Engagement at the Waldorf=Astoria

I recently stumbled across a website that asked people to submit stories about the famous Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. The Waldorf is an architectural icon of the art deco style on Park Avenue. As far as NY real estate goes, it would be comparable to the Chrysler Building or the Empire State Building. It might not be as recognizable as those two landmarks from the outside, but to anyone that ever walked into the lobby, let alone had the opportunity to stay there as a guest, that era of luxury and style is unmatched. It's hard for me to talk or write about it, because I do not believe I can possibly do it justice. It's like taking a photo of a sunrise or rainbow that just pales in comparison to seeing it firsthand. However, it would be a disservice to its legacy, and to my own, NOT to share this story...so here it is.

I worked in the Waldorf=Astoria business center from 2000 to 2006. It was my first job out of college and I smiled every day I got off the bus on Fifth Avenue and walked past St. Patrick's Cathedral and into the stunning art deco lobby of the hotel. I was, and still am, proud to tell people where I worked. Over the years, I must have walked thousands of miles through the hallways, delivering faxes to our guests, sometimes running into a celebrity or two.

On March 15, 2001, near the end of my shift, I delivered a fax that was addressed to a guest in room 1307. I knocked on the door and stood speechless as my boyfriend of 5 years, opened it and immediately got down on one knee and proposed. After a few minutes of celebration, I called down to the business center to let my team know that my shift was ending and to ask if someone could cover my shift the following day. My boss congratulated me and said it had already been arranged, as my, now, fiancé had requested a day-off for me ahead of time.

A year later, we were wed, and one of my bridesmaids, a friend who worked at the Waldorf front desk, gave me this framed newspaper ad, which hangs in our home today.

A few years later, the hotel renumbered the rooms on several floors, including 13. Room 1307 became 1322, or was it 1313? Either way, the room at the end of the hall was the one that was always special to me.

During my time working there, I recall a couple, who were married at the Waldorf, reached out to request a reservation to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They sent the hotel a copy of their original receipt and sure enough, the hotel honored the price they originally paid. The chef even made a special red velvet cake to commemorate the flavor served at their wedding.

I have 26 more years to go, but I'd love nothing more than to stay there to celebrate our 50th anniversary, room 1307 or not.

There are so many wonderful stories of the famous faces I met, the wonderful team members I worked with, the delicious treats served in the cafeteria, the magical events I attended and the noble history I felt a part of every single day.

It represented the magic of New York City.

#waldorfstories #waldorfastoria #iloveny #engagement