Art Deco is alive and well at the Waldorf Astoria. Over 80 years have passed since she was built in 1931 by Schultze and Weaver, and she’s still the jewel of the City. I had the distinct pleasure of staying there this spring (thank you American Express Rewards) and I wasn’t disappointed. Since my first visit to her lobby in the early 1980’s, I’ve been wowed by her glamour and sophistication. Judging by the amount of tourists taking selfies in her lobby, I’m not the only one.

As a guest of the hotel, I took the opportunity to wander her halls and corridors, examining every detail.  I was wowed at every turn. She is indeed a total work of art. Vent registers, handrails, elevator doors, mailboxes, the list goes on, it’s craftsmanship at its finest. It’s no surprise that Cole Porter lived there for 25 years… I would too. And with the private driveway underneath the hotel, I can see why every president stays there, secret service must love it. In fact, I was a spectacular way to exit my 4 day stay at the hotel, in chauffeured town car wearing my biggest sunglasses (yes it was actually sunny). If only someone would have alerted the paparazzi… oh, that’s right, I’m not famous. But I sure felt like it while staying at the Waldorf Astoria.