hoteltherapy

WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK

by Jeff Heilman

New York City, my home for four decades, is a touchstone of countless memories. Cornerstones include the Waldorf Astoria New York (301 Park Avenue, New York. Tel. 212-355-3000. waldorfastorianewyork.com).

My introduction to New York’s “living room” was a black-tie law association gala in 1989, held in the Grand Ballroom. In January 1994, I returned to the storied venue for the electrifying ninth annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony. Bono, Axl Rose, and Paul McCartney respectively inducted Bob Marley, Elton John, and John Lennon. Riveting performances included Chuck Berry’s duck-walking “Roll Over Beethoven.” The post-show revelry in The Grateful Dead’s tower suite cemented the Waldorf as my palace of dreams.

Numerous other business and social meetings included many happy hours in the former Bull & Bear Steakhouse. Then came the distressing news in early 2017 of the 1,400-room landmark’s closure for transformation into a smaller hotel, but mostly private, luxury condos. Was this it for the Waldorf Astoria’s singular lineage and character?