Peacock Alley

Meaning

Noun

• Any of a number of specific named hotel foyers, first and most notably that of the Waldorf–Astoria in New York City.
• Any hotel foyer or similar where upper-class women go to be seen.

Origin

• The main corridor connecting the two buildings comprising the Waldorf–Astoria was given this nickname by the press in New York City in reference to wealthy patrons (especially women) who would go there to show off their finery (compare peacock). The name then came to refer generically to the foyer of any such upper-class hotel, or similar gathering place.