The grand reopening : In 1931, the Waldorf Astoria re-opened in its current Park Avenue location, becoming the largest and tallest hotel in the world. Designed in the Art Deco style, it welcomed presidents, royals, movie stars, and cultural luminaries into its grand public spaces and palatial suites. From Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald, celebrities flocked to New York`s unofficial palace. The Waldorf Astoria hosted legendary events like Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly`s engagement party, President John F. Kennedy`s birthday gala, the April in Paris Ball, and a special address by Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor made the Waldorf Astoria their home after the Duke abdicated the throne, and the hotel welcomed every U.S. president from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama.President Herbert Hoover mentioned the brand-new hotel in a radio broadcast from the White House. "The opening of the new Waldorf Astoria ... marks the measure of nation's growth in power, in comfort, and in artistry," he said.It was also the residence of Herbert Hoover from his retirement for over 30 years.
