On our most recent trip to the Waldorf=Astoria for the Rita Hayworth gala benefit for the Alzheimer's Association, we encountered much stricter security measures than we had seen just the week before when we covered the Preservation League's benefit in the hotel's Starlight Roof. Three heavy wooden desks stood inside the Park Avenue entrance of the hotel, currently the only operational entrance and exit, with four security guards in suits asking to see hotel guests' room keys. They also passed metal detector wands over purses, briefcases and shopping bags.
According to Karen Krugel of Lou Hammond and Associates, the PR firm that reps the Waldorf, these stricter security measures went into effect on Sunday once the attacks on Afghanistan commenced, because of the high-profile guests (such as the President) who stay at the landmark hotel when visiting New York. Krugel also added that guests who wish to patronize the bars and restaurants shouldn't be deterred: The measures are also a way for the hotel to keep track of the number of people in the building.
Security personnel at the Waldorf also added that the measures are being assessed on a day-to-day basis, and could change depending on these assessments. But one security staffer said these measures would probably be enforced "until the war is over."
Posted 10.13.01
More Bash Buzz...
According to Karen Krugel of Lou Hammond and Associates, the PR firm that reps the Waldorf, these stricter security measures went into effect on Sunday once the attacks on Afghanistan commenced, because of the high-profile guests (such as the President) who stay at the landmark hotel when visiting New York. Krugel also added that guests who wish to patronize the bars and restaurants shouldn't be deterred: The measures are also a way for the hotel to keep track of the number of people in the building.
Security personnel at the Waldorf also added that the measures are being assessed on a day-to-day basis, and could change depending on these assessments. But one security staffer said these measures would probably be enforced "until the war is over."
Posted 10.13.01
More Bash Buzz...
