10 Cool Facts About the Warldorf-Astoria
1. The Hotel Sprung Out Of An Astor Family Feud
The original Waldorf was built by William Waldorf Astor in 1893. His cousin John Jacob Astor IV built a hotel named the Astoria next door but eventually the two made up and joined the two hotels and it became known as the Waldorf=Astoria.
2. Every U.S. President Since Hoover Has Stayed at the Waldorf
When a president was in town, the Presidential Suite was immediately made available and prepared for his stay.
3. The Initial Draft Of the Peace Treaty That Ended WWII Happened Inside The Hotel
On November 4, 1946, the "Big Four" met at the Waldorf Astoria to begin drafting the treaty that would end WWII.
4. Surprise, the Waldorf invented Waldorf Salad
The still popular recipe was created at the original hotel in the mid-1890s.
5. The Marilyn Monroe Suite is named after its longtime inhabitant
In 1955, Marilyn Monroe moved into Suite 2728 for $1,000 a week to get away from the Hollywood scene.
6. A Party Fit For A Princess
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco held their engagement party there in 1956.
7. The hotel invented room service in the 1930s
Next time you order a charcuterie plate and enough wings to feed an army off your expense account at 2 in the morning, say thanks to the Waldorf.
8. They asked for their stolen possessions back in 2012
The Waldorf Astoria Amnesty Program was announced in 2012 as an attempt to reclaim items for the Waldorf's archives. The response was overwhelming and you can see the items and their stories in the Waldorf's Amnesty Exhibit.
9. Rooftop Gardens And Hives Service The Hotel's Restaurants
The beehives on the roof (all labeled with appropriate Waldorf names) help pollinate the vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices served all over the hotel.
10. Track 61 Was A Secret Getaway For Presidents
President Roosevelt notably liked the escape route, and the platform even has an elevator that was big enough to hold his bulletproof automobile.
This article was written by a staff member of TheStreet.
