Just a month, the former hotel, owned by the structures of Donald Trump, was absent from the map of American accommodation facilities. The day before, on June 2, it reopened its doors, albeit under a new name: Waldorf Astoria. Considering how quickly the hotel returned to welcoming guests, it is unlikely, experts suggest, that the hotel has undergone many major changes. At any rate, the photos posted on the reopening news show rooms with decor similar to what it looked like under Trump.
True, accommodation in a renovated grand hotel managed by Hilton, owned by CGI Merchant Group, costs space money. In the first month after opening, the Waldorf Astoria costs more than $1,000 per night if you pay with cash and not with Hilton Loyalty Points. The cheapest night is $1,095.
It is believed that the refurbishment of the hotel — a big win for Hilton as the company secured a unique prime location for its ultra-luxury Waldorf brand.
Trump's people profited from the $100 million deal, according to local media. It did not go unnoticed, however, that members of foreign governments and interested individuals who come to meetings in Washington too often booked rooms in this particular hotel in the hope of wooing the White House while the Trump administration was in power.
During the pandemic, by the way, hotel occupancy dropped to almost zero.
According to CGI Merchant Group, the acquisition of the $375 million facility is just an operational transaction, since the — former old post office — owned by the US Administration.
Recall that the reconstruction of the post office building, worth $ 200 million, was completed before the Trump presidency. Trump International opened as a hotel just in time for the 2016 election.
The Waldorf Astoria currently has 263 rooms and suites, a 900 sq. and, most importantly, is located a few steps from the White House.
Perhaps the most noticeable change made over the past month is associated with the appearance of the signature bar Waldorf hotels — Peacock Alley.
With a deal value of $375 million, the price per room (the hotel has 263 rooms) exceeded $1 million. This is one of the most expensive hotel deals in DC history.