If the Walls Could Speak

From 1931 on when the Waldorf Towers opened–Herbert Hoover was in office then–every U.S. president and many other heads of state have stayed in the Presidential Suite. If the walls could speak, they might offer volumes about our country's hi story from the Great Depression on. An apocryphal story has it that one day a caller phoned The Towers and asked for the king. "Which king?" replied a polite and imperturbable telephone operator.

The 1945 comedy "Weekend at the Waldorf" starring Ginger Rogers and Van Johnson gave the hotel a lighter image. Indeed, it's as much a kick off your shoes and curl up in your room or suite property as it is a formal venue for discerning guests. The Executive Director, Kevin Corrigan, offers suggestions for in-room activities like having the concierge meet with you to plan your schedule or ordering a personal trainer from the Plus One Fitness Center for a workout session.

Guests of The Towers, which takes up floors 28 thr ough 42 of the Waldorf Astoria, have access to a private entrance and can use the Astoria Lounge where continental breakfast, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages are served. Cocktails are available for purchase through the Honor Bar. Those who want to stay more than a few days can lease a one- to four- bedroom residential apartment for a minimum of two months.

The Waldorf Towers, 100 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022. Tel. 212-872-4534. Rates start at $249. www.waldorf-towers.com

Fall 1996