[Hotels Mag] Waldorf Astoria New York is back, staffed and ready to go—and it’s thanks to this man.
This story was contributed by Derek Herscovici

Luigi Romaniello, managing director of the Waldorf Astoria New York, offers a unique perspective on the future of hospitality through his recent cross-country hiring tour. With over 30 years of industry experience, Romaniello shares valuable insights on the passion, sophistication, and forward-thinking mindset of the next generation of hospitality leaders. His interactions with students from top institutions like Boston University School of Hospitality Administration during his visit to assistant professor Shashan Bao‘s class in Fall 2024, and other schools like Cornell University and UNLV, revealed not only their career ambitions but also their transformative vision for the guest experience and operational culture in hospitality.
This article explores how Romaniello’s hiring tour aligns with the Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening in spring 2025, following a historic renovation. It highlights how the hotel’s legacy of excellence is being reimagined, not only through its design and infrastructure but also through its workforce. By blending modern luxury with youthful energy, the Waldorf Astoria New York is set to redefine hospitality for a new era.

- Date: December 20, 2024
- News source: Hotels Mag