Kevin McCallister had his dad’s credit card and a dream. Most of us just have the dream. But for a few thousand dollars, the Plaza Hotel lets you step directly into the shoes of the most famous nine-year-old in cinematic history. It's called the Plaza Home Alone package, or more formally, the "Live Like Kevin" experience.
Honestly, it's a bit ridiculous.
The Plaza is already one of the most expensive pieces of real estate on the planet. When you add a specialized itinerary based on a movie from 1992, things get weirdly specific. You aren't just getting a room; you’re getting a lifestyle—specifically, the lifestyle of a kid whose parents accidentally flew to France without him. People actually pay for this. They pay a lot.
What the Plaza Home Alone Package Actually Gets You
If you’re expecting a cheap gimmick, think again. The Plaza doesn't do "cheap."
The core of the experience is the food. Specifically, the massive sundae. If you remember the scene in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Kevin orders a ridiculous amount of ice cream via room service. The hotel recreates this exactly. We're talking 16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, and raspberry sauce. It’s enough sugar to make a dentist weep.
Then there’s the swag.
The hotel usually includes a branded Home Alone 2 backpack and a "Kevin" style knit hat. It’s high-quality stuff, not the plastic junk you'd find at a souvenir stand in Times Square. But the real draw isn't the backpack. It's the access.
Staying at The Plaza is an event in itself. The lobby smells like expensive lilies and old money. When you book the Plaza Home Alone package, you aren't just a guest; you're a part of the hotel’s lore. The staff knows why you’re there. They’ve seen a thousand people try to do the "Keep the change, ya filthy animal" line at the front desk. They’re professionals, though. They just smile and hand you your gold-embossed key card.
The Logistics of Living Like Kevin
Booking isn't as simple as clicking a button on a discount travel site. You generally need to book at least three days in advance.
The price? It fluctuates. Heavily.
Expect to pay a premium on top of the standard room rate, which is already eye-watering. Depending on the season—especially around Christmas—you could be looking at $1,500 to $3,000 per night. And that's for a standard room. If you want a suite like the one Kevin actually stayed in? Double it. Maybe triple it.
- Room Service: The sundae is delivered to your room by a waiter in a tuxedo. It is a performance.
- Photography: Many guests hire professional photographers to capture them eating the sundae or standing in the lobby where Kevin met Donald Trump (who owned the hotel back then).
- The Limousine: Some versions of the package have previously included a limo ride around New York City. You get your own cheese pizza—hot and fresh—just like the movie.
Why This Package Still Exists Decades Later
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.
The people who grew up watching Home Alone 2 are now in their 30s and 40s. They have disposable income. They have kids of their own. There is something profoundly satisfying about fulfilling a childhood fantasy that seemed impossible when you were eight years old. It’s the ultimate "I made it" moment.
But it’s also about the location. The Plaza sits at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. It is the epicenter of Manhattan luxury. Even if the movie connection didn't exist, the hotel would be full. The Plaza Home Alone package just gives people an excuse to splurge on a bucket-list stay.
It’s about the feeling of the city. New York during the holidays is magic, even with the crowds and the slush. Seeing the tree at Rockefeller Center, ice skating at Wollman Rink, and then retreating to the warmth of a world-class hotel is a specific kind of American dream.
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The Reality Check: Is It Actually Fun?
Let’s be real for a second.
Eating 16 scoops of ice cream is a bad idea. Most families take three bites, take a dozen photos for Instagram, and then watch the whole thing melt into a soup of sugar and regret.
And the hotel is busy. Really busy.
If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, the Plaza Home Alone package isn't for you. You will be surrounded by tourists. You will wait for elevators. You will see people taking selfies in every corner of the lobby. It’s a spectacle.
However, if you embrace the chaos, it’s a blast. There is a reason this package remains one of the most famous hotel promotions in the world. It taps into a universal desire for indulgence. It’s theatrical. It’s over-the-top. It is quintessential New York.
Hidden Details You Might Miss
The hotel actually has a "Home Alone" themed gift shop section in the basement (The Plaza Food Hall). You can buy ornaments, t-shirts, and even replicas of the "Turtle Doves" from the movie.
Most people don't realize that the "concierge" in the movie was played by Tim Curry. While he won't be there to glare at you, the current concierge team is legendary. They can get you tickets to sold-out Broadway shows or reservations at restaurants that haven't had an open table in months. That’s the real power of staying at The Plaza. Use it.
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How to Do the Home Alone Experience Without Going Broke
Maybe you don't have three grand to drop on a hotel room. That's fine. Most people don't.
You can still do a "Kevin McCallister Day" in New York.
Start at the South End of Central Park. Visit the Gapstow Bridge—that’s where Kevin meets the Pigeon Lady. It’s a short walk from the hotel. Then, head over to Rockefeller Center to see the big tree. It’s free.
Go to FAO Schwarz. It’s not in the same location it was in the movie (Duncan’s Toy Chest was a fictionalized version of the original FAO Schwarz), but the new location at Rockefeller Plaza still has the giant piano you can dance on.
Finally, walk into The Plaza. Anyone can walk into the public areas and the Food Hall. You can grab a high-end snack or a drink at the Palm Court. You won't get the 16-scoop sundae delivered by a tuxedoed waiter, but you’ll get the vibe. You’ll see the architecture. You’ll feel the history.
Actionable Steps for Future Guests
If you are dead-set on booking the Plaza Home Alone package, do these three things to ensure you don't waste your money:
- Book Mid-Week: The rates on a Tuesday in early December are significantly lower than a Saturday. You’ll also deal with about 40% fewer people in the lobby.
- Specify Your Room View: Not all rooms at The Plaza are created equal. Some look into a boring interior courtyard. If you’re paying for the experience, ask for a room with a view of 58th Street or, if you're feeling truly flush, Central Park.
- Check the Inclusions: The package details change slightly every year. Sometimes they include a 4-hour limo tour; sometimes they don't. Always call the reservations desk directly to confirm exactly what is in the "Live Like Kevin" contract for your specific dates.
The Plaza is a landmark. The movie is a classic. Bringing them together is a stroke of marketing genius that has outlasted almost every other hotel promotion in history. Whether it's a "total rip-off" or "the best night of your life" depends entirely on how much you value the feeling of being a kid again. Just remember to bring your own toothbrush. And maybe some antacids for that sundae.
To get the best value, plan your trip for late November or the first week of January. The holiday decorations are usually still up, but the "peak" pricing for the Christmas week hasn't kicked in yet. You can often save nearly $1,000 just by shifting your dates by seven days. Check the official Plaza Hotel website under the "Offers" tab for the most current iteration of the package, as they occasionally update the amenities to include modern tech or new souvenir items.