Waldorf Astoria, New York, Roof Garden

Waldorf Astoria, New York, Roof Garden

The "Waldorf Astoria, New York, Roof Garden" photomechanical print illustrates a unique feature of a luxury hotel in Manhattan in the early 1900s. The Waldorf Astoria was one of the first hotels to offer complete electricity, private bathrooms and room service when it opened in 1893, and remains as one of the most glamorous hotels in America. It originally stood where the Empire State building is now, but when it moved in 1928, it became the largest hotel in the world. The Waldorf is known for its' lavish restaurants, ballroom galas and celebrity residents. Similar to Martin's Hotels in "Martin Dressler", the Waldorf had the most floors, the newest technology and service options and went beyond what previous hotels offered. It incorporated entertainment and beautiful gardens to allow its' rich residents to fulfill many of their needs right in the hotel. The picture of the rooftop garden at the Waldorf was taken in 1908, but it captures how Martin was so ahead of his time. Many of his hotels feautured subterranean floors and indoor parks that forshadowed these rooftop gardens and the incorporation of natural aspects of the city right outside residnent's rooms.

Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. "Waldorf Astoria, New York, roof garden." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1908. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e2-8cb9-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

"The Waldorf - Astoria Hotel." Historic Hotels of America. Historical Hotels of America, Web. 21 Oct. 2015. <http://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/the-waldorf-astoria-hotel/history.php>.

The New York Public Library http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e2-8cb9-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

October 21, 2015

Theresa Patti

1908