Honestly, walking into The Plaza feels like stepping into a movie set, but the 18th floor is where things get "rawther" weird and wonderful. Most people think the Eloise room at the Plaza is just a standard hotel suite with a few pink pillows tossed on the bed. They’re wrong. It’s a full-blown, fever-dream explosion of pink, stripes, and 1950s whimsy that feels like a fashion designer and a six-year-old had a very expensive argument and both won.
The Betsey Johnson Touch
If you’re expecting subtle beige and "old money" vibes, you’ve come to the wrong place. The suite was famously designed by Betsey Johnson. You can see her DNA everywhere—from the neon "Eloise" sign buzzing above the king-sized bed to the zebra-print carpets that shouldn’t work but somehow do. It’s loud. It’s pink. Actually, it’s various shades of fuchsia, rose, and bubblegum.
The walls are covered in candy-striped panels and gold leaf molding. It isn't just a room; it’s a shrine to the precocious little girl who "skibbled" down these hallways in Kay Thompson’s 1955 classic. If you look closely at the "Betseyville" rose-print pillows, you'll realize this isn't corporate decor. It’s high-fashion chaos.
What You Actually Get for the Price
Let’s talk numbers because staying here isn't exactly a budget trip. Depending on the season in 2026, you’re looking at anywhere from $2,500 to over $3,500 a night. Sometimes more if New York is having a "moment."
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But the Eloise room at the Plaza isn't just a bed. When you check in, there’s a whole ritual.
- A personalized welcome letter from Eloise herself (usually waiting on the desk).
- A gift bag that actually has good stuff—think totes, sweatshirts, and books.
- Pink lemonade and "Eloise-approved" sweets delivered to the room.
- A "Do Not Disturb" sign that actually looks like the one from the book.
The bathroom is a highlight. It’s got a pink chandelier. Yes, a chandelier in the bathroom. The tiles have gold accents, and the shower curtains feature Hilary Knight’s original illustrations. If you’ve ever wanted to brush your teeth while staring at a sketch of a turtle named Skipperdee, this is your chance.
The "Nanny" Connection
One detail people often miss is the "Nanny Suite." The main Eloise room is a one-bedroom king, but it’s designed to connect to an Edwardian Suite. This is basically the adult version of the room—much more "Plaza-esque" with heavy fabrics and sophisticated wood—where the actual parents (or the nanny) stay while the kids live out their pink fantasies next door.
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Eating Like a Six-Year-Old
You can’t stay here and not do the tea. The Eloise Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court is legendary, but it’s also $115 per child. It’s not just cucumber sandwiches. We’re talking:
- Pink Macarons: Rose and lychee flavored.
- "E" Lollipops: Sparkling vanilla cake pops.
- Grilled Cheese: Cut into perfect triangles, obviously.
- Pink Lemonade: Served in heavy crystal or themed teacups.
The adults usually get the standard high tea, which is more about scones and Devonshire cream, but the kids' tier is where the real fun is. Just be prepared for a sugar rush that will have them running through the lobby like, well, Eloise.
The Reality of the "Stolen" Portrait
There’s a bit of drama attached to the name, too. In the lobby, there’s a famous portrait of Eloise. The original was painted by Hilary Knight and given to the hotel in 1956. Then, in 1960, it was stolen. Just vanished.
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Some people think Kay Thompson stole it herself as a publicity stunt. It was found years later in a dumpster, and the one you see now is a replacement. It adds a layer of mystery to the stay. You aren't just staying in a hotel; you're staying in a piece of New York folklore.
Is It Worth the Hype?
If you’re a minimalist, stay away. This room will give you a headache. But if you grew up on the books, or if you have a kid who thinks pink is a personality trait, it’s a core memory type of experience. It’s expensive, loud, and totally over-the-top.
Basically, it’s exactly what Eloise would have wanted.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book Early: This is one of the most requested themed suites in the world. If you want a specific date in December (the "Eloise at Christmastime" peak), you need to book at least 6 months out.
- Check the Gift Shop: Even if you don't stay in the suite, the Eloise Shop on the lower level is open to the public. You can get the tea sets and the "Charge it, please!" merch there.
- Request the High Floor: Ask for a room with a view toward Central Park if you can swing the upgrade; Eloise always bragged about her "tippy-top" floor views.
- Bring the Books: While there are copies in the room, bringing your own vintage copy for photos makes the stay feel a bit more personal.
The room is a total escape from the grey streets of Manhattan. It’s silly, it’s "rawther" fancy, and it’s a reminder that sometimes, being a bit of a troublemaker is the best way to live.