On this weeks show we explore the City’s most iconic, quintessential, and utterly New York-centric hotels: the Plaza and the Waldorf Astoria.My guests will be two Rediscovering New York regulars: David Griffin, Founder and CEO of Landmark Branding, who is also the program’s Special Consultant, and Joyce Gold, Founder of Joyce Gold History Tours. Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest, David Griffin, a regular guest on the show. To begin the podcast, David Griffin talks about where he was born and some of the places he grew up. He then talks about how he got interested in architectural history and New York City’s architectural history in particular. After which, Jeff and David move on to the topic of the show, NYC Hotels, starting with Waldorf-Astoria. David describes some of the original Waldorf-Astoria building, how it came to be, and some of its architectural designs. Following, David talks about the building’s initial public reception - which was severely negative - and how the hotel enterprise dealt with this reaction. David then gives an overview of the building's architectural changes.

Segment 2

Before returning to the topic of NYC hotels, David talks about how he started his business Landmark Branding. David shares how audiences can contact him and learn more about Landmark Branding. Continuing the show’s topic, David begins by talking about how the Waldorf-Astoria owners got a hold on the land to develop on it. Then, David talks about some of the hotels iconic rooms and how guests spent time around the building. This leads into the hotel’s construction history. David then shares the history of the famous clock in the Waldorf-Astoria lobby and how it was made. Jeff and David then describe some of the political and religious history surrounding the hotel. To end this segment, David shares some final thoughts on how the Waldorf-Astoria impacted our modern culture.

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest, Joyce Gold, another show regular. Joyce begins this segment of the show by talking about where she was born, where she grew up, and how she got involved in the work she does. On the topic of The Plaza hotel, Joyce talks about what was in the area before The Plaza was constructed. Joyce then talks about how the Plaza got its name. Then, Jeff and Joyce discuss The Plaza’s architectural styles and how it came to its modern look. 

Segment 4

For this last segment, Joyce talks about the new tours she is designing and how her tours are faring despite the current pandemic. Joyce shares how listeners can contact her and book tours themselves. On the topic of The Plaza, Joyce and Jeff talk about those who stayed at The Plaza and some of the things that were impressive back then and still are today. Jeff talks about some of the most iconic rooms to be found at The Plaza. Moving on, he then talks about some of Donald Trump’s and Trump’s family involvement with the hotel. Joyce then shares some of The Plaza’s influence on pop culture and movies.