
The Journal. The Waldorf Renovation: Over Budget, Past Deadlines, a Man Imprisoned
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Nov 3, 2025 Craig Karmin, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the tangled saga of the Waldorf Astoria's renovation. He discusses Wu Xiaohui's surprising $1.95 billion bid and ambitious plans that included extensive restoration and a vibrant social scene. Karmin reveals the implications of Wu's arrest amidst a Chinese crackdown on overseas investments and the project’s remarkable eight-year timeline that pushed costs to an astonishing $6 billion. He shares firsthand insights about the hotel's reopening and its mixed reception.
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Record-Breaking Purchase By Wu Xiaohui
- Wu Xiaohui paid $1.95 billion for the Waldorf Astoria, far above internal valuations.
- He viewed the purchase as a prestigious trophy asset tied to personal pride and future resale gains.
Regulatory Window Fueled Overseas Purchases
- Wu's buying spree coincided with China loosening rules for overseas investment in real estate.
- That regulatory window enabled fast expansion of Chinese trophy-property acquisitions abroad.
Wu's Hologram-Fueled Grand-Opening Vision
- Wu imagined an extravagant reopening with holograms, Chinese warriors, and Celine Dion performing live.
- The plan mixed Chinese heritage with Waldorf history into a theatrical grand-opening spectacle.

