New York amazing, but Waldorf should take lessons from Royal Carribbean
Having read other reviews, both the good and bad ring true to my experience. Check in and out were a breeze and we were allowed to stay in our room later as well as no wait for a room to become available, even though it was two hours before check in. Rooms are as described by others, dated and poorly designed. The tv was poor which was a disappointment when we wanted to see the "Bolt" and Mo Farrah and all they showed was beach volleyball. They expected my 14 son and 16 daughter to share a bed! The bellboy explained that we could request a cot (campbed) to put in the wasted space they call the sitting room,which was a brilliant idea. The reception staff tried to charge us an extra 50$ a night for this, after suggesting I top and tail with my daughter! It took us years to get her to stay in her own bed so not going back to that now! Joking aside it was a 4/5 star hotel and not a campng trip. Anyway, we stood our ground and they agreed to it for free. But then I spent the rest of the time avoiding reception as I don't like making a fuss. However, my daughter had her own room for the holiday and we didn't have to step over hairdryers, straighteners etc whilst my son had a lovely bed all to himself.
Very grateful for the advice from reviewers about charges for so much as moving a bottle in the mini bar as we usually stick our softdrinks in for when we get home. Instead we made great use of the ice machine outside our room. 
New York was the best holiday of our lives so that is why all the niggles or disappointments in the Waldorf were forgotten. But all the reviews I had read on the Waldorf added up when I got there. The most recent experience we had of American hosptality and service was with Royal Carribbean and the Waldorf could learn a lot from them.