My parents are celebrating their 50th anniversary this summer, and we are planning for 7 us to go to NYC to celebrate. This will be their 1st trip to NYC. What do you think of the Waldorf? Or would it be better to look at Marriott Marquis or The Plaza? I want value for the money but also a wonderful atmosphere. Help!

My parents are going there for their 50th, too this summer! It's a grand old dame, not a "happenin'" place, but I think perfect for a couple's 50th. Great location too, in a convenient but not too insane part of midtown. Recommendation: check out rates at the Waldorf Towers (on top of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel proper)-- there are great specials if you're a Triple A member; the rooms are two and three times the size of the regular Astoria rooms; and - best of all in the Towers - you get FREE FOOD ALL DAY in the Astoria lounge, including a heavy, fancy continental breakfast; afternoon tea and goodies; evening hors d'oevres'; and drinks. Saves a lot of money on food and my thrifty mid 70's parents are thrilled with that aspect (and that you can go whenever you want). I was surprised that the rooms were fairly reasonable for NY standards when you factor in the food.

We love the Waldorf...your parents will too.

My husband and I stayed in the Waldorf this past weekend, and were not overly impressed. We stayed in the Towers, and so had access to the Astoria lounge. What a disappointment! The food was not very good or plentiful (although the coffee was good), there were always a million people in there, elbowing each other out of the way to grab some free food. But what upset us the most was the level of service. I understand what NYC hotel rooms are like, and accept that. And ours at the Waldorf was pleasant and clean, and the bed was comfortable, but nothing more. We were given the wrong keys to the elevator 3 times, and were also given the wrong room key. Luckily, there was a porter walking by when we couldn't get in, so he let us in, and advised us to call to have the right keys sent up. Two hours later, we had our keys.

When we checked out on Sunday, we left our bag with the bell captain, as our train didn't leave until the afternoon. When we went to retrieve the bags, we had to stand in a long line. That wasn't a problem. What was a problem was that when we reached the front of the line, we were told we would have to go downstairs to get our bag (don't know why they didn't tell us this originally). Another line. 25 minutes after we started, we had our bag. Almost missed the train because of the delay.

Overall, the hotel is fine (adequate), but it's not worth the extra money.

Top please

Make sure to do a text search on Waldorf for past info. there was lots! I know it is an old hotel, but my husband and I really enjoyed the place. We did not stay in the towers, but still had access to a lounge area. We loved it.We got a fair price online reserving a "staff room". It was not huge, but it was beautiful. There were lots of people in the afternoon tea and reception area, but it was great people watching! We really enjoyed the bar. We are old movie buffs so I suppose that has a lot to do with our appreciation of the place.I bet they will love it!What a great gift. Hope my kids do something like this for us someday!

Value for money and Waldorf do not fit into the same sentence.

It certainly is a memorable place, very fancy, and. I think, very formal. You need to tip in the washrooms.

If the old folks are young in spirit, I'd go to Times Square and the Marriot as first choice, Plaza as second choice, Waldorf as third, if that's the only option.

If you stay at the Waldorf, and if they love a big steak, Smith and Wollensky's steak house, more or less behind the hotel, is a great choice.

BAK

We just stayed at the Waldorf in the middle of March on the concierge level. It is true about it being worth it to ask for that level. Actually, I had booked the Waldorf on-line and then called the hotel direct and told them I was a Hilton Honors member and how much more was it to get the concierge level. They gave me the upgrade free of charge. It was worth it for the free soda's, the breakfast and nightly snacks. The place is so elegant but not overly stuffy. I had walked into the Plaza and felt like it was a bit stuffy. Although the Oak Room Bar was great with really nice views. The Waldorf had the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame going on the night we were there. They also had some soap opera event going on. It seemed like a busy place but in a good way. We thouroughly enjoyed ourselves and everyone there was bending over backwards nice.

Wow. It seems like we went to a different hotel. Of course, I spend a lot of time in some of the best hotels in the U.S., as I work an auditor for an accounting firm that mainly does hotels. And the Waldorf wouldn't even make my top 25 in terms of service and elegance. I've always wanted to stay there and was really disappointed in the experience.

Actually, I preferred the Marriott Renaissance (at Times Square). Service was excellent, and our room was the largest I've found in NYC. Plus we had a tremendous view of Times Square.

I stayed at the Waldorf with my mom last October and was not at all impressed. It was a typical chain hotel in service and and the floors where the rooms are have multiple coats of paint on the doors so it looks old in a bad way. The other problem is that after walking all day, you then have to walk long distances in the hotel. I have a much better suggestion, It's The Benjamin right across the street from the Waldorf. My husband and I stayed there last December and what a world of difference. All the special amentities that are lacking at the Waldorf are here. It is a quaint boutique hotel and as an example the clock radio is a bose. The rooms are very nicely decorated and they even have a pillow concierge. There is a pillow menu in your room and you can choose from maybe 10 different kind. I really can't recommend this place enough and I can't imagine anyone being dissapointed there. I love NYC so much I hope you do too.

THE WALDORF LIVES ON ITS REPUTATION ROOMS ARE AVERAGE AND IN NEED OF REFURBISHMENT WE COULDNT AFFORD THE TOWERS SO CANNOT COMMENT.I WOULD RATHER SPEND THE ANNIVERSARY AT HOME THAN PAY FOR A ROOM AT THE PLAZA.PLEASE ASK AROUND FOR ADVICE ON THE ST REGIS WE STAYED THERE FOR THREE NIGHTS AND THOUGHT IT WAS PURE MAGIC.FABULOUS ROOMS SUPERB PEOPLE WORKING THERE ITS EXPENSIVE BUT YOU WILL FEEL IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY

The Marriott & the Plaza are in better locations. The Marriott is in the heart of Times Square's theater district. The Plaza has Central Park right at its doorstep and fabulous shopping along 5th Avenue. The Waldorf is on Park Avenue surrounded by office buildings. I'd go for one of the other two just based on location.

Do you want image, reputation, memorable? We passed up the Waldorf and the Plaza for our occasion after reading comments on this site and stayed at the Marriott. Returning home our friends and relatives comments' were "You stayed at the Marriott?? you could of gone to downtown (our city)." Nobody was impressed. Try for one of the "names"!

A:
At which Marriott did you stay? I am now confused as to whether people are referring to the Marriott Marquis or the Renaissance when they talk about the Marriott in the theatre district. Is there much difference between them?