[52][53], Like the original hotel, from its inception, the Waldorf Astoria gained worldwide renown for its glamorous dinner parties and galas, often at the center of political and business conferences and fundraising schemes. [73] French stars Juliette Gréco, Jean Sablon, Beatrice Lillie, John Loder and many others were flown over for the ball. The Waldorf Astoria New York is a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. [91] The Waldorf was on red alert, and German Shepherd sniffer dogs were brought in prior to his arrival to look for possible bombs. The Astor family finally sold the hotel to the developers of the Empire State Building and closed the hotel on May 3, 1929. Press up and down key to select. (Company overview)", "Waldorf becomes most expensive hotel ever sold: $1.95 billion", "New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel closes for major renovations", "The Feed: Waldorf Astoria Restaurants to Close", "Midtown & Theater District Real Estate Waldorf Astoria Interiors Landmarked Days After Closure for Renovations", "Waldorf Astoria's 375 new condos to hit the market this fall", "Waldorf Astoria to Sell Condos, as Chinese Owners Shrug Off Glut", "Anbang taps Douglas Elliman to market Waldorf Astoria condos", "The Waldorf-Astoria: the great gray dowager of Park Avenue personifies New York City at its best. The elevator is furnished with paneled pollard oak and Carpathian elm. In Meg Cabot's novel Jinx, the Chapman School Spring Formal takes place in the Waldorf-Astoria. The viceroy of China, Li Hung Chang stayed at the hotel in 1896 and feasted on hundred-year-old eggs which he brought with him. [77] Every guest was said to have gone home with at least one gift in return. [90], In the 1970s, the Waldorf Astoria continued to play an important role in international politics, particularly between the US and the Middle East. At 47 stories, it was the world’s tallest hotel until 1963. Kaminski Auctions is set to host one of the largest and most anticipated auctions of the year. [45] By the 1920s, the hotel was becoming dated, and the elegant social life of New York had moved much farther north than 34th Street. [118] In the main foyer is a chandelier measuring 10 feet (3.0 m) by 10 feet (3.0 m). Ginger Rogers headlined an all star ensemble cast in the 1945 film Week-End at the Waldorf, set at the hotel and filmed partially on location there. Some $250 were spent per guest, with bluepoint oysters, green turtle soup, lobster, ruddy duck, and blue raspberries. Porter's 1934 song "You're the Top", contains the lyric, "You're the top, you're a Waldorf salad". In the 1970s the bar was renovated in a "plush African safari" design to honor Johnston, a notable explorer of Africa, with "zebra-striped wall coverings and carpeting, with bent-cane furnishings". [187], The hotel has had many well-knowns under its roof throughout its history, including Charlie Chaplin, Ava Gardner, Liv Ullmann, Edward G. Robinson, Gregory Peck, Ray Bolger, John Wayne, Tony Bennett, Jack Benny, Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Muhammad Ali, Vince Lombardi, Judy Garland, Sonny Werblin, Greer Garson, Harold Lloyd, Liberace, Burt Reynolds, Robert Montgomery, Cesar Romero, and many others. On the picture he had written simply, “The greatest of them all.”Today, this is the proud legacy as well as the perpetual challenge of every hotel around the world that shares the name Waldorf Astoria: Be the standard by which others are measured. [77], The ball was designed to cater for "very, very high-class people" according to Vaccaro. The hotel was originally known as the Waldorf-Astoria with a single hyphen, as recalled by a popular expression and song, "Meet Me at the Hyphen". [78] Over its history, the ball, which was exempt from taxes, earned millions of dollars, which went primarily to over 20 American charities such as the American Cancer Society, with 15 to 20% going towards French charities. In more than 29 landmark destinations around the world, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts are where discerning travelers experience unforgettable moments. Steiner spoke to the workers about the need for social renewal, for a new way of organizing society and its political and cultural life. [83] Around the time of World War I, inventor Nikola Tesla lived in the earlier Waldorf-Astoria. [26] As of the late 1990s, the hotel had a housekeeping staff of nearly 400, with 150 day maids and 24 night maids. [19] Wealthy New Yorkers were angry because they viewed the construction of the hotel as the ruination of a good neighborhood. [44], The hotel faced stiff competition from the early 20th century, with a range of new hotels springing up in New York City such the Hotel Astor (1904), the St. Regis (1904), the Knickerbocker (1906), and the Savoy-Plaza Hotel (1927). History of Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace Over a century of history in Royal Versailles Explore the fascinating story of Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace. It was demolished in 1929 to make way for the construction of the Empire State Building. [79][80] The following year, the ballroom was decorated with 30 feet (9.1 m) high chestnut trees, earning US$170,000 for charities. The great Waldorf Astoria clock is a legendary part of New York City lore and a meeting spot for generations of New Yorkers. [85] However, clearly the ban was later revoked as they performed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction at the Waldorf on January 17, 1990. [26] The Waldorf Towers, from the 28th floor up to the 42nd, had 181 rooms, of which 115 were suites, with one to four bedrooms. [100] In 2006, Hilton was reported to be considering opening a new Waldorf Astoria hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Maurice Chevalier performed at the ballroom in 1965 in his last appearance. Sir Harry's Bar, also located in the hotel, is named after British explorer Sir Harry Johnston. [21] Over the years many royals from around the world stayed at the Waldorf Astoria including Shahanshah of Iran and Empress Farah, King Frederick IX and Queen Ingrid of Denmark, Princess Astrid of Norway, Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway, King Baudouin I of Belgium and Queen Fabiola, Prince Albert and Princess Paola of Belgium, King Hussein I of Jordan, Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, King Michael of Romania, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of the Commonwealth realms, Mohammed Zahir Shah and Homaira Shah of Afghanistan, King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit of Thailand, and Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan, Prince Frederick Joseph the great great grandson of King Joseph Bonaparte and many others. [151] One 1973 feast by the Explorer's Club devoured hippo meat, a 4-foot (1.2 m) alligator, a baby shark, an amberjack tuna, a boa, wild boar hams, 480 pieces of breaded-fried cod tongues and cheeks, antelope steaks, two boxes of Chinese rabbit, and 20 pounds of rattlesnake. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2018, dates back to the 1650. [150] The hotel has gained significant renown for its lavish feasts. In 2009, when it had 1,416 rooms, the main hotel had 1,235 single and double rooms and 208 minisuites, 17 of which were classified as "Astoria Level", which are upgraded rooms with deluxe amenities and complimentary access to the Astoria Lounge. The Waldorf Astoria is “right on Peachtree Street, which is the busiest street in Buckhead, so you’re near everything,” Mr. Morgan said. [93] On August 12, 1981, IBM unveiled its Personal Computer in a press conference at the Waldorf Astoria,[94][95] and in 1985, the NBA held its first-ever draft lottery between nonplayoff teams at the Starlight Room. [28] In 1902, Tschirky published Serving a Course Dinner by Oscar of the Waldorf-Astoria, a booklet that explains the intricacies of being a caterer to the American and international elite. Through the meetings, Quezon encouraged investment into the country and convinced General MacArthur to accompany him back to the Philippines as his military adviser. [183][184], The official residence of the United States' Permanent Representative to the United Nations, an unnamed 42nd-floor apartment, was located in the Waldorf Towers for many years. In the 1979 event, some US$106,000 worth of prizes was given out. Frank Sinatra paid nearly $1 million a year to keep it as his personal suite at the hotel between 1979 and 1988, which he called home when out of Los Angeles. [26] Founding proprietor Boldt, whose motto was "the guest is always right",[27] became wealthy and prominent internationally, if not so much a popular celebrity as his famous employee, Oscar Tschirky, known as "Oscar of the Waldorf", maître d'hôtel from the hotel's inauguration in 1893 until his retirement in 1943. The railroad and all the other investors decided to honor their commitments and take their chances with the uncertain financial climate. [132] One early wealthy resident was Chicago businessman J. W. Gates who would gamble on stocks on Wall Street and play poker at the hotel. The fourth floor was where the notorious Sunday-night card games were played. Be the greatest of them all. This edition was never reprinted. The original Waldorf–Astoria was built in two stages, as the Waldorf Hotel and the Astoria Hotel, which accounts for its dual name. In 2009, when it had 1,416 rooms, the main hotel had 1,235 single and double rooms and 208 mini suites, while the Waldorf Towers, from the 28th floor up to the 42nd, had 181 rooms, of which 115 were suites, with one to four bedrooms. The structure, at 301 Park Avenue between 49th and 50th streets, is a 47-story 625 ft (191 m) Art Deco landmark designed by architects Schultze and Weaver, which was completed in 1931. Peacock Alley was constructed to connect the two buildings,[21] and the hotel subsequently became known as the "Waldorf-Astoria", the largest hotel in the world at the time. You asshole. [1] The ballroom filled with many of New York's First Families, who had paid five dollars for the concert and dinner at the Waldorf. [14] About 2,000 people were in the ballroom listening to this speech, but by the end of the business day, the 2,200-room hotel had only 500 occupancies. [32] One article that year claimed that at any one time, the hotel had $7 million worth of valuables locked in the safe, testament to the wealth of its guests. Waldorf Astoria Chicago [33] In 1902, a lavish dinner was organized for Prince Henry of Prussia, and in 1909, banquets attended by hundreds were organized for Arctic explorer Frederick Cook in September and Elbert Henry Gary, a founder of US Steel, the following month. "The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria" continues to operate as a boutique "hotel within a hotel". PODCAST The surprisingly complex history of one of the world’s most famous hotels.. You might think you know this tale, but do we have some surprises for you. results were found. Boca Raton Resort and Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Like the Penthouse Series, they have their own kitchen and dining room. [153] Peacock Alley, situated in the heart of the lobby, features an Art Deco design with gilded ceilings and includes a main restaurant, a bar and lounge, and three private dining salons. [17] Boldt continued to own the Bellevue even after his relationship with the Astors blossomed. [26][158] The Waldorf salad—a salad made with apples, walnuts, celery, grapes, and mayonnaise or a mayonnaise-based dressing—was first created in 1896 at the Waldorf by Oscar. [88][89] The Hilton Hotels Corporation finally bought the hotel outright in 1972. ... John Jacob, in turn, built a 17-story hotel just a few feet away–and the rest is history. [174] An entire floor was often rented out to wealthy Saudi Arabians with their own staff. [26] The hotel has its own Business Center, a 1,150 square feet (107 m2) digital facility, where guests can access the Internet and photocopy. [120] Its base is octagonal, with eight commemorative plaques of presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Jackson, Benjamin Harrison, and Grover Cleveland, and Queen Victoria and Benjamin Franklin. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2018, dates back to 1903. A luxury collection of distinctive hotels and resorts offering singular service and remarkable local experiences. At one time Kelly was reputed to be in love with the hotel banquet manager of the Waldorf, Claudius Charles Philippe. [55] On August 3, 1932, some 200 people representing the "cream of New York's literary world" attended the Waldorf Astoria to honor Pearl S. Buck, the author of The Good Earth, which was the best-selling novel in the United States in 1931 and 1932. [96], Lee Jablin, of Harman Jablin Architects, fully renovated and upgraded the historical property to its original grandeur during the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s in a $150 million renovation. [43] An antitrust suit forced the sale of the Blue Network in 1942; it became the American Broadcasting Company. [26] Television series that have filmed at the Waldorf include Law and Order, Rescue Me, Sex and the City, The Sopranos and Will and Grace. One of New York’s oldest and perhaps grandest of hotels, it closed its doors as we knew it for the last time in the winter of 2017. Make your travel experience better with Hilton Honors and enjoy instant benefits at every hotel. It is named after British Sir Harry Johnston (1858–1927). [67] The event was picketed in a counterattack by anti-Stalinists running under the banner of America for Intellectual Freedom, and prominent individuals such as Irving Howe, Dwight Macdonald, Mary McCarthy, Robert Lowell, and Norman Mailer angrily denounced Stalinism at the hotel. [158] It has since been redecorated back to a more conservative design, with walnut paneling and leather banquettes, and featured a 23 feet (7.0 m) by 8 feet (2.4 m) ebony bar as of the early 1990s. The restaurant opens for lunch on weekdays and cocktails and dinner in the evenings. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel At first, the Waldorf appeared destined for failure. [1][142] There is a pedestrian entrance from E 50th St., just to the left of the Waldorf Towers entrance. The conference came at time when deep anti-Communist sentiment and suspicion of the Soviet Union existed in the United States, following the Berlin Blockade and the Czechoslovak coup d'état the previous year. But when it comes to prestige, the Waldorf-Astoria has no peer. [159] The original recipe, however did not contain nuts, but they had been added by the time the recipe appeared in The Rector Cook Book in 1928. [104] As part of the refurbishment process, the hotel closed on March 1, 2017. Conrad Hilton acquired management rights to the hotel on October 12, 1949, and the Hilton Hotels Corporation finally bought the hotel outright in 1972. [8] In German, "Waldorf" (with one l, like the hotel) means "Whale Village" (Wal = whale, Dorf = village), and "Walldorf" (with two l's, like the town) means "Rampart Village" (Wall = rampart). On June 17, 2015, however, the US Department of State announced that it was moving its headquarters during meetings of the UN General Assembly to The New York Palace Hotel. [165][166] In 2017, it was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Beverage Book. [26] It has won awards from the National Restaurant Association and Holiday magazine. [163], In 1934, Crockett wrote a second book, "The Old Waldorf Astoria Bar Book", in response to the repeal of the Volstead Act and the end of the Prohibition era. [136] The suites featured king or double beds and start in size at 450 square feet (42 m2). Experience the sophisticated comfort of these renowned destinations with the Shop Waldorf Astoria home collection. It was staged in the Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf for eight years before moving to the Hotel Astor in 1960, the Seventh Regiment Armory in 1961, and other venues. Other Hilton Hotels Locations, You may enter a city, airport, address, attraction, or hotel The Tower suites are divided into standard ones, The Towers Luxury Series, which have their own sitting room, the Towers Penthouse Series, the Towers Presidential-Style Suites, and finally the most expensive Presidential Suite on the 35th floor. Sukenik disguised himself as an Arab to travel to the city. [40] Although it was not disclosed at that time, at some point, ownership of Louis Sherry Inc. was significantly vested in "Boomer-duPont interests", a reference to Lucius M. Boomer, then chairman of the Waldorf-Astoria, and T. Coleman du Pont. The original Waldorf-Astoria was demolished in 1929 to make space for the Empire State Building. [191], In 1955, Marilyn Monroe and her husband, Arthur Miller[192] stayed at the hotel for several months,[193] but due to costs of trying to finance her production company "Marilyn Monroe Productions", only being paid $1,500 a week for her role in The Seven Year Itch and being suspended from 20th Century Fox for walking out on Fox after creative differences, living at the hotel became too costly and Monroe had to move into a different hotel in New York City. The global leader in hospitality with more than 550 hotels & resorts across six continents. A collection of hotels that gives you the peace of mind to travel independently. [6][24] The hotel became, according to author Sean Dennis Cashman, "a successful symbol of the opulence and achievement of the Astor family". The sign was changed to a double hyphen, looking similar to an equals sign, by Conrad Hilton when he purchased the hotel in 1949. Of the expenses of the ball, founder Philippe stated, "We charge the most, give the most, and make the most – it's a success formula". In 1991, while drinking at Sir Harry's with Jilly Rizzo and Steve Lawrence, he was approached by a fan asking for an autograph. [186] Another connection with the Philippines is that many meetings were held here between President Manuel L. Quezon and high ranking American politicians and senators. [138] The 2,250 square feet (209 m2) Presidential Suite is designed with Georgian-style furniture to emulate that of the White House. Tony Fletcher, in his biography on Keith Moon, claims that Moon challenged the staff and blew the door to their room off the hinges with his cherry bombs and retrieved their luggage, which prompted The Who to be shown the door and banned from the hotel for life. It was the residence of Herbert Hoover from his retirement for over 30 years, and Frank Sinatra kept a suite at the Waldorf from 1979 until 1988. [84] In 1968, British rock band The Who checked into the hotel, where they encountered difficulties with the staff of the Waldorf Astoria. The building was the world's tallest hotel from 1931 until 1963, when it was surpassed by Moscow's Hotel Ukraina by 23 feet (7.0 m). [26] Sunday Brunch is particularly popular with locals and features over 180 gourmet dishes divided into 12 themed displays, with cuisine ranging from lobster and oysters to Belgian waffles, Eggs Benedict, and omelettes to hollandaise sauces. Treat yourself with amenities that help you work smarter, eat well, sleep deeply and stay fit. Charcoal and pastel on brown paper by, For a discussion of the original hotel's architecture, see, Above: The main registration lobby.    Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem The Waldorf Astoria became an icon of Manhattan glamour ever since it first opened in 1931. Whether you’re traveling for a few nights or a few months, you can Make Yourself at Home®. [160] Another of the hotel's specialties was red velvet cake, which became one of its most popular desserts. OVER A CENTURY OF HISTORY The story of Trianon Palace began on December 19, 1907, when entrepreneur Weill Martignan proposed the construction of a luxury hotel in Versailles. [25] It was the first hotel to offer complete electricity and private bathrooms. [122][148] Restaurateur George Lang was awarded the Hotelman of the Year Award in 1975. The original Waldorf=Astoria New York was a place like no other: a marvel of the modern age with electricity, telephones, a bath in most guest rooms, and palatial public spaces.Throughout Waldorf Astoria history, our unique blend of personalized service, architectural grandeur and sophisticated style attracted leaders of industry, illustrious artists, and society’s elite. However, following their gig, the band members were refused access to their hotel rooms, where their luggage was being kept. [200], One of the most prestigious, the most exclusive and the most famous debutante balls in the world is the invitation-only International Debutante Ball held biennially in the Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, where girls from prominent world families are presented to high society. [78] Raffle tickets cost US$100 per person and offered opulent prizes such as a US$5000 bracelet and other jewels, expensive furs, perfumes, and even cars. Hoover lived at the Waldorf Astoria for over 30 years from after the end of his presidency[134] until he died in 1964;[139] former President Dwight D. Eisenhower lived there between 1967 and 1969. [115], Such is the architectural and cultural heritage of the hotel that tours are conducted of the hotel for guests. Tschirky was also noted for his "Oscar's Sauce", which became so popular that it was sold at the hotel. [189] Gabor married Conrad Hilton in 1941. The fan said something which angered Sinatra, who lunged at the fan, and Sinatra had to be restrained. A plaque affixed to the wall on the 50th Street side commemorates this. The original hotel started as two hotels on Fifth Avenue built by feuding relatives. Be the place to be, in each amazing location. [114][clarification needed] The Peacock Alley restaurant of the Waldorf took its name from the alley. A shield once belonging to the Waldorf was moved to the Alexis restaurant on W. Franklin Street in 1984. The original Waldorf Hotel was built at 33rd Street and Fifth Avenue in 1893 by William Waldorf Astor. [198], Brooke Shields has stated that her very first encounter with the paparazzi was in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf at the age of 12, stating that she "stood like a statue wondering why they were all hired to photograph me", and that she "debuted at the Waldorf". Press escape to leave the datepicker. Dorn, Susan, "Presidential Suite, The Waldorf Towers, New York City", New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, United States Senate inquiry into the sinking of the RMS, Waldorf–Astoria (1893–1929) § Architecture, Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, Princess Victoria Melita of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, List of tallest buildings in New York City, "Waldorf-Astoria to Be Sold in a $1.95 Billion Deal", "After a $1 Billion Renovation, the Waldorf Astoria Is Reopening—and You Can Now Live There", "Waldorf Astoria Drops the Equals Sign We'd Barely Noticed", "Anger, Spite Tint History of the Waldorf", "Guard shot during robbery attempt at Waldorf-Astoria", "Banquet in honor of Frederick A. Cook, M.D., by the Arctic Club of America, Sept. 23, 1909, Waldorf-Astoria, N.Y.", "Congratulatory addresses delivered at a complimentary dinner tendered to Judge Elbert H. Gary at the Waldorf-Astoria, New York City, October 15th, 1909", "Sherry's To Move May 17; Fifty-Eighth Street Plan Modified by 'Prohibition and Bolshevism, "Busy Week For Radio Station WDAF-Chillicothe Music Co. To Get Programs", "1927 Victor Series Will Open With World Famous Artist", "From Depths of Debt Rose Pinnacle of Hostelry", "From Sea of Red Ink, Tears, Rose New Waldorf Tower", "Lucius Boomer, 68, Waldorf Director, is Dead in Norway", "On The Stand - Eddy Duchin at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel", "Harry M. Orlinsky, 84, leading biblical scholar", "The Man Who Bought the Dead Sea Scrolls", "Classified ad offering the sale of the four Dead Sea Scrolls", "The Who Setlist at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony No. [14] On May 27, 2001, the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America had a grand banquet at the hotel to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's conversion to Christianity, with Ambassador Edward Djerejian as guest speaker. Numerous organizations hold their annual dinners in the grand ballroom of the Waldorf, including St. John's University President's Dinner,[125] the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York's annual gala, during which the Deus Caritas Est Award for philanthropy is presented, and the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. In the Bicentennial year in 1976, most of the heads of state from around the world and all of the Kings and Queens of Europe were invited to the hotel, and it also served the presidential candidates in the run up to the elections of that year. [65] The event was organized by the struggling American Communist Party. [72], The April in Paris Ball was an annual gala event whose mission was to improve Franco–American relations, to share cultures, and to help provide assistance to US and French charities, aside from commemorating the 2000th anniversary of the founding of Paris. [138] It has three large bedrooms and three bathrooms, and boasts numerous treasures, including the desk of General MacArthur and rocking chair of John F. The original hotel stood 225 feet (69 m) high, with a frontage of about 100 feet (30 m) on Fifth Avenue, with an area of 69,475 square feet (6,454.4 m … Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts - Lobby Area. [119] Special desks in the lobby are allocated to transportation and theatre, where exclusive tickets to many of the city's prominent theatres can be purchased. Explained", "New York's famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary", "Iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel Changes Hands", "US to abandon Chinese-owned Waldorf at UN General Assembly", "A Battle to Preserve a Visionary's Bold Failure", "New York City Hotels Where History Was Made", "Hilton sells Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York for $2bn", "Hollister Knowlton Betrothed To David H. Petraeus, a Cadet", "Debutantes make their bows to society at NY gala", "Glamour Still Rules, but With Fewer Debutantes", "Surprising stories behind 20 Muppet characters", The Astor Collection at the University of Virginia, House of the New York City Bar Association, St. Nicholas Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis High School for International Careers, Times Square–42nd Street/Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Central Transportation Co. v. New York City, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Waldorf_Astoria_New_York&oldid=1000363194, New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Short description is different from Wikidata, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from April 2020, Articles with self-published sources from December 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 January 2021, at 20:20. [156] Behind the bar are bronze statues of a bull and a bear, which represent the successful men of Wall Street. The 47-story 190.5 m (625 ft) hotel was the tallest and largest hotel in the world, and remained so for a number of years. [11] The hotel has since been known as the Waldorf Astoria New York, without any hyphen, though this is sometimes shortened to the Waldorf Astoria. It was the tallest and largest hotel in the world at the time,[49] covering the entire block. The smallest are the one-bedroom suites, which range from 450 to 600 square feet (42 to 56 m2), then the Signature suites have a separate living room and one or two bedrooms, which range from 750 to 900 square feet (70 to 84 m2),[137] and finally, the suites of The Towers are generally larger and costlier still, and have a twice-daily maid service. [46][47] The land for the new hotel was formerly owned by the New York Central Railroad, which had operated a power plant for Grand Central Terminal on the site. [122] Porter was a resident at the hotel for 30 years and composed many of his songs here. Langston Hughes wrote a poem entitled "Advertisement for the Waldorf-Astoria", criticizing the hotel and inviting the jobless and homeless to take over the space of the hotel. 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