Transcript
There are many things to consider when planning your next vacation to the Orlando area. One of the most crucial decisions you will make…is where to stay. Today I’m headed to the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, one of my city’s finest resorts. Come along with me to find out more.
The original Waldorf hotel was constructed in New York in 1893, William Waldorf Astor opened a 13-story hotel at Fifth Avenue and 33rd Street and called it, the Waldorf. Williams cousin, John Jacob Astor IV, opened a 17-story hotel named the Astoria next door. Soon, the family rivalry ended and both hotels combined via a corridor forming the Waldorf Astoria.
The hotel is famous for many firsts; it was the first hotel to offer complete electricity and private bathrooms. In the 1930s, the hotel invented room service.
The Waldorf Astoria also a culinary leader. The Waldorf Salad – apples, celery, grapes and walnuts tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing and served on a bed of lettuce – was created for the first time by maitre d’ Oscar Tschirky at the original hotel in the mid-1890s. The cousin to the Manhattan, called the Rob Roy, was also invented at the Waldorf. The hotel was simply unequaled in elegance and service.
Conrad Hilton who would later purchase the hotel, kept a photograph of The Waldorf Astoria under the glass on his desk. On the picture he had written simply, “The greatest of them all.”
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando has a lot to live up to. Thankfully, I can say it does so in style!
The moment you walk into the opulent lobby, the center clock tower reminds you that the time you stay here will be time well spent.
The resort itself is a wonder to behold. From bespoke retail shops to the Peacock Alley lounge. Every detail exudes elegance and taste which allows you to relax and enjoy the view, no matter if your inside our outside the resort.
The amenities outside the resort are plentiful. The pool area, for instance, boasts crystalline waters, fire-pits where you can toast marshmallows, and exclusive cabanas.
If a round of golf is your idea of a vacation, acclaimed golf course architect Rees Jones developed the Waldorf Astoria Golf club – complete with well appointed pro shop and Clubhouse Grille to relax. Visually stunning and immensely playable, this Par 72 course is enhanced by natural elements like majestic cypress trees lining the fairways and features a five-tee system to accommodate golfers of every caliber.
Headed back inside the resort, the amenities continue with a state-of-the-art fitness area complete with yoga and core strength conditioning stations. Waldorf Astoria Orlando also developed WA Kids Club that focuses on children’s activities to keep them entertained.
The Waldorf Astoria Spa, provides luxurious therapies, soothing environments and a unique client-centric approach to well-being that create an elevated state of rejuvenation and renewal.
We can’t forget dining. And the Waldorf Astoria Orlando excels in this area too. For breakfast you must try Ocscar’s Brasserie; serving contemporary breakfast cuisine and classic dishes such as Eggs Benedict – a hallmark of the original Waldorf Astoria in New York.
Recently named among the Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2019 by OpenTable and receiving triple A’s four diamond rating, the Bull & Bear restaurant is the crème de la crème in all of Orlando. Serving as both a romantic spot and a place for special occasions, dining at the restaurant is a culinary journey unlike any other. Bull & Bear is renowned for table-side preparation, like their freshly made Caesar Salad which I must say, is the best Caesar salad I have ever had. Their signature dish is a 32-Day Dry-Aged Tomahawk Rib Eye. Be certain to leave room for dessert, especially the delectable Lemon, the delightful Bull & Bear Beignets or the decadent Chocolate Bar.
I’ve saved the best for last. Let’s take a look at some of the unbelievably comfortable and spacious rooms and suites available at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
No matter what room you choose to stay in. You are certain to experience the renowned comfort and service that has been the hallmark of the Waldorf Astoria for over 85 years.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando Hotel and Resort Review
