Waldorf Astoria New York Team Poised for Legacy-Defining Reopening
August 22, 2025 – New York City — As the iconic Waldorf Astoria prepares to reopen its doors in September 2025, the executive team at the luxury landmark is reflecting on the culmination of years-long restoration and transformation that seeks to fuse its historical grandeur with modern refinement.
Leadership Leading the Charge
Managing Director Luigi Romaniello brings over 30 years of global hospitality leadership, with a track record at Rosewood and The Plaza. He’s spearheading the entire operational relaunch—overseeing both the hotel’s 375 guest rooms and its new residential tower (hotelsmag.com).
Jasmin Howanietz, returning as Executive Director of Sales, taps into 26 years of experience. She previously held multiple commercial roles at the Waldorf, and is now focused on reinforcing the brand’s position in luxury travel, social events, and corporate markets (hotelsmag.com).
These two anchor a broader executive lineup that includes experts in group sales, operations, catering, marketing, and HR—all committed to honoring Conrad Hilton’s vision of the Waldorf as the “greatest of them all” (hotelsmag.com).
Balancing History & Modernity
The property’s revitalization is an ambitious restoration slash reimagining:
Public spaces like the Grand Ballroom, Peacock Alley, the Clock‑Tower lobby, and the famed Starlight Pool are being meticulously refurbished under the direction of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre‑Yves Rochon (hotelsmag.com, usa.boutiquehotelier.com).
Despite reducing guest rooms from 1,400 to 375, the property is embracing grandeur: rooms now start at ~570 sq ft, many among the largest in Manhattan (usa.boutiquehotelier.com).
Brand-new amenities include a sprawling 30,000 sq ft spa, advanced fitness center, and state‑of‑the‑art event areas totaling 43,000 sq ft across 17 venues (hotelsmag.com).
A signature two‑story American brasserie called Lex Yard, helmed by Chef Michael Anthony, elevates the hotel’s culinary scene (onemileatatime.com).
Complementing the hotel are 375 private residences positioned atop the building, designed by Jean‑Louis Deniot, with finishes from B&B Italia and Josh Greene, offering luxurious urban living (en.wikipedia.org).
Team Reflections & Cultural Legacy
Romaniello acknowledges the significance of this reopening: “a career‑defining moment” and a chance to set “a new standard for ultra luxury in Manhattan” (karryon.com.au).
Hospitality historian Dr. Mark Young, who has preserved Waldorf artifacts for decades, notes that “this is what every other hotel will be measured against,” and that Hilton “would be thrilled with the restoration” (stories.hilton.com).
Grand Reopening Timeline
Following delays—from 2021 through early 2025—due to budget overruns and the scale of restoration, the hotel is now slated to begin welcoming guests and events in September 2025 (usa.boutiquehotelier.com). Reservations are being accepted now for stays and events starting in Fall.
Bottom Line
With its world-class team leading the charge, the Waldorf Astoria New York’s reopening is shaping up to be more than a relaunch—it’s a cultural milestone. The hotel aims to bridge its storied past with a modern vision, delivering legendary elegance, contemporary comforts, and historic service for the next century of guests and residents.
