The Waldorf Hilton, London
| Company type | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Founder | William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor |
| Headquarters | London , England |
Area served | London, United Kingdom |
| Products | Hotel accommodations, dining, event hosting |
| Owner | Hilton Hotels & Resorts |
| Website | www |
The Waldorf Hilton, London, originally known as the Waldorf Hotel, is a distinguished luxury establishment situated in Aldwych, London, and currently managed by Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Founded in 1908 by William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor of the influential Astor family, the hotel comprises 298 guest accommodations, including 19 suites.
History
Since its inauguration in 1908, The Waldorf was designed to offer more than just lodging; it provided dining and social venues equipped with cutting-edge features for the era, such as bedside electric light controls, telephones in every room, three elevators, and centralized heating.
Timeline
1889 – Edward Sanders, a theatrical entrepreneur, envisioned a significant West End hotel located on the northern boundary of Aldwych. Collaborating with accountant Thomas Wild and financially backed by William Waldorf Astor, they secured £700,000 to construct the hotel bearing Astor's name.
1908 – Built with a steel frame within an 18-month period, the hotel officially opened on 28 January with a champagne reception.
1913 – The Palm Court hosted its inaugural tango performance, garnering considerable attention.
1934 – The hotel's resident band under Howard Godfrey recorded several popular tracks featuring singer Al Bowlly, including "Love is the Sweetest Thing".
1939 – In World War II, following bomb damage that shattered the Palm Court roof nearby, the hotel highlighted its steel construction's resilience. It converted certain areas for staff housing and temporarily halted tango tea dances.
1964 – Esteemed food critic Egon Ronay introduced his hotel guide series at The Waldorf.
1969 – The music publication Melody Maker held its awards ceremony within the hotel.
1979 – The Palm Court was utilized as a filming site for SOS TITANIC.
1982 – After a 43-year break, Tango Teas were reinstated.
1995 – Ownership transferred to the Meridien hotel group from the Forte family.
2004 – Hilton Hotels Corporation acquired the property and renamed it The Waldorf Hilton.
2005 – A £35 million renovation project updated the hotel's amenities.
2015 – A further refurbishment costing £13.5 million enhanced guest services and preserved its upscale reputation.
Architecture
The Waldorf displays a sweeping 190-foot facade crafted from Aberdeen granite adorned with a cherub frieze symbolizing arts and sciences. Edward Sanders and Thomas Wild appointed architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, who drew inspiration from New York’s luxury hotels when designing the structure.
Originally, the hotel featured a Gentlemen's Smoking Room (currently the Executive Boardroom), a billiard room (now the Executive Lounge), a ladies' writing room (the Aldwych meeting room), an extensive 300-foot dining space (the Adelphi Suite), and the Palm Court.
Restaurant and bars
The Homage restaurant takes cues from grand European cafés and serves contemporary European-style English cuisine.
Good Godfrey's Bar and Lounge, named after the hotel's original house band leader, offers an ambiance rich in oak paneling and traditional charm.
The Wild Monkey bar presents a tropical-themed environment specializing in crafted cocktails.