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Home » Hilton » Texas Grandpa Receives Sweet Offer From Waldorf Astoria
Hilton

Texas Grandpa Receives Sweet Offer From Waldorf Astoria

Matthew Klint Posted onMarch 12, 2021March 12, 2021 7 Comments

Waldorf Astoria Grandpa

A cute story to end the week featuring a grandpa, a “Waldorf Astoria” and a real Waldorf Astoria.

Texas Storm Lands Grandpa Holley In Waldorf Astoria

Ezell Holley is 91 years old and lives in Dallas. Like millions of other Texans, he lost power during a fierce winter storm last month. Seeking warmth, he huddled at his son’s house around a fire.

UPDATE:
Good news! I found them a hotel!!!!!!!

My folks must be in good spirits too because they told Grandpa I got them a room at the Waldorf Astoria😳
(Spoiler: lol Nope) pic.twitter.com/Ebakgox5SJ

— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) February 16, 2021

Alex Holley, his granddaughter, co-hosts Good Day Philadelphia and told his story on the air and on social media. Eventually, Alex found them a hotel, which Ezell dubbed a “Waldorf Astoria” (apparently a term he has jokingly used throughout his life to refer to something of high quality).

This hotel, however, was anything but a Waldorf Astoria. Nevertheless, there was heat. The family even made a sign for the door of their room.

Conditions aren’t much better in TX… so that means…Another night in the hotel!

Or the “Waldorf Astoria” as my family still calls it LOL

Despite the situation- Still in good spirits. Still counting our blessings. pic.twitter.com/1BReIthQti

— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) February 18, 2021

And that was that…or so they thought.

But General Manager Alessandro Cabella of the Rome Cavalieri, a “real” Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the Italian capital, noticed the coverage and messaged Alex on Instagram.

“We need more of his attitude in the world to get through these tough times and would love to see him smile some more.”

He asked if once the pandemic passes, would Ezell be interested in a trip to Rome and free stay at Waldorf?

“We would be honored to welcome him back to Rome and look forward to his good cheer lighting up our hotel.”

Ezell is ecstatic. He last visited Rome in 1957, while stationed by the U.S. Army in Germany. Back then, he threw coins in the Trevi Fountain, meaning (according to urban myth) you will return to Rome.

But that’s not all. Hilton, the parent company of Waldorf Astoria, also offered the family an additional three days at the Waldorf Astoria of their choice–anywhere in the world. Hilton will also pick-up his airfare for the Rome trip.

In the meantime, he’s enjoying some slippers and a bathrobe from The Cavalieri.

Grandpa got a care package from The Waldorf!!
Good thing we have plenty of time to work on his Italian…
🇮🇹 😉 @RomeCavalieri pic.twitter.com/VLdGu6b5h7

— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) March 2, 2021

CONCLUSION

Admit it, this is a cute story. I hope Mr. Holley and the entire family enjoy a beautiful trip to Rome!

image: Rome Cavalieri

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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7 Comments

  1. WIll Reply
    March 12, 2021 at 4:08 pm

    Awesome stuff, more smiles make the end of the week all that much better- good on Waldorf

  2. Stuart Reply
    March 12, 2021 at 9:39 pm

    Love this story, thanks for sharing, Matthew. This is what we need these days, despite that it doesn’t get us all riled up and builds comments.

  3. Joe Chivas Reply
    March 12, 2021 at 9:45 pm

    [crickets chirping]

  4. Christian Reply
    March 12, 2021 at 11:50 pm

    A touching story and some superb PR for Hilton and the Cavalieri

  5. emercycrite Reply
    March 13, 2021 at 2:28 am

    Yeah, cos you’re not funny.

  6. derek Reply
    March 13, 2021 at 12:41 pm

    Is he going to get a big tax bill for such free trip?

  7. Brinah Reply
    March 14, 2021 at 6:36 am

    I love stories like these! Haters gonna hate!

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