• Introduction
• 1. The Biltmore
• 2. The Breakers
• 3. The Drake
• 4. El Tovar
• 5. The Georgian
• 6. Hotel del Coronado
• 7. Omni Parker House
• 8. Soniat House
• 9. Viceroy Palm Springs
• 10. Waldorf-Astoria

Waldorf-Astoria

Covering a full city block, and under Hilton ownership since 1949, this East Midtown dame swept onto the New York scene in 1931 and has played host to every U.S. president since Hoover, not to mention the Queen of England, and entertainment royalty from Cary Grant to Britney Spears; other milestones have included J.F.K. and Jackie’s wedding night and the penning of some of Cole Porter’s biggest hits; his old piano is still in the bar. Indeed, this Art Deco gem is the quintessence of Manhattan’s old-school high life and is still pretty darn grand over 70 years later, with modern updates like its swank Guerlain Spa, which debuted in September 2008. Overnight accommodations include a whopping 1,245 units (including 197 suites), individually appointed in traditional opulence which borrows from Europe and the Orient, with Deco and modern touches – most come with luxurious marble baths. The Waldorf Towers, an annex of an additional 180 units on floors 28 through 42, offer even higher levels of opulence, with a separate entrance, reception, and elevator banks. www.waldorfastoriacollection.com; www.historichotels.org

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