6 Surprising Secrets Behind the Legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel

From secret train platforms to red velvet cake, here’s why this NYC icon is more than just a luxury stay.

The Waldorf Astoria isn’t just a hotel—it’s a piece of New York City’s soul. First opening its doors in 1893 and then relocating to Park Avenue in 1931, this world-famous hotel has hosted presidents, celebrities, and royalty for more than a century. After an eight-year top-to-bottom renovation, the grand doors have reopened—restoring historic beauty while adding modern flair.

Here’s what makes the Waldorf Astoria a true trailblazer in the world of hospitality:

1. The Birthplace of Modern Hotel Luxury

Before minibars and concierge apps, the Waldorf Astoria was changing the game. It was one of the first hotels to offer in-room telephones and room service. Fancy hotel dining? They helped invent it. Celebrity chefs? They had them before it was cool. The hotel’s attention to luxury and service quickly made it a hotspot for global elites.

2. It Changed the Way New Yorkers Dined

At a time when New York’s elite preferred to eat at home, the Waldorf made dining out glamorous. And it wasn't just about the glittering interiors—it was about the food. The hotel's famous maître d', Oscar Tschirky (aka “Oscar of the Waldorf”), helped create or popularize dishes like the Waldorf Salad, eggs Benedict, and red velvet cake. These classics are still being reimagined in the hotel’s new Lex Yard restaurant.

3. Peacock Alley Was the Original Red Carpet

The old Waldorf and Astoria hotels were linked by a long corridor where guests would stroll in their finest outfits. It became such a fashionable walkway, it was nicknamed “Peacock Alley.” Today, the spirit of that tradition lives on in the hotel’s redesigned Peacock Alley bar—complete with historic touches like the 1893 lobby clock and Cole Porter’s piano.

4. There's a Secret Train Track Beneath the Hotel

Underneath the Waldorf lies a secret rail line known as Track 61. Rumor has it that President Franklin D. Roosevelt used it to enter the hotel unseen, avoiding attention to his disability. While it’s no longer in use, the legend lives on in the name of the hotel’s restaurant, Lex Yard—named after the Lexington Avenue railyard once below.

5. A Hotel for Diplomats and History Makers

In the 1940s, when the United Nations chose New York as its permanent home, the Waldorf Astoria stepped up. At a time when some NYC hotels still practiced segregation, the Waldorf committed to welcoming guests of all backgrounds. This made it the go-to hotel for international delegates, including during early UN events like the first meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers.

6. Bigger, Better Rooms After the Renovation

Originally, the hotel had 450 rooms. That number swelled to over 1,400 as demand grew. But the recent renovation took things in a new direction: fewer rooms, but more space. Today, just 375 oversized rooms remain—many larger than your average Manhattan apartment.

 With fresh designs by renowned French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the new Waldorf offers both history and comfort in every suite.

Whether you’re sipping cocktails at Peacock Alley, admiring restored murals, or just enjoying a slice of red velvet cake, the Waldorf Astoria proves that great hospitality never goes out of style.