The Waldorf Astoria New York is getting ready to reopen its doors in spring 2025, bringing back its iconic luxury and adding exciting new features, including a standout restaurant called Lex Yard, led by Chef Michael Anthony. This reopening blends the hotel’s rich history with modern touches, creating a fresh yet familiar experience.
First opened in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria New York is a Manhattan legend. It closed in 2017 for a full renovation, and now it’s coming back better than ever. The redesign, led by leading architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designers Pierre-Yves Rochon and Jean-Louis Deniot, has reduced the number of hotel rooms from 1,400 to 375, making each room more spacious. Starting at 570 square feet, these rooms combine the classic Art Deco style with modern features.
The updates include more than just the rooms. The Grand Ballroom, the famous lobby with the Waldorf Astoria clock, Peacock Alley, and a huge 30,000-square-foot spa have all been carefully restored. Guests can also enjoy a cutting-edge fitness center and an outdoor lounge terrace. For events, there’s 43,000 square feet of beautifully redone spaces, perfect for galas and conferences.
The hotel also now features the Waldorf Astoria Residences New York. On the upper floors of the iconic landmark building, these 375 private residences offer everything from studio apartments to four-bedroom suites. Designed by Jean-Louis Deniot, they come with exclusive amenities and stunning city views, blending luxurious living with the hotel’s renowned services.
A highlight of the Waldorf Astoria’s return is its new signature restaurant, Lex Yard. Named for its Lexington Avenue location and the historic Track 61 train depot below the hotel, this two-story American brasserie will welcome locals, travelers, and residents.
Chef Michael Anthony, known for his work at Gramercy Tavern, aims to make Lex Yard both elevated and approachable. “My favorite restaurants are welcoming and offer a personal touch without being overly formal,” he said. “That’s the goal for Lex Yard—a place where guests can enjoy great American food and excellent service with family, friends, or colleagues, again and again.”
Lex Yard will offer two dining options: an a la carte menu featuring some of Anthony’s favorite dishes and a seasonal menu with four savory courses and a dessert. The ingredients will come from local farms, with fresh vegetables, sustainably caught seafood, and other regional favorites. “Our menu will tell a story of the people and places that grow and produce the best ingredients in the area,” Anthony said.
The restaurant’s design, by AvroKO, captures the Art Deco charm of 1930s New York. The upstairs dining room will have fluted columns, white oak parquet floors, and a stunning chandelier made of glass, stone, and brass. Downstairs, the bar will feature coffered ceilings, brass light fixtures, and a terrazzo-clad bar with turquoise leather accents.
For private dining, each floor will have two rooms that can seat up to eight guests each or combine to accommodate 16, making them perfect for special occasions.
The reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York marks the beginning of a new chapter for this historic landmark. With Lex Yard leading the way, the hotel is ready to offer an unforgettable blend of storied past traditions and modern luxury in the heart of Manhattan.
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