The Secret Train to the Waldorf Astoria: From Celebrity Rides to a Mysterious Place

Once a secret transport for President Roosevelt, a venue for Andy Warhol's extravagant parties, and now a forgotten squat, the hidden platform beneath the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel has served many purposes. It was concealed behind fire doors, adding to its mystery.

Founded in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria quickly became one of New York's most luxurious hotels. Until 1957, it held the title of the tallest hotel building in the world. Its art deco accommodations attracted stars like Charlie Chaplin, Ava Gardner, Cary Grant, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Marilyn Monroe, Arthur Miller, Prince Rainier, Grace Kelly, Nikola Tesla, the Shah of Iran, and even the Dalai Lama.

At first glance, no one would suspect that beneath one of the city's most iconic buildings lies a hidden train station, now surrounded by myths. One such myth claims that the station and the railway leading to it were built specifically for Franklin D. Roosevelt to conceal his partial paralysis from the public.

In reality, the station and railway were constructed long before the hotel stood above them, back when the site housed an old power plant belonging to New York's Grand Central Terminal. At that time, the Waldorf Astoria was located at a different address. When the power plant was decommissioned, the new tallest hotel was built on its site, and the old train station was renovated to serve its guests. However, the original purpose of the railway was never to transport passengers; its adaptation for hotel use was purely coincidental. In addition to this secret platform, the Waldorf Astoria also had a special platform reserved for its guests at Grand Central Terminal.

The entrance to the underground station was just as discreet as its existence. Travelers had to pass through iron fire doors labeled Metro-North Fire Exit, accessible via a long staircase. The doors opened onto East 49th Street.

The first person to use the train to the hotel was General J. Pershing in the late 1930s. Later, it was regularly used by Roosevelt, allowing him to stay at the hotel without attracting public or media attention.

The hidden station was also used for various creative purposes. It welcomed General McArthur in 1951, who had just returned from Korea. A red carpet was even rolled out for him on the train. A new diesel-electric locomotive with 6000 horsepower was showcased there. In 1947, journalists and designers had lunch there after a swimsuit show at Grand Terminal, according to Midnight Trains.

A notable event was Andy Warhol's underground party in 1965. Known for valuing his privacy, Warhol found the space beneath the Astoria a perfect hideaway. The party celebrated Warhol's first video, Outer and Inner Space. According to The New York Review, food was allegedly not served due to the presence of rats.

The platform, like the hotel above it, became a backdrop for several films. However, as its glory faded, the platform turned into a squat due to various economic crises in America. Today, it remains inhabited by squatters. Someone might even be sleeping next to the elevator that once carried President Franklin Roosevelt in his wheelchair.

Source: Midnight Trains; Untapped New York