There are few hotels in the world with a storied history quite like New York’s Waldorf Astoria. For starters, the property has hosted every sitting U.S. President since its opening in 1931, and each of its 26 Presidential Style suites is named after the people who have resided in them, including Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. With an impressive roster of guests and a prime Park Avenue location, the Waldorf Astoria remains one of New York’s most historic properties. But which room is the most sought after? We turned to Jackie Collens, the hotel’s Director of Leisure Sales, for the answer.
Most requested room in the hotel:
“Room 42R, the Royal Suite, located on the top floor of the hotel.”
The Royal Suite at the Waldorf Astoria New York
The Royal Suite at the Waldorf Astoria New York
The Royal Suite at the Waldorf Astoria New York
What makes it special:
“It was the residence to the Duke (King Edward) and Duchess (Bessie ‘Wallis’ Simpson) of Windsor for over 10 years. The hotel was preparing for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip to arrive in 1957 when the existing guest, King Faoud, became sick and had to stay in the suite they were due to check into. The hotel had to scramble to create a Royal Suite for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, which was 42R. Once the Duchess heard about this, she demanded that she get the Royal Suite. She latched on to Suite 42R and made it her home. She had the suite painted light blue which was later named ‘Wedgewood Blue.'”
Your personal favorite:
“The Cole Porter Suite, 33A.”
Because…
“The Cole Porter Suite is an exquisite five-bedroom Manhattan apartment. It was the home to Cole Porter for 25 years. Shortly after Cole Porter’s death, Frank Sinatra was eager to live in the apartment and made a deal with the hotel that he would perform three times per week in the Wedgewood Room, which was then known as Manhattan’s finest Supper Club.”
Celebrity guests:
“Last October, Donatella Versace chose the Royal Suite to host the party for the opening of her new Versace store in Soho. Guests included Lady Gaga, Sting and Princess Charlene de Monaco.”
The rate:
“It can range anywhere from $2,000 per night to $10,000 per night depending on the time of the year and day of the week.”
Fun fact:
“There are over 80 years of fun facts! If I had to name a few…the Waldorf is the birthplace of American staples such as Eggs Benedict and of course, the Waldorf Salad. It’s the only hotel to be the residence of three five-star generals: Dwight Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur and Omar Bradley. On the 20th floor roof, we harvest our own honey; we have six beehives with 350,000 bees. The ‘Top of the Waldorf’ honey is used in culinary specials, cocktails and the Guerlain Spa.”
