Overview
At the heart of every Waldorf Astoria stands Peacock Alley—both a physical space and a global symbol of the brand’s commitment to timeless elegance, cultural storytelling, and elevated food & beverage. Originally a grand marble corridor connecting the Waldorf and Astoria Hotels in 1897 New York, Peacock Alley earned its name from society writers observing the well-heeled “peacocking” in their finest attire. Today, it lives on as a refined gathering place and anchor of culinary creativity, glamour, and heritage in Waldorf Astoria properties worldwide.
Legacy and Evolution
- Origin Story (1897): Conceived by John Jacob Astor IV as a 300-foot promenade to unify the Waldorf and Astoria Hotels, Peacock Alley quickly became New York City’s most fashionable meeting point.
- The Name: The press coined the term “Peacock Alley” as guests strolled in grandeur—sparking the birth of the term “peacocking.”
- Design Signature: Every modern Peacock Alley is a bespoke interpretation of this historic space, balancing local influence with the brand’s DNA of luxury and spectacle.
Culinary Renaissance
- Waldorf Astoria New York (Opening Soon):
A new chapter unfolds with Jeff Bell, acclaimed mixologist and managing partner of Please Don’t Tell (PDT), developing the cocktail program for the iconic Peacock Alley Bar and the signature restaurant, Lex Yard. This partnership reflects Waldorf Astoria’s commitment to innovation in food and drink, anchored in legacy.
- Global Culinary Leadership:
Waldorf Astoria is known for pioneering culinary innovation—from being the first hotel to offer 24-hour room service to shaping iconic dishes. Today, the brand leads in elite chef partnerships and redefines dining through globally relevant, locally rooted concepts.
Peacock Alley Worldwide – New Openings for 2025
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique
The brand’s signature Peacock Alley Bar brings Waldorf Astoria's legendary elegance to Costa Rica, serving small plates that celebrate ancestral flavors alongside expertly crafted cocktails featuring local ingredients from raw sugarcane to Costa Rican rum.
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
The brand’s signature Peacock Alley bar transports guests to a stylish, airy atmosphere with sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip. Serving a traditional afternoon tea during the day, guests can enjoy tiered trays of dainty sandwiches, freshly baked scones and decadent pastries made in-house, all alongside an extensive menu of the finest teas from around the world.
Waldorf Astoria New York (Opening Soon)
A new chapter unfolds with Jeff Bell, acclaimed mixologist and managing partner of Please Don’t Tell (PDT), developing the cocktail program for the iconic Peacock Alley Bar. This partnership reflects Waldorf Astoria’s commitment to innovation in food and drink, anchored in legacy.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka (April 2025)
Located within the GRAND GREEN OSAKA development, the new Peacock Alley will feature triple-height ceilings and panoramic views of the Osaka skyline and bay. Adjacent is Peacock Terrace, a rare outdoor F&B space blending city energy with tranquil indulgence.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan (Opening Summer 2025):
This riverfront Peacock Alley is surrounded by lush gardens and a private terrace overlooking Qiantan Park. The ambiance is rooted in Art Deco revival with a nod to 1930s Shanghai glamour, continuing the legacy of elegance in a distinctly Chinese context.
Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé (Opening 2025):
As part of Morocco’s tallest skyscraper, Peacock Alley will offer a refined pause point within a dramatic, mixed-use urban tower. Paired with signature concierge services, the space represents a blend of North African influence and Waldorf Astoria sophistication.
The Clocks of Peacock Alley
A Global Tradition
The grand clocks that grace Waldorf Astoria lobbies—first introduced in NYC over 125 years ago—remain a signature element of Peacock Alley. Each timepiece reflects local history, architecture, and spiritual meaning.
Notable Examples
New York
The original Waldorf Astoria clock—commissioned by Queen Victoria—continues to greet guests on Park Avenue, serving as an enduring emblem of hospitality and tradition.
New Orleans
A showpiece of 19th-century design, this nearly 10-foot-tall conical clock once graced the 1867 and 1878 Paris World Fairs. Carved from Algerian onyx and crowned with a robed bronze figure holding a rotating scepter, it is known as The Mystery Lady Timepiece.
Las Vegas
In a city where time feels suspended, the clock at Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas draws inspiration from desert sundials—reminding guests that time here is as fluid as the surrounding landscape.
Orlando
Echoing the Jazz Age spirit of New York’s original, Waldorf Astoria Orlando welcomes guests with the same signature chimes and Art Deco elegance—reimagined with a vibrant Florida flair.
Riviera Maya
Designed by HBA and crafted by Smith of Derby over 18 months, this bespoke clock features mother-of-pearl, nacre pendulum weights, and stainless steel coated in PVD. A tribute to local culture, its design integrates the Mayan calendar—melding heritage with horology.
Atlanta
Custom-made with ribbed glass, a backlit face, and warm bronze metalwork, the four-sided clock at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta-Buckhead nods to the brand’s legacy while anchoring the lobby in quiet sophistication.
California (Monarch Beach)
At 33 North, the new Waldorf Astoria clock pays homage to its iconic Park Avenue predecessor while embracing a distinctly coastal California aesthetic. Sunset tones, a glowing fireplace, and views of Monarch Bay provide a serene, seaside interpretation of a beloved tradition.
Washington, D.C.
Restored to its historic grandeur, the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC resides in the Old Post Office on Pennsylvania Avenue. Its signature clock complements the building’s Beaux-Arts architecture and serves as a timeless marker in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Ras Al Khaimah
Five rotating prayer rings, adorned with Arabic inscriptions, reflect Bedouin poetic tradition—infusing the space with cultural reverence and rhythmic movement.
Amsterdam
A nautical armillary sphere pays homage to the Netherlands’ storied maritime history, offering a sculptural nod to exploration and timekeeping.
Bangkok
In the skyline-view bar, a striking bronze lattice clock framed by Art Deco architecture blends Thai modernism with classic design cues.
Dubai DIFC
Crafted by Smith of Derby, the clock at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre blends Art Deco elegance with local symbolism. A walnut wood tower, brown marble base, and gilded brass accents are paired with gold-plated peacock feather motifs—an homage to the UAE’s national bird. Positioned at the heart of Peacock Alley, it anchors the lounge’s signature “Meet Me at the Clock” afternoon tea.
Osaka
Featuring a 144-year-old Seiko timepiece, this clock embodies both Japanese craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of the original New York icon.
Cairo
Inspired by the River Nile and ancient Pharaonic design, the signature clock in Cairo displays time through two concentric rings of flowing water—celebrating both movement and monumentality.
“Meet Me at the Clock”
This phrase has become synonymous with rendezvous, refinement, and ritual across the Waldorf Astoria portfolio.
Why Peacock Alley Still Matters
Whether in New York, Osaka, Rabat, or Shanghai, Peacock Alley is more than a bar or lounge—it’s a place of cultural convergence. A tribute to timeless rituals and new discoveries. A toast to the future with one foot firmly planted in history.
See more stories about Peacock Alley here.