This Piece of History in the City of Dreams is Getting Renovated and is Expected to open in 2025

This Piece of History in the City of Dreams is Getting Renovated and is Expected to open in 2025

By Author

Published on October 23, 2023

New York City’s iconic Waldorf Astoria is a symbol of luxury and history. The Waldorf Astoria’s journey has been in the making since it first opened its doors in 1931. It was a monumental hotel, the tallest and largest luxury establishment globally, during the Great Depression. Throughout the years, it hosted presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and played a pivotal role in historic events and gatherings.

However, in 2017, the Waldorf Astoria embarked on an ambitious renovation, guided by the vision of transforming the landmark into a modern masterpiece. This transformation was initiated after its sale to China’s Anbang Insurance Group and is being managed by architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.

This landmark hotel, once owned by Hilton, was sold in 2014 for a staggering $1.95 billion to China's Anbang Insurance agency. However, after its closure in 2017, it’s been evolving into something more than just a hotel. Here's what you need to know about the Waldorf Astoria’s exciting journey towards reopening.

Key Facts:

  • Hilton sold the Waldorf Astoria to China’s Anbang Insurance agency in 2014, while still retaining a 100-year deal to maintain the hotel's branding and operations.

  • The Waldorf Astoria, a magnificent 47-story building, graces the prestigious 301 Park Avenue.

  • Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand now boasts a portfolio of 34 hotels worldwide, including the renowned New York property.

  • The hotel, after closing its doors in 2017, embarked on a transformation that includes converting a significant part of the space into 375 luxury condos, each priced at approximately $18 million.

  • Despite initially having over 1,400 guest rooms, the Waldorf Astoria is expected to reopen with only 375 rooms.

  • Immediately following its closure, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to protect various interior spaces.

  • The Waldorf Astoria is now owned by Beijing-based Dajia Insurance Group, which emerged after the Chinese government took control of the financially troubled Anbang Insurance Group.

  • The renovation costs have reportedly surged to around $2 billion, doubling the initial estimate.

When the Waldorf Astoria reopens in 2023, it will feature 375 hotel rooms, a significant reduction from its previous 1,400 rooms. Additionally, it will introduce 375 condominium units available for permanent ownership, a first for the hotel. These residences will cater to a range of buyers, from studios starting at $1.8 million to four-bedroom units starting at $18.5 million. The residents will have exclusive access to amenities, such as the skylit 82-foot-long Starlight Pool, previously known as the Starlight Roof, where Ella Fitzgerald often performed. The hotel’s Winter Garden will be transformed into a lush, green oasis.

The residential spaces are being designed to feel like private mansions, each conceptualized for leisure and entertainment. This includes spaces like the stately Presidential Library and Bar and the modern Monte Carlo Gaming Room.

The Waldorf Astoria’s restoration is a tribute to its history while looking ahead to the future. The hotel’s historic grandeur will remain intact as it combines the charm of a bygone era with modern amenities and luxury. With only original artwork and a carefully curated collection, the hotel’s shared spaces will offer a sense of personal connection, blending seamlessly with its architectural and decorative elements.

The Waldorf Astoria, a symbol of timeless elegance, is set to rise again as a masterpiece for a new generation, connecting the rich history of its past with the aspirations of the future.

New York’s beloved Waldorf Astoria, once an icon of luxury and history, is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation. After years of renovations, it will soon reopen its doors, offering permanent residences alongside its luxurious hotel rooms. With a rich history and an eye toward the future, the Waldorf Astoria will continue to define the essence of grandeur and opulence in the heart of New York City.


Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

Air Canada Doubles Delhi Toronto Flights Amid Rising Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 11, 2026

Air Canada has increased the frequency of its Delhi–Toronto flights, making the service double daily to meet the rising demand for travel between India and North America.

The move comes at a time when airlines operating between the Middle East and North America are facing capacity challenges. The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has resulted in the closure of several airspaces across the Middle East, leading to widespread disruption. Many airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights to the region and on routes that pass through it.

To respond to the growing demand, Canada’s flag carrier is now operating two flights a day between Delhi and Toronto until the end of April. The enhanced schedule is aimed at supporting Indian travellers planning trips to North America during this period.

Under the current schedule, one flight departs from Delhi at 21:45 and arrives in Toronto at 05:00 the following day. The return service leaves Toronto at 19:55 and lands in Delhi at 20:10 the next day.

Travellers looking for more details on schedules and service updates can visit Air Canada’s official website for the latest information on flights between India and Canada.


The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

The Hari Hong Kong Launches ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and Seasonal Menus at Lucciola

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 3, 2025

The Hari Hong Kong is bringing fresh dining experiences this season with the launch of ‘This is Izakaya’ at Zoku and new seasonal menus at Lucciola.

At Zoku restaurant & The Terrace, Wednesdays now come alive with ‘This is Izakaya’, a lively Japanese dining experience that blends food, drinks, and music. Inspired by izakaya culture in Japan, guests can enjoy Nomihodai (free-flow drinks at a set price) paired with unlimited shared snacks, while live performances from singers and DJs create a vibrant midweek gathering.

The curated menu includes salmon tartar tacos, spicy edamame, Kyushu chicken wings, sake salmon skewers in teriyaki sauce, and sushi rolls like Kagoshima pork belly with pickled radish, miso, and lime or salmon with avocado, cucumber, and ponzu. Prices start at HKD368 per person for 90 minutes, with optional add-ons such as tiger prawn tempura (HKD58) and soft-shell crab rolls (HKD48). The drinks menu ranges from Asahi to martinis, along with non-alcoholic beers and crafted zero-proof cocktails.

Zoku’s October entertainment line-up includes DJ Miles, singer-songwriter Lili Forest 木子, singer Kasey Pong, busker RT Wong, and songwriter Josh Dionisio. With its striking design of leather booths, crimson banquettes, and origami-like timber ceilings, Zoku offers an intimate yet dynamic atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Lucciola, The Hari’s Italian restaurant, is highlighting the best of sea and woodland ingredients with new seasonal offerings. Seafood takes center stage every weekend with dishes like Impepata di Cozze (black-peppered steamed mussels), Crudo di Mare (fresh seafood platter), and Ostriche e Caviale (seasonal oysters with Ossetra caviar. On Thursdays, the ‘Mussel-icious’ promotion offers endless mussels with fries and salad.

Lucciola is also celebrating autumn flavors with a porcini mushroom set menu available until November 15, 2025. The multi-course menu showcases porcini mushrooms from northern Italy and Mediterranean figs in dishes such as Carpaccio di Fichi with Parma ham, Tagliatelle Funghi with beef cheek ragout, and Risotto Carnaroli with porcini, tomino cheese, and seasonal black truffle. Desserts include tiramisu, caramelized fig pie, or almond lemon cake. The full menu is priced at HKD688, with smaller course options starting at HKD568.

Both experiences highlight The Hari Hong Kong’s continued innovation in blending international flavors with immersive dining experiences, creating memorable evenings for its guests.


Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

Hilton Debuts Tapestry Collection in Northern Ireland with The Marcus Portrush

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Hilton has unveiled The Marcus Portrush, a Tapestry Collection hotel, marking the debut of this upscale brand in Northern Ireland. The property features 80 elegantly designed rooms and is located along the stunning North Atlantic coastline in Portrush.

Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian building that dates back to 1895—once a hotel and artisan bakery—the £11 million ($15 million) renovation has carefully preserved historical elements such as original mosaic signage and floor mosaics.

The hotel’s opening is strategically aligned with the 153rd Open Championship, scheduled to be held at the nearby Royal Portrush Golf Club from 13–20 July 2025. This prestigious golf event returns to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2019, expected to draw a significant influx of international visitors.

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Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President for Hilton UK & Ireland, said, “Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm. As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch, making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

The development stems from a franchise agreement with Andras House, Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group. The new hotel is projected to contribute around £1.1 million annually through visitor spending and create more than 40 permanent local jobs, reinforcing Portrush’s position as a key tourism hub.

Earlier this year, Hilton also announced a partnership with Loughview Leisure Group to bring a DoubleTree by Hilton to Belfast City Centre, further strengthening its footprint in Northern Ireland’s hospitality market.

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