The Waldorf Hilton, London, formerly known as the Waldorf Hotel, is a historic hotel in the Aldwych, London. It is part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts chain and has a history dating back to 1908. The hotel was originally established by William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor, a member of the prominent Astor family. The hotel features 298 guest rooms, including 19 suites.
History
The Waldorf, London, opened in 1908 with a vision to follow the American tradition of offering not just rooms but a place for passers-by to stop for dinner, afternoon tea or a drink. It opened with 400 bedrooms, 176 bathrooms and a range of innovative features – a telephone and electric lights that could be switched off at the bedside in all rooms, three elevators and central heating.
Chronology
1889 – Theatrical impresario Edward Sanders decided to build a major West End hotel on the northern rim of Aldwych. Sanders partnered with accountant Thomas Wild to raise the sum of £700,000, with the assistance of William Waldorf Astor, whom the hotel was named after in gratitude. 1908 – Employing a steel girder structure, the hotel was erected in only 18 months and opened on 28 January with a champagne reception. 1913 – The first of many tangos was performed in the Palm Court, scandalising Edwardian society. 1934 – The resident house band was led by Howard Godfrey and his Waldorfians. Godfrey recorded 15 "Live at the Waldorf" 78 rpm discs with singer Al Bowlly. Hits included "Love is the Sweetest Thing" and "Goodnight, Sweetheart". 1939 – During WWII the Waldorf placed adverts in the press reassuring visitors that its alloy structure made it safe. One stray bomb missed the hotel but shockwaves shattered the Palm Court roof and tango tea dances were suspended. The restaurant became a staff dormitory and the hotel's legendary head waiter slept in a corner every night to keep an eye on it. 1958 – Scenes from the Titanic film A Night to Remember were shot in the Palm Court as director Roy Ward Baker thought the Palm Court Lounge ideal for depicting the interior of a ship. 1964 – Egon Ronay launched his hotel guides at the Waldorf. 1969 – Melody Maker hosted its music awards ceremony at the Waldorf. 1982 – The Waldorf held its first Tango Teas since 1939. 1995 – The Meridien hotel group took over from the Forte family. 2004 – Hilton Hotels Corporation took over the hotel and renamed it The Waldorf Hilton. 2005 – The Waldorf was given a £35 million refurbishment. 2015 – The Waldorf Hilton received a further £13.5 million refurbishment.
Architecture
The Waldorf has a 190-foot curving facade made of Aberdeen granite with a frieze of cherubs depicting the arts and sciences. Edward Sanders and Wild hired the young architect Alexander Marshall Mackenzie to build the hotel. Marshall Mackenzie went to New York to capture the pioneering new style in luxury. The Waldorf was built with a Gentlemen's Smoking room, a billiard room, a ladies writing room, a 300 ft. dining space, and the beautiful Palm Court.
Restaurant and bars
Homage restaurant
Homage pays tribute to the grand cafés of Europe and is open for breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner.
Good Godfrey's Bar and Lounge
The hotel bar is named after Howard Godfrey and His Waldorfians, the resident band signed under Piccadilly Records in the 1930s.
The Parrot
The Parrot London is a cocktail bar and music venue with a tropical-theme. The bar was created in collaboration with actor, DJ and producer, Idris Elba and brothers Lee and Nicky Caulfield.
