You know that feeling when you walk into a place and it just smells like old money and expensive perfume? That’s the first thing that hits you. Honestly, The Plaza Hotel New York NY isn't just a building; it’s a living, breathing character in the story of Manhattan. People talk about the "Golden Age," but at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South, that age never really ended. It just got a very expensive facelift.
Most people think of it as a movie set. They remember Kevin McCallister running through the lobby or Eloise causing chaos on the top floor. But if you're actually planning to stay there or just want to understand why it still commands such insane room rates, you have to look past the Hollywood glitter. It's a complex, sometimes frustrating, but always spectacular French Renaissance castle dropped right into the middle of a concrete jungle.
The Architecture of an Icon
Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. That’s the name you need to know if you want to understand the bones of this place. He’s the same guy who did the Dakota Apartments. When the "new" Plaza opened in 1907, it cost about $12 million to build, which was an absolutely staggering amount of money back then. It was basically a statement piece. The goal? To be the greatest hotel in the world. Period.
The exterior is that classic white brick and green slate roof. It looks like a chateau from the Loire Valley, but way bigger. It’s got these massive marble columns and gold leaf everywhere. And I mean everywhere. If it stays still long enough at The Plaza, someone is probably going to cover it in 24-karat gold.
But it’s not just about the shiny stuff. The layout is actually kinda weird by modern standards. Because it was built as a "residential hotel" originally—meaning people lived there full-time—the rooms aren't these cookie-cutter rectangles you find at a Marriott. They have high ceilings. Some have original fireplaces that don't work anymore but look incredible. The walls are thick enough that you don't hear your neighbor's TV, which is a rare luxury in New York.
The Palm Court: More Than Just Tea
If you walk in from the Fifth Avenue side, you’ll likely end up staring at the Palm Court. This is where the famous afternoon tea happens. It’s got this massive stained-glass ceiling that was actually restored a few years back based on original sketches.
Is it touristy? Yeah, definitely.
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Is it worth the $100+ per person for sandwiches and scones? That depends. If you’re a fan of the history, sitting under that glass dome while a harpist plays is basically a rite of passage. But here’s a tip: it gets crowded. Really crowded. If you want the vibe without the three-tier tray of sweets, the Champagne Bar upstairs overlooks the lobby and gives you a much better vantage point for people-watching without the frantic energy of the tea service.
What Most People Get Wrong About Staying Here
There is a huge misconception that staying at The Plaza Hotel New York NY means you’re getting the most high-tech, futuristic experience in the city.
You aren't.
If you want a room where everything is controlled by a sleek iPad and the walls are floor-to-ceiling glass, go to the Equinox Hotel or the Park Hyatt. The Plaza is about heritage. It’s about heavy silk drapes, 24-karat gold-plated faucets in the bathrooms (yes, really), and Guerlain bath products.
The rooms are divided between "Hotel" units and "Private Residences." This happened after the 2005-2008 renovation when Elad Properties turned a big chunk of the building into condos. This is why the hallways can sometimes feel a bit quiet or segregated. You might be walking past a door that belongs to a billionaire who only visits twice a year, while your neighbor on the other side is a family from London on vacation.
- The bathrooms are often the highlight. Bianco Marfil marble floors and solid malachite accents.
- The "Eloise Suite" is pink. Like, aggressively pink. Designed by Betsey Johnson, it’s a fever dream for kids (and some adults).
- Butler service is still a thing here. If you book a suite, you get a human being who will unpack your suitcase and steam your shirts. It’s a bit formal, but hey, that’s what you’re paying for.
A History of Chaos and Glamour
The walls here have seen things. In 1964, The Beatles stayed here during their first US tour. The fans literally mobbed the building to the point where the police had to barricade the entrances.
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Then you have the Black and White Ball in 1966. Truman Capote threw what many call the "Party of the Century" in the Grand Ballroom. He invited everyone from Frank Sinatra to Rose Kennedy. It was the peak of New York high society.
Ownership has been a bit of a rollercoaster too. Conrad Hilton owned it. Then Donald Trump bought it in 1988 for around $400 million, famously saying, "I haven't purchased a building, I have purchased a masterpiece." He later lost it in a divorce/bankruptcy shuffle. Since then, it’s moved through the hands of various international investment groups, including Sahara India Pariwar and eventually Katara Hospitality from Qatar.
Each owner has tried to leave a mark. Some focused on the condos, others on the retail space. Currently, the "Plaza Food Hall" in the basement—which used to be a bustling spot for high-end lobster rolls and crepes—has faced some transitions. It’s always worth checking what’s actually open before you head down there with an appetite.
The Reality of the "Plaza Experience"
Let's talk money. You aren't staying here for less than $700–$900 a night on a "cheap" day. Usually, it's well over $1,000.
Does the service match the price?
Usually. But it’s a different kind of service. It’s formal. The doormen wear white gloves and top hats. They take their jobs seriously. If you show up in flip-flops and a t-shirt, they will still be polite, but you’ll definitely feel the weight of the 115 years of decorum pressing down on you.
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One thing people often overlook is the Oak Room and the Oak Bar. The Oak Room has been closed for regular dining for a while due to various legal and leasing dramas, but the Oak Bar is usually where the real New York power players hide out. It has these incredible murals by Everett Shinn that capture the spirit of the city in the early 20th century.
Is It Still The Best Hotel in NYC?
Honestly? It depends on what you value.
If you value "newness," no. The plumbing in old buildings can be finicky. Sometimes the elevators take a minute. But if you value the feeling of being somewhere that actually matters in the timeline of the city, then yes.
The location is unbeatable. You are literally across the street from Central Park. You can walk out the front door, turn left, and you’re on the most expensive shopping stretch of Fifth Avenue. Apple’s flagship "Glass Cube" store is right there. Bergdorf Goodman is your neighbor.
Surprising Details You Might Miss
- The Grand Staircase: Most people take the elevator, but walk the stairs at least once. The wrought iron work is incredible.
- The Fitzgerald Suite: Designed for the release of The Great Gatsby movie, it’s full of Art Deco details that make you feel like you’re about to have a very dramatic argument with Leonardo DiCaprio.
- The Hidden History: There used to be a massive "Turkish Bath" in the basement in the early 1900s. Now, it’s mostly high-end retail and the spa.
Actionable Advice for Visiting
If you’re planning a trip to The Plaza Hotel New York NY, don’t just book the cheapest room on a travel site. Those "Fairmont Rooms" can be a bit small and sometimes look into an interior courtyard (which is basically a view of a brick wall).
- Book a Park View: If you’re going to spend the money, spend the extra $200 for a view of Central Park. It changes the entire vibe of the stay.
- Dress the Part: You don't need a tuxedo, but you'll feel more comfortable in "smart casual" attire. The staff responds differently when you look like you belong in the room.
- The Guerlain Spa: Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, you can book a treatment here. It’s one of the best spas in the city and gives you an "in" to explore the building without a room key.
- Check the Calendar: The Plaza hosts massive galas and weddings on weekends. If you want peace and quiet, stay on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you want to see the spectacle of New York society in full swing, Saturday night is your best bet.
The Plaza isn't trying to be the coolest hotel in Brooklyn. It’s not trying to be a "lifestyle brand." It is a monument. It’s a place where the carpets are thick, the martinis are cold, and the history is so dense you can almost feel it. Whether it's "worth it" is subjective, but it remains the ultimate benchmark for New York luxury.
Next Steps for Your Visit
Before you book, verify which dining outlets are currently operating, as the Food Hall and Oak Room status can change due to private events or renovations. Always call the concierge directly if you have specific requests like the Eloise tea service; it's popular and books up weeks in advance during the holiday season. If you're looking for the best rates, aim for the "shoulder season" in late January or February, though be prepared for the New York wind tunnel effect right off the park. For a true legacy experience, request a room on one of the original "State Floors" where the ceiling heights are most dramatic.