What a Disappointment
We were looking forward to be part of history at the Waldorf!!! Not really, We got there around 02:00PM after a long journey and not enough sleep, the building is under renovation from the outside all around (WILL BE COMPLETED IN 8 YEARS). Main entrance on Park Ave was closed, Car had to go through 50th street to a side street entrance, waiting in line of cards (single lane), dropped off the luggage on the side, luggage were tagged then we walked up few steps to take an elevator up one floor then walked to the lobby. Had to wait in line in a crowded lobby for 15 minutes, room was not ready, asked to come back in an hour or so.. came back 90 minutes later, still not ready, they gave us a couple of tickets for drinks at the lounge..had the drinks and waited for about 45 minutes. Went to the front desk and asked for the manager who checked what was going on with our suite..few minutes later were told to go to our room and gave us the keys..It was almost 05:00 PM..It was a very nice spacious suite at the 17th floor on Park Ave..which was great..The windows were fuzzy and obstructed with construction materials.
The furniture is very old and outdated, the rugs and pictures on the wall were not well maintained and poorly designed, lamps did not have working light pulps, curtains and shades were outdated, bathroom is huge but missing some towels and amenities. Elevators use room cards to access your floor and it was a challenge to make the card works and responds to make it work. The hotel shop did not have a good service, the young lady in the shop had an attitude and was not very cooperative to help the customers, I wanted to buy one of their jackets with the hotel emblem but did not have my size. I was told they have it in the stock room but could not get it right away and they would contact me at my room when they bring it.. No one contacted me for 24 hrs..when I went to check if they got it, I found another employee who did not know anything about what I was talking about!!! I got mad and walked away.
Our flight out of New York was late in the afternoon, I asked for a late checkout and I was told not possible (Although I am a Hilton Honor Gold Member). After an argument, I was given until 01:45 PM to check out...By the way, the business center has nothing for free, I had to pay for Internet, printer, and fax via my credit card...
We stayed there for 4 nights but I do not think I enjoyed my stay and I would not go back to this hotel (at least for the next 8 years)????????