The Waldorf-Astoria and the story of 20th century America | The Skyline

As the Waldorf-Astoria goes, so does the world...and the latest episode of our series, "The Skyline."
Perhaps the most famous hotel on the planet, the Waldorf-Astoria has played host to presidents, celebrities and many of the world's most influential people for nearly a century. The seeds of the country's major equality movements were sewn in its halls. And it's thanks, in part, to one of the hotel's first managers, Lucius Boomer.
David Freeland, author of "American Hotel: The Waldorf-Astoria and the Making of a Century" - explores Boomer's mysterious upbringing in a Florida cult, and how the experience may have influenced Boomer's perspective when he went out on his own. It's a perspective that eventually led to a deal between the Waldorf Astoria and the United Nations that changed the course of New York City...and beyond.
The Waldorf-Astoria is closed for renovations but is slated to reopen as the 375-key Waldorf Astoria New York and condominium residences, in late 2024.

[@blackcatplaypompeii529]

Thank you! Loved your book

[@williamhoffman7009]

Listening to this guy is agonizing. Hope he's a better writer than narrator. Insights were quite informative.

[@dcallan812]

I was an amazing hotel, I loved t stay when in NYC. Just to find a spot to sit and people watch was funny, from people in flip flops and shorts to designer gowns and brides. 👍👍

[@Dilrukshi2023]

Thank you good vedio❤

[@lorenengland4079]

Don’t forget that Cole Porter lived there. His piano was moved to the lobby after he died I think.

[@yvnntlntn]

Want to celebrate at the then Palm Court of the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, sad it's been demolished many years ago😅

[@s1u8n]

Well it's owned by the Chinese now, they ran out of money and Waldorf is now under permanent construction. Such a shame

[@sugarplumenigma4850]

Why permanent construction?

[@relatablerob]

Matt is we todd did