Waldorf=Astoria

So the second part of my training is in midtown -- at the Citigroup building on 53rd to be exact. My second hotel is the infamous Waldorf=Astoria on Park Avenue.

The general appeal of W=A is the service and the old-money feel to the place. Having just checked in earlier today, I can see both good and bad things. The lobby has a very upscale feel to it. But to be honest, the room isn't really worth it.

I'm loving it right now because of the significance W=A has played in history. Did you know that when FDR came to NYC, he would stay at the Waldorf? His train had a secret station in the basement of the Waldorf.

The lobby is designed with the same historical flair in mind. I've seen better hotel lobbies. Grand Hyatts, Westins and many Ritz Carlton's have much better designed lobbies. The room is pretty average. Same look and feel as any other decent hotel. So the average room at W=A is the same as an average room at any other hotel. However, I'm sure the Astoria level is where the hotel earns its reputation from. That's where the pricey suites and service really is.