meeting spaces, comprising over 20 elegant and well-equipped board rooms.

• Some rooms have skyline views and natural light
• The Executive Meeting Center features 13 meeting rooms and a kitchen.
• The ballrooms off the main lobby are some of the most sumptuous spaces in New York, with a beautiful Art Deco style, 21-foot coffered ceilings, and antique crystal chandeliers.
• Catering services and Internet access available

The Waldorf is a wonderful (if very expensive) pick for a wedding celebration. The hotel has a dedicated Wedding Planner department, as well as several gorgeous salons, outstanding catering services, and several wedding packages that make the planning much easier than booking everything separately.

• Florist on-site
• Beauty salon and spa
• Catering services
• Five venues to choose from depending on number of guests