Profile

Though the Central Park side of this historic hotel is largely taken up by condos, the rest of the building (282 rooms' worth) looks as grand as it did during Eloise’s heyday. A chunk of pieds-à-terre (hotel suites reserved for fractional owners 120 days a year) are joined by spacious guest rooms, the smallest of them a generous 475 square feet. All overnighters, including full-time residents, get to enjoy the hotel’s services: butlers on every floor, the reopened Palm Court, the restored Oak Room & Bar, a new lobbyside Champagne bar, and below-ground services such as a spa from French Caudalie and a Warren-Tricomi salon manned by Vogue stylist Edward Tricomi. — Stephen Milioti

There's only one Plaza.

Cons
Swarms of tourists.

Claim To Fame
The landmark hotel was the temporary home of Macaulay Culkin's character in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and the permanent home of "Eloise", Kay Thompson's immortal children's book character. Ivana Trump was the hotel's president for four years.

Weddings
Since 1929, the Plaza’s neoclassical ballroom has hosted legendary events such as Truman Capote’s “Black & White Ball.” Guests can mingle and marvel at the 4,800-square-foot space’s original chandeliers, mirrors and sconces, while Great Performances—known for using locally-grown organic produce—provides the catering. Cakes are provided by maestros Sylvia Weinstock or Ron Ben-Israel. Prices from $375-$450 per person.

Related Stories

Featured In

• The Plaza Lives! (5/2/05)
• When Eloise Met Norma Rae (3/14/05)