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Take a Tour of the Historic Waldorf Astoria Before It Changes Forever

Take a Tour of the Historic Waldorf Astoria Before It Changes Forever

By Talia Avakian

February 07, 2017

Credit: Mariah Tyler

The iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City will be closing for renovations on March 1, leaving visitors to wonder what the space will look like once the work is complete.

Gracing its famous Park Avenue address since 1931, the hotel was the largest and tallest in the world when it arrived on the scene.

Since then, it's played host to legendary musicians, television stars, and countless presidents.

The property was acquired by Chinese company Anbang Insurance Group in 2017, with the announcement it would be planning a massive renovation.

The hotel is filled with historic interiors and designs, which is why the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission is working to preserve its history throughout the process.

Take a look at the stunning space before it undergoes the changes, below.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

William Waldorf Astor first opened the Waldorf Hotel on Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street in 1893, before it was joined by the 17-story Astoria Hotel in 1897.

This location was eventually shut down, and the site was sold to developers, who would later build the Empire State Building in its place.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

The second Waldorf Astoria property opened in October of 1931, with former president Herbert Hoover saluting the new hotel in a radio broadcast.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Since then, the hotel has become the playground of celebrities, from Marilyn Monroe to Paris Hilton.

The property has also hosted every president in the U.S. since Herbert Hoover in its Presidential Suite.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Today, historic artifacts like this old-fashioned clock that sits in the lobby remind visitors of the hotel's iconic past.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Guests who visit are treated to luxurious touches, like glistening chandeliers that illuminate the space throughout.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Even the elevators are adorned in elaborate designs.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Its Art Deco designs came from architects Schultze and Weaver, and the hotel had a whopping 2,200 rooms and covered an entire city block when it opened in 1931, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

The designs, which were created to give the new property a far more luxurious and grand look than the original, include colorful carpet patterns that add a playful burst of color to the rooms.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

If you look up, you'll even see intricate fresco paintings and silver leaf emblems adorning the ceilings and walls throughout.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Gold decor, trimmings, and furnishings also add an air of opulence to the setting.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

The golden features can be seen in weaved metal designs and sculptures within the hotel.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Golden features can also be seen on the staircases that lead guests to their rooms and suites, most of which are set to be converted to luxury condominiums with the renovation.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

From its opening, the hotel become known for hosting lavish dinner parties at its posh eateries, with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Cole Porter regularly making appearances, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Today, the Waldorf Astoria has various restaurants that include La Chine, which is an homage to the cuisine of China, the Bull and Bear Prime Steakhouse, and the Peacock Alley Restaurant.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

It's famous for its Sunday brunch, served at Peacock Alley, where visitors will find everything from smoked fish and meat carving stations to a raw bar showcasing caviar, clams, oysters, lobster, and shrimp.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Its grand ballroom was also the location of noted and lavish parties, where Marilyn Monroe and her then-husband, Arthur Miller, would spend time.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

Today, the breathtaking space is used for hosting events and celebrations.

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Credit: Mariah Tyler

The Waldorf Astoria will continue accepting booking reservations until February 28 as it prepares to close down for the renovations.

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