Who Owns Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts?
Waldorf Astoria is owned by Hilton Worldwide, a publicly traded American hospitality company. Waldorf Astoria traces its origins to 1893 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, USA, with Hilton Worldwide based in the same location.
Parent Company
Hilton Worldwide Holdings
Acquired
2006
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
McLean, Virginia, USA
Who Owns Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts?
- Parent Company: Hilton Worldwide Holdings
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 2006
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: New York Stock Exchange: HLT
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts | Hilton Worldwide Holdings | Wholly owned |
History of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
- Founded: 1893
- Founders: William Waldorf Astor, George Boldt
- Acquired by Hilton Worldwide Holdings: 2006
Waldorf Astoria traces its origins to 1893 when William Waldorf Astor and George Boldt opened the original Waldorf Hotel in New York City. The hotel quickly became one of the world's most prestigious luxury hotels, known for its exceptional service and iconic status.
Throughout the 20th century, the Waldorf Astoria became synonymous with luxury hospitality, hosting celebrities, politicians, and business leaders. The hotel developed its reputation for exceptional service quality and operational excellence.
In 2006, Hilton Worldwide acquired the Waldorf Astoria brand, providing it with substantial financial resources and global distribution capabilities. The acquisition enabled Waldorf Astoria to expand globally while maintaining its ultra-luxury positioning and service standards.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Waldorf Astoria continued its global expansion, adding properties in major business centers, leisure destinations, and iconic locations worldwide. The brand maintained its focus on ultra-luxury accommodations and exceptional hospitality experiences. In April 2025, Waldorf Astoria Osaka opened, marking the brand's highly anticipated debut in Japan. The iconic Waldorf Astoria New York also reopened in 2025 after a major renovation. With 33 additional properties in the pipeline, the brand could reach 50 hotels worldwide within two to three years.
About Hilton Worldwide Holdings
What does Hilton Worldwide own?
Hilton Worldwide operates 22 hotel brands including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton, and others. The company operates approximately 7,800 properties in more than 126 countries. Most properties are franchised, meaning they are owned by independent hotel owners who pay Hilton to operate under its brands.
Is Hilton publicly traded?
Yes, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol HLT. The company went public in December 2013 after being taken private by Blackstone Group in 2007. There is no controlling shareholder, with ownership distributed among institutional investors.
What is Hilton's annual revenue?
In FY2024, Hilton reported record full-year results. The company's revenue is primarily generated through franchise fees and management fees rather than hotel room revenue, reflecting its asset-light business model. Full-year 2024 net income was projected to be approximately $1.4-1.7 billion based on guidance.
Who founded Hilton?
Hilton was founded by Conrad Hilton, who purchased his first hotel, the Mobley Hotel in Cisco, Texas, in 1919 for $40,000. Conrad Hilton built the company into one of the world's largest hotel chains over the following decades, acquiring iconic properties including the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.
What is Hilton Honors?
Hilton Honors is Hilton's loyalty program, with more than 200 million members. Members earn points for stays at Hilton properties and can redeem them for free nights, room upgrades, and other rewards. The program also includes co-branded credit cards with American Express and other partners.
How many hotels does Hilton have?
As of late 2024, Hilton operated approximately 7,800 properties across 22 brands in more than 126 countries and territories, with approximately 1.2 million rooms. The company's development pipeline includes approximately 3,700 additional hotels under development.
- Founded: 1919
- Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: New York Stock Exchange: HLT
Where Is Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Made / Based?
- Headquarters: McLean, Virginia, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: Global ultra-luxury hotel locations
Brands Owned by Hilton Worldwide Holdings
- Hampton by Hilton - Mid-range hotel brand owned by Hilton Worldwide, operating over 2,500 properties...
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong backing from Hilton Worldwide with global resources
- +Ultra-luxury service reputation and exceptional quality standards
- +Global brand recognition and customer loyalty
- +Iconic status in luxury hospitality
- +Access to Hilton's loyalty program and distribution systems
- +Independence from traditional hotel chain bureaucracy
Considerations
- -Dependence on Hilton Worldwide strategy and priorities
- -Competition from other ultra-luxury hotel chains and boutique hotels
- -High operational costs in ultra-luxury hospitality segment
- -Vulnerability to global economic conditions and luxury travel disruptions
- -Complex operational integration with Hilton systems
Frequently Asked Questions About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Competitors to Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ihg Intercontinental Hotels Group | United Kingdom | 1952 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders |
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts competes with 1 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Stock Information
Jobs at Hilton Worldwide Holdings
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