With the return of Waldorf Astoria New York, Hilton’s flagship luxury brand ushers in a new era defined by cultural cachet and an expanded global footprint. The legendary Park Avenue landmark has officially opened following an unprecedented restoration – a moment punctuated by a grand opening celebration that reintroduced one of the world’s most iconic ballrooms to a new generation of tastemakers.
On November 6, the Grand Ballroom – a historical stage for world-shaping banquets, diplomatic dinners, and society galas – welcomed guests once more. The evening honored the building’s storied past while unveiling its future as a canvas for modern expression: a fully restored architectural masterpiece equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, acoustics, and performance capabilities. Waldorf Astoria New York is once again the heartbeat of Midtown Manhattan.
Expanding with Purpose
Over the past eight years, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts expanded its global footprint with 17 new openings and has 33 additional properties in the pipeline, transforming from a storied name in hospitality into a global symbol of modern luxury. Following Waldorf Astoria New York opening its doors once again, the brand spanned 38 properties across 18 countries, marking the start of a new chapter of growth. In 2025, that momentum was realized through a series of marquee openings, including:
Waldorf Astoria Osaka (Japan) – April 2025
The brand’s highly anticipated debut in Japan spans 13 floors of a 39-story tower in the GRAND GREEN OSAKA, offering 252 spacious guest rooms, three signature restaurants including a reimagined Peacock Alley, and tranquil wellness experiences in the heart of Osaka’s newest urban district.
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique (Costa Rica) – April 2025
Set on a dramatic cliffside peninsula overlooking the Pacific, the resort blends nature and sophistication with a holistic wellness sanctuary, destination dining, and multi-generational experiences along the white sands of Playa Penca.
Waldorf Astoria Helsinki (Finland) – October 2025
The brand’s Nordic debut spans four historic buildings in the heart of Helsinki, restored into 116 guest rooms and suites that balance neoclassical architecture with modern Nordic design, complete with elevated dining and intimate gathering spaces.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan (China) – October 2025
Rising in Shanghai’s New Bund district, the urban riverfront hotel blends Art Deco heritage with contemporary elegance, featuring skyline-view suites, refined dining, lush terraces, and a spa concept inspired by Chinese wellness philosophies.
Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé (Morocco) – Opening soon
Located in the Mohammed VI Tower, the hotel will offer 55 guest rooms and suites, two specialty restaurants, Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley, a pool restaurant, meeting and board room spaces, a spa, an outdoor and infinity pool, and a fitness studio.
Building on this momentum, 2026 will welcome a slate of openings that further expand Waldorf Astoria’s presence into gateway capitals and rising luxury hubs, including:
Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch (UK)
Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch will see the historic monument debut as one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels. Commanding a prestigious position at the end of The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, the hotel will feature 100 elegantly designed rooms and suites, and 17,500 square feet of branded residences. Hilton, in partnership with Reuben Brothers, is meticulously restoring the Grade I listed monument, while honoring the building’s storied past. Culinary direction will come from Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud, two of the world’s most celebrated chefs whose eponymous restaurants together hold seven Michelin stars. And a collection of grand and intimate event spaces – including a magnificent ballroom accommodating up to 300 guests – will provide an exceptional setting for landmark occasions.
Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will mark the brand’s debut in Malaysia, bringing its signature elegance to the city’s Golden Triangle. Steps from Bukit Bintang’s premier shopping and cultural destinations, the 23-story hotel will feature 272 spacious suites, world-class dining, including the iconic Peacock Alley, and over 4,250 square meters of event space.
Looking further ahead into 2026 and beyond, Waldorf Astoria will see the highly anticipated and first market entry in cities including Sydney, Tokyo, Bali, Hanoi, Tanger, New Delhi and Jaipur, San Miguel de Allende, Fredericksburg and more.
