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
Awesome stuff, more smiles make the end of the week all that much better- good on Waldorf
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.
[crickets chirping]
A touching story and some superb PR for Hilton and the Cavalieri
Yeah, cos you’re not funny.
Is he going to get a big tax bill for such free trip?
I love stories like these! Haters gonna hate!