Central location in Midtown east, 3 blocks from 3 subway lines
Opulent, individually decorated rooms with iPod docks and flat-screen TVs
Great city views from most rooms
Stunning Art Deco design and architecture
Superb (but pricey) on-site restaurants; free continental breakfast
Great fitness center with up-to-date equipment
World-class Guerlain Spa offers myriad treatments
Les Clefs D’Or concierges
Strict dress code in the lobby after 6 p.m. (a pro for some)
Some in-room kitchens need an update
Fee for Wi-Fi (but free in the main lobby)
Fee for valet parking
The Waldorf Towers occupies the top floors of the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in Midtown East. It is an exclusive boutique with 117 classic, individually decorated rooms, some of which have a rich history of famous guests and long-term residents. Most amenities are shared with its sister property -- including the great (but pricey) restaurants, high-end Guerlain Spa, and beauty salon -- but the hotel has its own lobby, fitness center, elevators, and concierges. Some rooms have underwhelming decor for the price, but for a more personalized stay with a little more luxury than at the Waldorf Astoria, the Towers is still a great pick.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A luxurious boutique set atop the iconic Waldorf Astoria
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.
Location
Blocks to several subway lines, and within walking distance of Rockefeller Center and Grand Central.
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.
Rooms
Large, elegant rooms with classic decor and up-to-date technology
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.
Family
Rooms offer tons of space, but there are few kid-friendly hotel amenities.
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.
All-Inclusive / Food
Three upscale restaurants, including a historic steakhouse
Fitness Center
Free access to a 24-hour fitness center with modern machines
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.
Spa
A world-class spa with 15 treatment rooms
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.
Services
First-rate concierges and twice daily maid service -- but a fee for Wi-Fi
Business and Conventions
Over 60,000 square feet of meeting space with high-tech amenities
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.
Weddings
From a spa to a beauty salon and a florist, the hotel has the happy couple covered.
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.
