THE FABULOUS
WALDORF ASTORIA

The Waldorf-Astoria, whcih occupies an entire New York City block, is by cubic measurement the largest hotel on earth.  It is "a city within a city," as the cliche goes; there is also plenty going on at the Waldorf that many a city could not duplicate.  Without stepping outside, a visitor can undergo minor surgery; eat a plover's egg or a ham sandwich; spend $66 on a single bottle of champagne; buy a complete wardrobe, including a silver-blue mink coat for $14,000; have a tooth extracted; step into a private railroad car; eat dinner in the same room with 1999 people; or bump into a former King of England, the only living ex-President of the United States or General Douglas MacArthur--all of whom live on the premises.

to be continued...