THE HEART OF THE CITY
WALDORF HOTEL
104-114 King Street EastWhen the Wesleyan Ladies’ College closed its doors, a hotel was opened on the site. As stated in the Spectator of April 28, 1898, the hotel "will be known as the Waldorf Hotel, thus making Hamilton more like the Greater New York every day." The Waldorf Hotel, owned and managed by Robert Gilkinson, officially opened on July 11, 1898.Demolished in 1913
CURRENT STATUS (1999)
Date Built: 1856
Original Owner: Anglo American Hotel
Original Use: Same as above
Subsequent Uses: 1861-1890, Wesleyan Ladies’ College; 1890s-1913, Waldorf Hotel
Size: Five-storey
Design and Style: Composite style or architecture
Architect, Builder: Unknown
Construction Materials: N/A
Main Architectural Feature: Corinthian columns; lavishly decorated interior
For many years, the Waldorf set the standard in Hamilton for hotel service. The rooms were all large, light and well ventilated, furnished in style, and provided with steam heat, electric lighting, and telephones. The hotel also had a handsome bar and wineroom, as well as one of the best dining rooms in Canada, featuring top-rate cuisine.
Under the management of Mr. R.B. Gardiner, the hotel was an utter failure and cost the owner over $50,000 dollars in improvements. In 1914, at the closing of the Waldorf, an auction was held for the furniture. The creditors took over the building, closed down the hotel but allowed the bar, barber shop, and cigar stand to remain open until the demolition. The hotel was torn down to make way for a new building that was to house the Royal Connaught Hotel.
REFERENCES:
