As I was walking down Park Avenue the other day, I reached the intersection with East 49th Street of was literally pulled through a revolving door by some unknown force! While I lived in New York for over 10 years, I had never set foot inside of this amazing city landmark, and when I finally walked in, there was a sense of being back in the 1930’s, soon after the place opened its doors.
The original hotel, built in in 1893 stood on the site of today’s Empire State Building. And that could be a blog all of its own, with a fascinating family feud involving the Astors, one of America’s wealthiest families.
This “new” art deco classic was designed by Leonard Schultze and S. Fullerton Weaver, opened its doors in 1931. At over 40 stories in height, it was the world’s largest hotel. And since then, every US president has stayed there, "Bugsy" Siegel, "Lucky" Luciano and General Douglas Macarthur called it home, and Grace Kelly got engaged to Prince Rainier in the Conrad Suite. In the 1940’s and 50’s, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor found a home away from home after the Duke abdicated the thrown. 
It was the first luxury hotel to allow unaccompanied women to check into a room. Its first maitre d’hotel, Oscar Tschirky (known as “Oscar of the Waldorf”) invented the famous Waldorf Salad, with apples, walnuts and mayonnaise.
Walking through the lobby, I was drawn toward the big, 9-foot tall clock in the center of the lobby. It has a miniature Statue of Liberty on top, some Deco eagles who stand atop a circle with the likenesses of a bunch of US Presidents (Cleveland, Harrison, Washington, Grant, Lincoln, Franklin, and Jackson) with Queen Victoria included to add a little interest. The clock was first seen in 1893 at the Chicogo World’s Fair before finding a home at the Waldorf. To make Queen Elizabeth as comfortable as possible with all of the guys, the clock sounds the Westminster Chimes each quarter hour.
As I stood in the lobby, I could almost hear Cole Porter, another former resident, tickling the ivories on the Steinway he once played.
Maybe the next time I’m in New York, I’ll stay here, maybe in the same room that Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant or, if I feel really, really flush, stay in the 42nd floor Royal Suite – where the Duke and Duchess lived!
Dang! That would be so cool!
I have always wanted to stay there....you have inspied me to do just that in my next visit
Anne
I've never stayed in NYC for myself time. It would be neat to stay there and just soak it all in.
And what are we doing NYC again Miss Pat?? Is there a man there that peaks your Interest??? Hmm??
I am actually taking my Dad and brother there in 2 weeks to see Wicked (was their Christmas present from me). Can't wait! I saw Wicked in London last year and it's a FABULOUS SHOW !