The Plaza Reopens, Eloise Set to Return
After nearly three years and a $400 million “lobby-to-roof renovation,” The Plaza Hotel in Midtown reopened earlier this month.
The Plaza has had a rich history since opening its doors in 1907. Former guests have included the Beatles and Frank Lloyd Wright, and Truman Capote threw his “Black and White Ball” in the ballroom. Several films were shot at The Plaza including North by Northwest and Home Alone 2. In 1986, The Plaza became a National Historic Landmark.
The newly-renovated guest rooms have all of the modern day amenities– including flat-screen TVs, electronic key cards, iPod docks and digital touchscreens that let guests change lighting and temperature or call for assistance– while still maintaining a vintage elegance with 24-karat gold-plated faucets and mosaic bathroom floors. A white-gloved butler is stationed on each floor, ready 24 hours a day to comply with any guest request.
When The Plaza was closed for renovation, the current owners, El Ad Properties, planned to convert all guest rooms into condominiums, but the plan was widely criticized. Negotiations resulted in the plans being changed, allowing for 282 hotel rooms, down from the original 805, and 152 condos. A night in one of the guest rooms will set you back at least $1,000 and it has been reported that the first condo sold went for a record $50 million.
The Palm Court, home of the famous Plaza afternoon tea, is fully restored and open. The legendary Oak Room and Oak Bar, once a men-only bar opened in 1907, will be reopening in late spring 2008 and the stylish Champagne Bar and Rose Club, located in the new Fifth Avenue lobby, will be opening in late March 2008.
While all hotel guests still can request the “Eloise” bubble bath with milk and cookies, the portrait of the most famous resident of The Plaza is noticeably absent. The hotel has assured visitors that the portrait will return to the lobby in the very near future.
Location: The Plaza, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, map, 212-759-3000
Subway: N, R, W to Fifth Avenue
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