Waldorf Astoria, once unaffiliated with any global loyalty program, was ripe for the picking when Hilton Honors came looking to top off its luxe category of hotel brands. These hotels have become popular places for Hilton Honors members to earn and redeem points. Today, you can find nearly three dozen Waldorf Astoria properties around the globe, with more in the pipeline.
There are many famous Waldorf Astoria hotels, including the Waldorf Astoria New York location. Ever heard of Waldorf salad? It was invented and first served at the Waldorf in New York in 1893. While the Waldorf Astoria New York is currently closed for renovation, there are some other well-known Waldorf Astoria properties around the world making history of their own kind.
1. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
The Grand Wailea, the second-largest hotel in Hawaii, has lush gardens with numerous pools and water slides. There’s even a water elevator in one of the pools, where visitors stand on a platform that floats from a lower pool to a pool on higher ground as the chamber below fills with water. Splashing fountains, a chapel and plenty of cabanas and lounge seats fill the gardens. The resort also has a world-class spa and a series of residential villas for more privacy.
2. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Perched on a hill overlooking all of Rome, Rome Cavalieri boasts a large outdoor pool, a vast collection of art and the only three-star Michelin restaurant in the city. The property has a spa and plenty of al fresco relaxation space in its gardens. A complimentary shuttle is available to take hotel guests into the city center so that travelers can combine touristic pursuits with a relaxing stay out of the city’s bustling traffic.
3. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is not far from Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Orange County. It is particularly notable as one of the tallest buildings in Beverly Hills, and the service levels are equally high. Getting a reservation at Espelette restaurant is a highlight, but other guests who come here may be looking for relaxation at the rooftop pool or La Prairie Spa.
4. Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
This hotel is on the famous Palm Island in Dubai. Its resort amenities include numerous pools, a beach packed with umbrella-shaded lounge chairs, a full-service spa and six iconic restaurants and bars. Also, the resort is popular with locals who can purchase a membership to use its recreational amenities and kids club.
5. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
There are many famous resorts in the Maldives, several of them with overwater villas, but this is one of the most special. Once you’re here, the activity roster is extensive, from water sports to a kids club. The resort has a beautiful spa, cabanas by the pool and even a concierge dedicated to keeping kids entertained. Tennis courts keep the athletic active, while things like painting and silent discos during the evening attract creative guests.
6. Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace
On the outskirts of Paris and near the famous Palace of Versailles, Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace is a dreamlike hotel for modern-day princes and princesses. There is a Guerlain Spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Gordon Ramsay and a heated indoor swimming pool. The grounds around the palace are ideal for hosting special events like weddings or for simply relaxing after a day of touring.
7. Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C.
Sitting on Pennsylvania Avenue (the same street where another famous white house is located) is this former post office. Once the Trump International Hotel in the nation’s capital, Waldorf Astoria took over to operate one of the most elegant hotels in the city center. The hotel’s central atrium, dripping with chandeliers, is the location of Peacock Alley, where guests and politicians hobnob over cocktails and a menu of tasty cuisine.
How to maximize a stay at Waldorf Astoria
The hotel portfolio includes city hotels and resort locations, and each property is unique in its offering. But there are some things that they all share, beyond top-notch service and Hilton Honors points earning and redemption.
Peacock Alley
Be sure to look for Peacock Alley in every property that you visit. This signature venue serves everything from afternoon tea to craft cocktails. As every property has one, it is a creative way to weave a familiar experience throughout a luxury brand (much like the bloody mary available at each St. Regis property around the world).
In-room amenities
Waldorf Astoria properties have many things in common like Frette linens, all with a “100% cotton sateen 400 thread count.” The brand also has a new partnership with Australian skincare brand Aesop, which supplies the bath products for its hotels in large pump bottles.
Hilton Honors elite benefits
If you have Hilton Honors elite status, you are eligible to receive special benefits during your stay. These include potential room upgrades, bonus point earnings and late checkout. Depending on your status tier, there are additional benefits, too. These can include complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits, spa discounts and faster Wi-Fi.
Earning rates
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 6 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 4 points per $1 on U.S. online retail purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 14 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.
• 7 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3 points per $1 thereafter.
Other noteworthy benefits (see reviews for full rundown)
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• $200 annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases on your card (doled out in $50 statement credits per quarter).
• Potential free night. Earn a weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status, which gives you such perks, such as double bonus points on all base points you earn, room upgrades when available, premium Wi-Fi, late checkout and more.
• Free nights. Get one free night reward with the card each year. Earn an additional night after you spend $30,000 on purchases in a calendar year and another after you spend $60,000 in a calendar year.
• Flight credit. Get up to $50 in credit each quarter on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through American Express. Enrollment required.
• $200 annual resort credit. Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts.
• Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
Welcome offer
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Hilton for Luxury
If you want to maximize benefits during your stay but do not have Hilton Honors elite status, consider booking a stay through the preferred partner program for travel advisors. Guests who book a Hilton for Luxury rate receive the best rates, complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay, room upgrades and a hotel credit.
Waldorf Astoria hotels are famous destinations around the world
Wherever your favorite Waldorf Astoria location is, you can be sure of excellent service and the ability to earn or redeem Hilton Honors points. Waldorf Astoria is a historic and legendary brand, and hotels within its portfolio uphold that tradition. And if you have Hilton Honors elite status or a co-branded credit card, you can truly maximize your stay with even more perks.
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.