Help from New Yorkers
 

My boss has asked me to find out the name of the hotel in New York where Presidents stay. I really thought that they (at least a majority of them) went to Waldorf Astoria or the Plaza, she tells me the name starts with a B but I do not know does anyone have an idea of which hotel this may be? Thank you for your help and am sorry if the question is a little “weird”

It really depends on the personal preferences of the President in question (and the dictates of the Secret Service). If I recall correctly, President Bush hasn't done overnights in NYC more than once or twice since he has been president - he usually goes back to DC, but when he has stayed here, it's been at the Waldorf-Astoria. I can't think of any hotel starting with a B that would fit the bill - the old Plaza (before it closed), the St. Regis, the new Mandarin Oriental, the Four Seasons, etc. I could see, but certainly not the Beacon Hotel.

The Waldorf is what first came to my mind and they even say on their website that "Six decades of US presidents and the world's leaders have favoured this domain". Thinking of where the traffic jams are when someone comes to town, the Waldorf is usually the one that comes up

Presidents of what? The US? Major companies? Foreign governments?

Bush never stays overnight in NYC - he hates us almost as much as we hate him. US Presidents usually go back to DC unless they MUST overnight in NYC - since the trip is so short (45 minutes).

They used to stay (and hold receptions and fund raisers etc) in the Waldorf - but it's getting very tired.

So - what does this guy really want? What's he doing while he's here? And how much is he willing to pay to get it? (Truly upscale hotels will be $500 plus per night for a basic double room.)

The only top hotel I can think of that starts with a B is the Barclay Intercontinental. It's very nice, but I don't know that any Presidents have stayed there. ;)

Funny, I was thinking of the Barclay. From their website:

" Because of its proximity to the United Nations, nearly every major head of state has visited the hotel, including President Ronald Reagan, François Mitterrand and Nelson Mandela. The Barclay Hotel has also been the home away from home for such celebrities as Bette Davis, Marlon Brando and Ernest Hemingway."

The State Department maintains several floors in the Waldorf Towers (as distinct from the Waldorf Astoria) for the use of the Ambassador to the United Nations and the President.

NYtraveler's comments about hating President Bush do not speak for all New Yorkers and needlessly politicize an innocent question.

Definitely the Waldorf Astoria -- Bush has stayed there as did Clinton during his presidency (for example in 1993 when he gave a speech on economic policy at Cooper Union).

And <i>this</i> New Yorker voted for the WINNER in both 2000 and 2004, thanks.

Thank you everyone for your help. She made the mistake when I mentioned the Waldorf as the only one I knew she did say that it is. Again thank you for your help.
Gina

The only pseudo luxury hotel I can think of that starts with a 'B' is The Benjamin but the president wouldn't stay there.

Only a few hotels can handle the complications of housing the President.

Apparently I spoke too soon. It seems that only most New Yorkers dislike Bush as much as he dislikes us.

Many foreign heads of state stay at Waldorf due to it's proximity to the UN - as do some US Presidents when visiting overnight.

But if your boss wants to live like them he will have to take at least a floor of the Towers - not just a room in the regular hotel.