Has anyone stayed at this hotel recently. We have booked to stay here for 4 nights in December and have read mixed reviews on fodors. Any help would be appreciated.

We stayed there four nights over the summer. We got a large room for $200/night, not bad. I liked it, very classy, and there are many good restaurants nearby. You can see the rich and famous as they come and go (talking of Michaelangelo) and pretend you are too!

Parking was expensive, but part of the cost of the vacation.

Public areas are grand, location is good, sense of character and history is palpable. The downside is that the rooms aren't all that great. Old, worn, small. Can't compete with some of the more upscale hotels (which lack much of that character and history, though).

Wonderful old hotel! I would stay there again in a second!

Name one rich and famous person who stays at the tired old Waldorf these days.

Both the Hilton sisters live there.

My preference would be the Plaza.
Waldorf is a little worn out, even though it still has that old world allure.
There are so many nice hotels in NYC, the Waldorf (for the price) would not be my pick and I frequently weekend in NYC.

Hillary Clinton recently stayed there as did the Bush family.

The Hilton sisters do not live at the Waldorf Hotel, they live in the Waldorf Towers. Small apartments that run about $1500 per night and are unbelievable. I had the good fortune to spend a weekend there a few years ago and it was superb.

Still the best choice in terms of EVERYTHING: location, availability of taxis (in midtown at night, this is KEY), wonderful Sunday brunch, you can use Hilton points or earn them, nice lobby shops. Just insist on a good room when you check in...if you don't like the first one, keeping asking for other options. They will get the message and you will find one you like. Have a drink at the 4 Seasons Bar, THE place in midtown. You can easily go back to the hotel throughout the day to drop off shopping, etc. Go for it!

The fact that it is run by Hilton says it all. Ixsnay.

formernyc is right -- just insist on another room, and another, until you get a good one. You will. But not at first, possibly. Ask for an upgrade at check in. It can be a wonderful experience if you get a room you like!

Cast your votes, New Yorkers!!!!! The Plaza or The Waldorf for Easter weekend?? Arriving April 18 for 3 nights w/ 15 yr old son...
Theatre, Museums, shopping, restaurants...suggestions for other "must sees" for my son (Have already picked up some good ideas from a thread here called "More NYC Questions!")

Michael you can do better than both those options.
Are you restricted to those two for some reason?

To Jeff: No restrictions whatsoever! What do you recommend?

Stayed at the Waldorf in June for $119/night with Hotwire. Just fine. Wouldn't pay $200 though. For that rate, you can do better. Decor in our room was all brand new with magnificent new bath. Nice views too. All in all no better than lots of other places available for moderate rates if you do your homework and shopping (and it does pay to shop and book way ahead). Did not find it "old and tired" at all.

Waldorf, The Plaza or...????....

New York Palace, St. Regis, Four Seasons, Peninsula, all better midtown choices.

The best old broad in the city is the St. Regis. Next to that probably Carlyle. The Waldorf=Astoria and The Plaza are 3* hotels.

As others have said, the Waldorf is worn and tired. Also, their customer service leaves a lot to be desired. Upscale hotels usually pride themselves on their service, but I was really disappointed with what we encountered at the Waldorf (given the wrong key THREE times and waiting in line 10 minutes each time to get the wrong key, having to be let into out room by a passing maintenance man, waiting 2 hours for the right key to finally be brought to our room, and no apologies.)