IN CONVERSATION WITH LUIGI ROMANIELLO, MANAGING DIRECTOR, WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK
Luigi’s illustrious 30-plus year career includes leadership roles at prestigious hotels worldwide, where he has demonstrated exceptional skills in openings, renovations, repositioning and concept development, with a focus on delivering a world-class guest experience. As the Managing Director of Waldorf Astoria New York, Romaniello plays a pivotal part in redefining the next era of Waldorf Astoria New York, further fulfilling Conrad Hilton’s vision of the hotel as the “Greatest of Them All.” In addition to leading the strategic direction of the property, he oversees all aspects of operations for both Waldorf Astoria New York and Waldorf Astoria Residences New York.
Before joining Waldorf Astoria New York, he served as Managing Director at The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in New York City. Prior to this position, he spent more than 20 years with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, where he led the openings of Rosewood Baha Mar and Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel as Managing Director.
Originally from Rome, Romaniello has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurants Management from the University of Houston and is fluent in Italian and English.
CAN YOU SHARE SOME OF THE WALDORF’S STORIED HISTORY AND WHAT MAKES IT SO ICONIC?
The story of Waldorf Astoria New York is deeply intertwined with the story of New York itself. From its earliest days, the Waldorf was never just a hotel – it was a cultural stage where history, glamour, and innovation met. It pioneered modern hospitality with firsts like 24-hour room service and in-room telephones and was among the first hotels to welcome women traveling independently, reflecting a progressive shift in social norms at the time. The hotel also introduced and popularized culinary icons including the Waldorf Salad, Eggs Benedict, Red Velvet cake, and the Rob Roy cocktail. Over the decades, Waldorf Astoria New York has hosted landmark moments – from early Met Galas to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and countless cultural events that helped shape the past century.
What truly makes the Waldorf iconic is its role as a living part of the city’s fabric. It has welcomed presidents, royalty, artists, and everyday New Yorkers with the same sense of warmth and dignity, becoming both a symbol of aspiration and a place of deeply personal moments. Today, the hotel stands as a living icon - deeply rooted in its heritage yet thoughtfully reimagined with a renewed sense of purpose and energy to set new standards for modern luxury hospitality.
HOW LONG DID THE WALDORF’S RENOVATION TAKE AND WHICH RESTORED SPACE ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR GUESTS TO EXPLORE?
The restoration of Waldorf Astoria New York spanned eight years and was one of the most comprehensive landmark renovations ever undertaken in New York City. Every element of the 1931 Art Deco building was carefully studied and restored, from architectural details and public spaces to the way guests move through and experience the hotel today.
If I had to choose one space, it would be Peacock Alley. Seeing it brought back to life with its original scale, glamour, and role as the hotel’s social heartbeat, feels incredibly meaningful. There’s a renewed energy in the space – proof that New York’s living room isn’t just back, it’s buzzing again.
Equally powerful is the return of the Grand Ballroom. Restored to host the world’s most significant gatherings once more, it reinforces Waldorf Astoria New York’s role as both a cultural and civic stage – where iconic moments are not only remembered, but newly created.
WHAT MAKES WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK FEEL UNFORGETTABLE FROM THE MOMENT GUESTS ARRIVE?
From the moment guests arrive at Waldorf Astoria New York, there’s a powerful sense of presence – often before they even cross the threshold. A knowing smile or tip of the hat from one of our doormen sets the tone. Inside, the lobby feels grand yet calm, and what truly elevates the experience is how that grandeur is paired with warmth.
WHICH CULINARY EXPERIENCE IS NOT-TO-BE MISSED AT THE NEW WALDORF?
It’s hard to choose just one, because all three dining experiences are not to be missed. Lex Yard, led by New York culinary great Michael Anthony, anchors the hotel with a seasonal, ingredient-driven approach that feels elevated yet approachable, while Peacock Alley captures the Waldorf’s social energy. Yoshoku delivers a kaiseki-inspired Japanese experience with a distinct West-meets-East point of view—intimate, seasonal, and ritual-driven – plus a Japanese afternoon tea that nods to Waldorf Astoria New York’s historic tea tradition.
WHICH SPACE IN THE HOTEL WILL SURPRISE RETURNING GUESTS?
Many returning guests are most surprised by the guest rooms themselves. The hotel went from 1,400 rooms to just 375, allowing for exceptionally spacious accommodations that feel more residential than traditional hotel rooms. The scale, lighting, soundproofing, and sense of calm - especially in the heart of Midtown - are unexpected and immediately noticeable.
And of course our Guerlain Wellness Spa. At over 20,000 square feet, it’s unlike anything we’ve offered before – a true wellness destination woven seamlessly into the hotel experience, with state-of-the-art recovery and thermal amenities including a cryotherapy chamber, infrared sauna, steam room, Moroccan hammam, and an arctic snow cave, alongside beautifully appointed relaxation lounges and personalized treatment suites.
HOW WILL GUESTS EXPERIENCE NEW YORK DIFFERENTLY BY STAYING HERE?
Staying at Waldorf Astoria New York changes the rhythm of a New York stay. The hotel channels the energy of the city’s culture, creativity, and business life, yet offers a sense of calm with generous space, thoughtful design, and intuitive service. It allows New York to feel expansive rather than exhausting, and deeply personal rather than purely transactional.
WHAT ARE THE SMALL TOUCHES THAT MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON A GUEST’S STAY AT THE WALDORF?
The biggest impact often comes from things guests don’t have to think about such as anticipatory service, generous space, exceptional soundproofing, and intuitive room design and flow. Those elements may feel subtle, but together they shape a stay that feels smooth, comfortable, and luxurious.
WHICH SPA EXPERIENCE IS NOT- TO-BE MISSED?
The signature experiences at the Guerlain Wellness Spa at Waldorf Astoria New York are truly not to be missed, particularly those centered on restoration and longevity.
Experiences like the Like a Clockwork ritual are inspired by the hotel’s historic clock, using synchronized sound and vibroacoustic technology to slow the mind, recalibrate the body, and restore a sense of balance and clarity. Paired with deeply therapeutic treatments such as warm quartz sand bathing – designed to relieve tension, support circulation, and promote deep relaxation – the spa goes beyond indulgence, offering a results-driven approach to wellness that feels both purposeful and transformative.
IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK IN JUST THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Iconic. Intentional. Timeless.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE FOUR HUNDRED MEMBER TO KNOW ABOUT WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK?
Waldorf Astoria New York offers a version of New York City for those who appreciate depth, heritage, and true craftsmanship. The hotel has been restored with the same level of precision and intention that discerning travelers apply to curating their own experiences. Every detail, from the scale of the suites to the restored Art Deco artistry to the hotel’s cultural programming and events, reflects an approach to luxury that values substance as much as style.
Today, Waldorf Astoria New York is defined as much by the people and experiences shaping its future as by the legacy behind it. The hotel has brought together
best-in-class culinary talent, world-class wellness through the Guerlain Wellness Spa, and a team deeply committed to intuitive, modern hospitality. Guests experience the city through a dynamic lens – where New York’s creative energy, cultural relevance, and sense of possibility are brought to life in an environment that feels both inspiring and effortlessly comfortable. It’s a place grounded in history, but very much focused on what’s next.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design
