Key Points:
- Waldorf Astoria is one of the nicest hotels in Vegas & it’s priced as such – I paid $370.37 for a night.
- My City View room was stocked with unique amenities like free coffee & water, a kettle, robes, and a shoe horn.
- I prefer cheaper rooms, with little drop-off in quality, at resorts like Fontainebleau, Vdara, and Crockfords at RW.
It’s wild to me that one of the nicest, most luxurious hotels on the Strip receives so little discussion in Vegas social media circles.
Almost as if it doesn’t exist.
Makes sense, I suppose, as Waldorf Astoria doesn’t have a casino, and by default, no way to earn a free room by pecking the “spin” button on a slot machine… and it’s not exactly cheap.
Despite my frugal nature, I decided to hold my nose, close my eyes, open my wallet, and book a City View King Bed room.
Room Cost & Check-In
My standard City View King Room cost $370.37 after fees & taxes, off-peak, which is about as cheap as you can get into one.
Waldorf is a Hilton property, so I checked in the night before via the Hilton Rewards phone app, which serves as your room key, allowing you to skip the front desk altogether. It’s a seamless experience.
The app will alert you when your room is ready, but I was in the area and swung by the front desk to see if a room was ready around 9 am.
To my surprise, they accommodated me without charging an early check-in fee, which was appreciated.
But hey, look at this lobby.
City View – One King Room
This is one of those properties that builds anticipation and excitement as you approach your room. I just knew it would be a memorable stay.
As I crossed the threshold into room 425, I quickly realized why Waldorf Astoria can command the rates it charges.
This is nice.
As you’d assume, the room’s lighting and drapes were electronically controllable, and checking out my view was a priority. Not bad for the 4th floor.
The bathroom was as impressive as the room, with a shower, separate water closet, and tub with a container of supplied salts.
OK, but back to the bedroom area, which also had a slew of unique amenities not typically found in a Las Vegas hotel room.
Immediately upon entering, you’ll find a little hallway with more storage than you’ll know what to do with. Those closets are also stocked with two robes, slippers, extra blankets, and a freaking shoe horn. A first for me.
As one would expect in a luxury room, there was a dry and refrigerated minibar…
And while most items carried a cost, the pull-out drawer stocked with coffee was complimentary, and delicious.
Although I don’t know how to operate it, there was even a tea kettle.
Next to the bed was an analog clock/radio and a charging bank with a built-in wireless pad.
From a decor perspective, I dug the backlit hanging metallic wall, which reminded me of chainmail worn by knights… but we’re a long way from Excalibur.
A classy touch: reading lights were built into the sides of the headboard.
Obviously, you have to be a psychopath to spend time reading in Vegas, but perhaps “Waldorf people” are different than us commoners. They’re likely described by words like “Articulate”, “Cerebral”, and “Astute”.
Kidding aside, this room was polished, functional, and every bit as luxurious as I expected. What a hotel.
What’s Not To Like?
When I review hotels, I aim to share the whole story, not just the good so that you can make a more informed decision.
I had to dig… Deep… To find anything of note. Here’s what I got:
There was a minor ding on the corner of the headboard, and the top of the bathroom light fixture had dust on it.
The room was in spectacular condition and was immaculately clean.
You should also note that there’s a window into the bathroom that’ll give the room’s occupants a clear view of folks in the tub or shower.
My not matter with a spouse. It may matter more if you’re travelling with your buddy Craig.
Waldorf Astoria Resort Experience
Being a stand-alone, non-gaming hotel not affiliated with any major casino loyalty programs, the experience at Waldorf Astoria is a smidge different than what you’ll find elsewhere on the Strip.
Location
Waldorf boasts a mid-Strip location, steps away from Aria, the Shops at Crystals, and you can reach The Strip from your hotel room in under 5 minutes.
It’s convenient, and you can be pecking a slot machine in no time.
Food & Drink
Perhaps my biggest knock against Waldorf is the lack of food & drink options… which is a whoppin’ 4.
Peakcock Alley is on the 23rd floor and specializes in afternoon tea. I don’t know what that is, so I skipped it, and Hard Shake serves cocktails with a view (about 1/2 way up the tower) alongside upscale bites.
There’s also a cafe out by the pool.
The most “approachable” restaurant option (not at a pool) is Zen Kitchen, which I stopped into on the way out for a $25 stack of blueberry pancakes and $8 coffee.
Look, the pancakes were good. But I’ve long wondered why rich people put up with food that’s more expensive, yet way smaller than food at normal people restaurants.
It makes no sense.
Is it some kind of flex? Like “Wow, I’m so rich that I’m willing to pay way more for less!”?
I don’t know. But I’d like to find that answer before I die.
Pool
Waldorf Astoria’s pool is chill, yet unremarkable. It simply exists. I stopped in right when it opened in the morning, but I could see things getting pretty cramped.
It’s essentially two long skinny rectangles. A couple of dudes were swimming laps when I got there, and I would’ve felt in their way if I wanted to slip into the water.
The loungers were top-shelf, though, as was the view.
Fitness Center
An amenity I rarely leverage, I found myself walking past, and it looked legit.
Is Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Worth Booking?
Staying at Waldorf Astoria has been on my “to stay” list for a long time, and this is easily one of the most comfortable, luxurious, and well-appointed hotel rooms in Las Vegas.
It’s also one of the most expensive, without a casino to earn discounts and/or comps in.
Is it worth the price tag?
I’m sure it is for some, but I won’t make staying here a habit. Fun splurge, though.
If I’m stuck paying full price, I’d rather book a cheaper room at resorts like Vdara, The Cosmopolitan, Fontainebleau, or Crockfords at Resorts World. I’ll happily endure a slight room downgrade in exchange for a break on the nightly rate.
Especially if you’re a gambler, there’s better value to be had elsewhere.
That said, my final stay at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas was spectacular.
Related Las Vegas Hotel Reviews:
Venetian Renovated Suite Review
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.