Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria New York hotel is bookable for the first time since 2017
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Hilton has opened up bookings for the Waldorf Astoria New York.
The hotel has been closed since 2017 for a top to toe refurbishment. The property, which was actually two hotels – the main hotel and the Towers apartment-style rooms on the upper floors – is now primarily condos.
This is not necessarily bad news. The hotel will now have 375 rooms instead of the previous 1,400+ which should completely change the atmosphere inside. The smallest room is a chunky, and positively palatial for New York, 475 sq ft.
I stayed here a few times, mainly on points but once for cash in a huge but delapidated Towers apartment, with peeling wallpaper but also an amazing view of the Chrysler Building.
I even took a ‘behind the scenes’ guided tour once, where I remember being told that the annual maintenance bill for the building – and we’re probably talking late 1990s here – was $25 million.
Despite opening ‘in late spring’, the hotel is being cautious and is only accepting bookings from 1st September 2025.
Cash rates start at a chunky $1,700 per night. Hilton Honors points rooms are 150,000 points per night.
Whilst this is (literally) the most you can pay for a standard Hilton reward night, it’s not bad value. I looked at two midweek nights in October where the cash rate averaged $1,945. We value Hilton points at 0.33p and you’d be getting exactly 1p per point here.
Of course, those cash rates may prove unachievable but I suspect not. Park Hyatt New York with similarly sized rooms is similarly priced for the same dates, although the Central Park location is potentially a little more premium.
The hotel website is here if you want to find out more or book. I should be in New York in June so if it does open earlier I will try to book in.
PS. Be wary that reward nights on some peak dates, mainly in September, are non-refundable. Check the T&C before booking.
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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)
There are various ways of earning Hilton Honors points from UK credit and debit cards. Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.
There are two dedicated Hilton Honors debit cards. These are especially attractive when spending abroad due to the 0% or 0.5% FX fee, depending on card.
You also receive FREE Hilton Honors status for as long as you hold the debit cards – Gold status with the Plus card and Silver status with the basic card. This is a great reason to apply even if you rarely use it.
We reviewed the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.
You can apply for either card here.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 30th April 2025, the annual fee on the basic Hilton Honors debit card is halved from £60 to £30. The sign-up bonus is also easier to earn – you need to spend £1,000 either in the UK or abroad within three months. The usual bonus rule requires you to spend the full £1,000 outside the UK.
NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit
10,000 bonus points, Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review
NEW: Hilton Honors Debit
2,500 bonus points, Hilton Silver status and 0.5% FX fees Read our full review
There is another way of getting Hilton Honors status, and earning Hilton Honors points, from a payment card.
Holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as they hold the card. It also comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.
We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review
You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with:
- American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.
and for small business owners:
- American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
- American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)
The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton Honors points is 1:2.
