Skip to Content

Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf=Astoria Plans Philadelphia Project

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

Waldorf=Astoria Hotel has announced their latest project, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences in Philadelphia. The $420-million development will be 58 stories and will include a 175-room hotel and 136 private residences starting at $1 million each. The property will also be home to a spa, conference room, a boutique shop and a restaurant. The granite and glass tower is to be designed by Cope Linder Architects of Philadelphia and the most desirable units will be the eight custom Bi-Level penthouses with internal private elevators, grand staircases and some of the highest walkout terraces in the city.

Some are wondering if there are enough buyers for all the condo projects being built in Philadelphia. While Philadelphia does have less construction than other large cities it also has a large inventory of condos for sale and plenty of projects currently underway which will push more units into a crowded marketplace. Perhaps by the time these condos are ready in 2012, the condo market will be a bit warmer.

Guerlain Spa Opens at the Waldorf=Astoria

Filed under: Spas

A few weeks ago Guerlain opened a spa in the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. The spa "ensures a comprehensive luxury experience for every Waldorf guest." On the menu are eight kinds of massage, four kinds of facials, six kinds of body treatments, and five men's treatments, as well as hand and foot therapies, makeup application and all-day and partial-day getaway spa experiences. The spa also has a boutique and personal training studio.

I'm no beauty maven, but I've had massages and lots of facials, and what's described on the site seems no more special than what's offered at any other upscale spa, except for the use of Guerlain products and exquisite descriptions of services. I've no doubt the products add a level of luxury that's likely missing from a run-of-the-mill salon-type spa on the corner. But does Guerlain do a better job for what I assume to be a big pricetag? I don't know. I might have to check it out!

Eat Like A President For $500

Filed under: Dining


Have you ever wondered what kind of food Presidents eat? Well you now have the chance to find out. The Waldorf Astoria has hosted every U.S. President since Herbert Hoover and they're now offering a four-course presidential menu complete with wine in order to share some of their best presidential creations. The meal includes:

1st Course: Seared Scallop with Osetra Caviar and Potato-Chive Mousseline (Served to President Clinton at the Heads of State Dinner in 2000)

2nd Course: Poached Turbot with Caviar-Champagne Sauce (Served to President Reagan at the Heads of State Dinner in 1985)

3rd Course: Roast Rack of Lamb with Saffron Potatoes, Candied Eggplant and Pickled Onion (Served to President George H.W. Bush in 1992 while entertaining Prime Minister John Major)

4th Course: Chocolate Extravaganza (a favorite of President George W. Bush)

The tasting menu will run you $500, which includes private butler service in a room decorated with U.S. flags and some complimentary presidential amenities/souvenirs. Yum!

Hilton Launches New Luxury Brand

Filed under: Journeys

Reuters reports that the Hilton Hotels has created a new luxury brand named after the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York. The Waldorf-Astoria Collection will compete against luxury hotel brands such as Starwood Hotels and the Ritz-Carlton.Hilton already has a luxe option, the Conrad chain, but feels there is enough room for two brands at the top. The new brand may eventually include about 200 luxury hotels worldwide and the launch includes four hotels.


Join Luxist on Facebook!

Featured Galleries

Langham Yangtze Shanghai
Robb Report Limited Edition Series
The Fashion Statement, Trends 2009
The Tavern on the Green
The Silver Fund
David Boreanaz in Los Angeles
Piaggio Aero P180 Avanti II
Crefeld Street
The Village Latch Inn