Now, my stint was much more in the role of hired help than spoiled guest, as we were running a conference. But seriously, even if you have a maid's room with a view of other walls and windows, you're still a guest there, and the Waldorf is charming charming charming.
And not that I tasted them, because of course I am on this appallingly straight and narrow no sugar no processed anything no fun midwife diet, but they have these cookies that are pretty much like crack. Gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy, warm crack.Also the decor is lovely. I would've taken a million more pictures, because everywhere you look there is some exquisite detail. Except that my tourist moments were numbered. I was more in the role of "This way to the luncheon" and "It's in the third floor ballroom."
And the service. The service is delightful. Friendly, polite, prompt. Used glasses and plates get swept away immediately. As do break foods. Because God forbid your pastry not be warm. Seriously.
Not to fixate on the cookies or anything.
Their flower arrangements are so perfect you touch the orchids to see if they're real. And I'm sure I left nose prints on the fancy shop windows.
I'm not a money-focused person, or one of those people who feels like they just need the finer things in life to be happy. I'm really not. I don't even think I'd like many of the 1%-ers as human beings. Honestly. If I had the money, I still wouldn't be hob-nobbing with high society.It's more that swanky places are just so pretty. And comfortable. Kind of like how more expensive shoes just feel better.
One of our hotel staff guys was talking about events, and how friendly we all were, and how nice to work with. He didn't say that anyone else was unfriendly. He just left it at that.
But listen to this: they have weddings there that cost in the millions. It is a giant hotel, and they only have one wedding at a time. Some people pay to have them remove the ballroom carpet, put down carpet of their choosing for their event, and then re-install the Waldorf carpeting.
That's some money, no?
I would LOVE to stay at the Waldorf! I've only ever stood outside and taken pictures of the sign.
ReplyDeleteBut, in good Eloise fashion, I would love for the manager to tell me "I am a nuisance in the lobby"!
I'm the same way about money. My mom had a little quote in a frame for years. It was from the boxer Joe Lewis. He said "I don't like money, really, but it quiets my nerves"
Oh, it is GRAND! And similarly, I would love to be so much of a fixture as to be a nuisance in the lobby!
DeleteAnd I love the quote your mom had. That's fantastic.
Sibling Extraordinare and I stayed at the one in Orlando when we ran the half-marathon, and it was... well, it was like being one of those wildlife-watching people. We went down to the pool, and saw several families of the catalog variety, with the Pilate'ed moms back in their Pucci and Burberry bikinis, etc. Money people are just different.
ReplyDeleteBut the food and the spa were different in a truly wonderful way.
You are so right - it's like wildlife-watching. Fascinating. I would LOVE to have gone to the Guerlain spa. What a treat that must've been!
DeleteThere is a certain je ne sais quoi about 4 star hotels, no? After living at The Palace in New York city for nearly nine months while I was on a work assignment, I was spoilt forevermore. They used to leave chocolate-dipped strawberries and a personal note in my room when I returned from a weekend away. Too bad my own personal budget only stretches to Holiday Inn sorts of territory.
ReplyDeleteI just love that you spent nine months in a hotel that left you chocolate-dipped strawberries and notes in your room. That's spectacular!
DeleteI was there for about 5 nights once for work, and actually found a cockroach in my room. I didn't report it to the front desk until check out, stupidly, because they said they would have upgraded me (I had told the cleaning staff). I'm still kicking myself for not telling them. Ah well. But yes, except for the cockroach, it was a pretty grand experience!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I'd have screamed so loudly that the front desk would've heard me. Too bad you didn't tell them - I'm sure the upgraded room would've been amazing.
DeleteOh, lovely. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay and the conference for work! I stayed at the Waldorf for Christmas on vacation a few years ago and it was delightful. I love art deco buildings and the history of that hotel....the Cole Porter piano in the lobby and I think Grace Kelly had her engagement party at the Waldorf.
ReplyDeleteI bet it was GORGEOUS for Christmas! I've never been in NY around Christmas. I love art deco as well, and I just love all the exquisite detail.
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