The iconic Waldorf Astoria New York, whose legacy includes the introduction of door-to-door room service and the invention of both the Waldorf salad and Eggs Benedict, is set to close its doors early next year for a three-year renovation, ending a major chapter in its over 100-year history.
New details have emerged about the future of the New York City landmark including the massive renovation which will convert most of its hotel rooms into luxury condominiums, reports The Wall Street Journal. Anbang Insurance Group, a Chinese insurance company, acquired the historic property for $1.95 billion in 2014, making the deal the most expensive hotel sale in U.S. history. Their vision for the hotel, which takes up a full city block in Manhattan, will transform the majority of its 1,413 rooms into residential condos and leave 300 to 500 rooms to continue operating as hotel accommodations.
The building dates back to 1893. It has boasted titles including the tallest and largest hotel in the world. The Waldorf Astoria became an official New York City landmark in 1993, joining other icons like the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. The hotel has hosted a bevy of luminaries that includes actors, singers, and heads of state, from Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra to Winston Churchill and Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Herbert Hoover. John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy chose to spend part of their honeymoon at the Waldorf. The property has also played starring roles in Hollywood movies, including The Godfather III, Serendipity, Scent of a Woman, and Maid in Manhattan.
In honor of the Waldorf’s closing, RealClearLife has curated some images showcasing the iconic hotel throughout history. – Relaxnews
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