Orlando Welcomes World’s Second Waldorf Astoria

The piece of property neatly tucked between Interstate 4 and Walt Disney World is a long way from 301 Park Avenue, but the developers of the new Waldorf Astoria Orlando did their best to pay homage to the original’s historical footprint while making sure to account for the contemporary version’s more tropical locale.

Interior designer of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Rosie Feinberg, told the Orlando Sentinel that the question always under consideration by the staff working toward creating a combination of new and old was, “What happens when a historic, urban, gilded hotel takes a vacation?”

For starters, guests of the new Waldorf familiar with the Park Avenue property will notice that views of midtown Manhattan’s towering city buildings have been replaced by views of the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, which like the luxury hotel officially opened for business Oct. 1 The golf course was designed by legendary architect Rees Jones, who has won considerable acclaim for his work on U.S. Open layouts such as Bethpage Black and Torrey Pines South.

“I think the course is different than any in Orlando because it has an old, classic look,” Jones said. “It's hard to mix it up in Florida because the ground is so flat, but we elevated the whole site, which gave us some flexibility."

The golf course is just one of many amenities that can be found at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, which is located on 482 emerald acres in Bonnet Creek. Resort guests will also have the option of rejuvenating at the 24,000-square-foot Spa by Guerlain.

Guests familiar with the iconic lobby clock that quickly became one of the hallmarks of the New York City Waldorf will find a similar timepiece, updated with rich woods and nickel accents, upon entering the Orlando establishment. There will also be hallway depicting a cross-section of historical events that happened at the original hotel.

“We’re respectfully looking at the traditions, but adjusting to the times,” Peter Kacheris, managing director of the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort told the Orlando Sentinel. “We will never be, nor do we want to be, the Waldorf Astoria in New York. We are part of their legacy.”

For more information on the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, or to make a reservation, please visit www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com.

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