Christmas at the Beautiful Waldorf-Astoria

You will want to know that we did not stay at the Waldorf, but at The Pod around the corner-- billed as the most hip budget hotel in Mid-town. Since we knew the place (formerly the Pickwick Arms), we chose the cheapest room with bunk beds, shared bath, and well worth the slight inconvenience for the price. "Shared bath" puts some people off, but is quite common in very respectable places in Europe, and is impeccably maintained at The Pod.

Mr. Cottage had stayed at the Waldorf with his family as a youngster, however, and enjoyed the walk down memory lane. The details are marvelous, and very much the same as they have always been.

You can feel the history at every turn, and there are also informative displays of the early days of a still glorious hotel.

The seasonal decoration hardly overshadows the oppulent decor.

The mosiac lobby floor.

Highly decorated ceilings and floors, and an ornately detailed center clock with a Statue of Liberty replica on top.

Silvered art deco era elevator doors.

I love the still functional phone bank for dialing up guests. "Room please."

Chef's jacket on display. 

An old ledger recording event details, menus, etc..

I'd love to find one of these in a shop somewhere!

I did make sure to visit the WC! Still staffed by an attendant standing by ready to assist. This is one of the well-appointed closets. . . .

And powder room mirrors. . . .

I could sense the aura of lingering perfume, beaded gowns, and lively banter of a long lost era in this room.

Thanks for coming along for the tour!

I hope your holiday is full of peace and love!

We are snuggled up with family in Connecticut for Christmas Eve, and hope you're enjoying your own traditions wherever you are.

Ciao! for now!

And a Very Merry Christmas!!

Jacqueline