The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1893-03-18
Hotel waldorf, New York City.

On March II the above hotel was opened.
A large number of prominent persons from
Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore and other
places attended the opening The hotel was
opened by a concert for the benefit of St.
Mary's Free Hospital for Children, and lead
ing society ladies in that and the other cities
named acted as patronesses of this entertain
snent. Walter Damroseh's Symephony Or
chestra was a feature of the concert. The
Damreseh Orchestra had been engaged by
Mrs W. X. Vanderbilt for musicale at her
residence the same evening, but rather than
conflict with this charitable entertainm ent
she Joined her musicale to the Waldorf con-
cert, paying out of her own pocket the entire
charges for the DamrOseh Orchestra. Among
other ladies who interested themselves in the
concert were Mrs. Richard Irwin, Mrs. James
Hartman, Mrs. Goodridge and Mrs. Arthur
Wellman. But the great attraction of the
occasion was not the concert, but the hotel
ITSELF This is destined, for long time, to
be one OF the sights of the city. II is speak
ing within bounds to say that 1t is the hand
soonest hotel in the United States, and prob
ably il the world Nothing approaches its
interior decoration and furniture in the city.
The wealth Of William Astor has created this
splendid hotel, but it is George G. Boldt, of
Philadelphia, who planned it, who has super
intended its decoration and furniture, and
who will manage it. Mr.. Astor has given
him carte blanche, and for three years he has
devoted himself TO the task of creating this
palace, for it is nothing less than that He
has been ably assisted by Mrs. Boldt, whose
advice as to decoration has been most valu-
able. Mr.. Aston has not even seen the hotel
which bears his name, and which stands on
the site Of the Astor mansion. Visitors to
the hotel were surprised by the spectacle it
presented. 1t contains oyer 500 rooms,
but it is literally true that no Two rooms
are alike, and from top to bottom the
hotel is furnished and decorated in a manner
refined but so rich that fortunes have been
expended on single apartments. Ia the dec
oraiions every country except China and
Japan Is represented by its peculiar style,
and almost every period of the worlds his
tory, certainly every period possessing an at
tractiye architecture. There are Greek, ltal
ian, Spanish, Indian, Moorish, French, Dutch,
English rooms and the like. Four suites are
distinctivey American in decoration. Most
of the rooms, however, are DECORATED in the
varying styles Of French periods, the Empire
being followed IN large number 81 cases.
II is not alone in the beautiful ball room. the
rich cafe, the gorgeous corridor with its
splendidly carved staircase, the spacious din
ingroom and the suites OF Estate apartment"
to be used by persons of rank and station,
and which have been mentioned hereto
fore, that attract the eye aud excite the ad
miration of the visitor, but every room is a
revelation of beauty, and to pass from floor
to floor is like going through exhibition of
fine art The rooms are all furnished with
solid mahogany except on two floors, where
the furniture is made of curled chsrry, an
exceedingly rare but very attractive wood.
| The walls are covered with the most expen-
sive French and American paper and silk,
and in some instances with rare old tapes
tries Costly French curtains hang at the
windows, The private parlors all contain
pianos especially made to conform in color
and workmanship to the prevailing style Of
the apartment. The state suites naturally
excite the greatest admiration. The one fur
nished in Henry " style is, perhaps, the
most attractive, though it is hard to make 3
choice. An interesting suite is that furnished
by tapestries, curtains and furniture taken
from the Aston mansion. demolished to make
room for the hotel. This is called the 'Astor
suite" In one of the state diuingrooms Mr..
Boldt displays his remarkable collection of
china, which is insured fer $4,000. The
Waldorf's linen closets would delight the
heart of every woman. Over 100000 have
been spent on the linen for this hotel. The
Waldorf has been planned and built in three
years. In any European city ii would have
taken six 10 eight years to put up its equal.