Why book a luxury brand for your meeting When only an iconic hotel will do

Waldorf Astoria New York

We’re shining a spotlight on why meetings in the luxury space have their place.

For major events, the goal is not merely to convene attendees but to deliver an experience that leaves a lasting impression and creates enduring memories. When guests set aside time from their demanding schedules to attend an important corporate function, every detail must reflect the highest level of excellence. They should feel engaged, valued, and genuinely inspired by every aspect of the event.
Phillip Peña, Vice President, Global Luxury Sales


Strategic luxury is essential

Where hotel selection becomes a competitive advantage.

Choosing a luxury hotel for your event transforms your gathering from a routine corporate function into a strategic investment in relationships, team morale, and lasting impact.

These attendees seek experiences that justify the investment of their time and energy. The return on investment extends far beyond the event itself. Luxury environments naturally facilitate meaningful conversations, create memorable impressions that enhance the company’s perception, and provide an elevated atmosphere where meaningful business relationships are cultivated. When attendees associate your organization with exceptional experiences, it influences their confidence in your capabilities and their willingness to engage.

They want gatherings that feel exclusive, thoughtfully curated, genuinely transformative and appreciated.

Often, luxury venues mean getting to travel to memorable destinations.


According to Forbes, 80% of companies now use business travel as a strategic tool to recruit and retain talent, with 84% of professionals viewing it as a work perk and that number rising to 88% among Gen Z and Millennials.

Picture perfection for your attendees

Impeccably curated moments.

Your attendees arrive as more than just participants. They play a vital role in the orchestration of hospitality excellence. At a luxury hotel, their preferences are understood before they cross the threshold, their comfort is anticipated through meticulous preparation, and their experience is strengthened through personalized attention that mirrors the intimacy traditionally reserved for individual guests.

Varying event types are given the treatment and distinction they require to ensure success. For example, consider a C-Suite Board meeting, where not only the overall buying and property experience matters but the privacy and attention to detail of your attendees is a must. Or consider an incentive meeting that needs meticulous attention to detail, including buying, pre-planning and on-property experience, because the future performance of a company or organization is in balance. 

This approach defines authentic luxury hospitality. Every moment unfolds with intention, from bespoke welcome experiences to thoughtfully curated departure gestures. The architectural distinction and refined interiors provide a naturally inspiring backdrop, while culinary artistry led by Michelin-caliber talent transforms each meal into a photo-worthy memory. The inherent prestige of luxury hotels immediately enhances your organization's brand presence, while dedicated event teams orchestrate seamless execution, allowing you to focus entirely on relationship building and strategic objectives.

Planners are also focusing more on individual attendees’ needs, crafting smaller, more exclusive, and boutique-style events that deliver an exclusive and premium experience for attendees. In 2023, approximately one in five businesses expressed a plan to increase spending on VIP customer events in 2023 and beyond, according to Cvent statistics in 2025.

 

Waldorf Astoria New York


This philosophy permeates Hilton’s Luxury Portfolio, which includes Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, NoMad, and Signia by Hilton. Each brand delivers a distinctive interpretation of inspired hospitality, from immersive local experiences to design-forward meeting environments. Whether orchestrating a global conference at a Signia by Hilton property or facilitating an intimate executive retreat at an LXR destination, the consistent thread is thoughtful delivery in every detail.

A legacy of luxury returns

And we are defining it.

The opening of the iconic Waldorf Astoria New York is more than a return; it’s a renaissance. Once called “The Greatest of Them All” by Conrad Hilton himself, the luxury hotel now enters a new era, offering large-scale event planners a one-of-a-kind opportunity to host in a space that blends timeless elegance with modern sophistication and opulence.

More than just a hotel, Waldorf Astoria New York is a soul-filled sanctuary in the heart of Manhattan, an experience steeped in iconic moments, restored with immaculate reverence, and exceeding even the most distinguished guests’ expectations. 

In the restoration of the iconic hotel, countless artisans were commissioned to restore the original elements of the space, while considering event planners' needs today. Every detail from molding and millwork to artwork and chandeliers was touched and curated with elegance, extravagance, and reverence in mind, setting the stage for this next era of New York City's events.

This isn’t the Waldorf Astoria New York you may remember — it’s a hotel that now rivals the finest properties anywhere in the world. The elevated meeting experience will reflect the extraordinary care and craftsmanship behind this transformation.
Gerilyn Horan, Vice President, Group Sales & Strategic Accounts

With nearly 43,000 square feet of meeting and event space, world-class dining, and the kind of attention to detail that turns a gathering into a legacy, this property is redefining luxury. Waldorf Astoria New York may represent the pinnacle of what Hilton can deliver, but it’s not an outlier—it reflects a much larger promise across our entire company: Hilton is committed to growing our portfolio and position in the luxury hotel space.

Waldorf Astoria New York


Event professionals cite venue selection as one of the top three things that contribute to a memorable event, along with content and destination, according to Cvent statistics in 2025 … because they know, more than anyone, the value of luxury. Luxury hotels like the Waldorf Astoria enhance an organization’s prestige, help attract VIP attendees and can even increase event ROI by signaling exclusivity.

Luxury loves a lead time

And we know you do, too …

When it comes to planning, timing and communication are everything. Hotels like Waldorf Astoria New York, Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya or Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa book well in advance, particularly for marquee seasons such as spring galas, fall summits, and holiday gatherings.  

To secure the ideal dates and gain early access to the most sought-after spaces, we recommend engaging with the hotel’s event specialists 12-18 months ahead of your preferred timeframe. This allows for full customization, curated menus, high-touch concierge services, and VIP coordination.

Need multiple luxury properties across different cities? Hilton Luxury Portfolio’s centralized planning tools and expert teams make cross-property coordination seamless.

At Hilton, we’re in the business of making memories, and that’s never more true than within our luxury portfolio. To create those unforgettable moments with the precision our guests expect, preparation is everything. Our goal is simple yet powerful: to ensure every individual who walks through the doors of a luxury Hilton property feels like the only guest in the room. Because every person matters — and every detail does too.
Victor Wilson, Director of Event Experience, Waldorf Astoria New York


Become iconic

To ensure your next event is of the highest caliber and garners the esteem it deserves, contact your Hilton Worldwide Sales representative or a hotel sales team member to book at any of the luxury properties in the Hilton portfolio.

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