The Waldorf-Astoria in New York, US, has almost completed the extensive renovation and expansion of its spa as part of a series of infrastructure improvements.

The new, 14,000sq ft (1,300sq m) spa will be operated by the hotel and boast at least 10 treatment rooms, with a number of luxury new areas.

The existing spa will remain open throughout the redevelopment, which should be completed in early 2007.

The hotel also plans to renovate its ballroom, which is located near its Park Avenue entrance. All fittings will be upgraded and the kitchen will be replaced.

The Waldorf-Astoria hotel, which opened in October 1931 and is owned by the Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC), is to become the template for a new hotel brand operated by HHC called the Waldorf-Astoria Collection.

The collection will initially consist of three HHC resort properties, the Grand Wailea in Hawaii, the Biltmore in Arizona and California’s La Quinta, as well as the New York Waldorf-Astoria itself.

In early January, US-based HHC reportedly held talks with investment group Blackstone regarding the sale of a large part of the £2bn (US$3.5bn, 2.9bn euro) property assets it will acquire through its deal with the UK-based hotel and gaming operator Hilton Group.

The £3.3bn (US$5.7bn, 4.8bn euro) sale of Hilton Group’s hotels division to HHC is expected to complete this month.